Skin conditions that cause itching and rashes can be a very severe inconvenience. There are multiple things that can cause skin irritations, two common being yeast infections and scabies. While they may have some similarities each of these skin problems are very different from each other.
Yeast Infection Overview
1. Basics
A yeast infection is caused by a build up of yeast in the body. The infections can manifest in most places of the body including the genitals, skin, and mouth. The most common type of yeast infections occurs in the vagina. The body naturally contains a certain amount of yeast, infections happen when this balance is disrupted.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of a yeast infection depend largely on the part of the body that is infected. On the skin symptoms appear as a white or red skin rash. The skin also often is moist and begins to peel. Pain, itchiness, and irritation may also occur. In severe infections blisters filled with pus may form. Yeast infections of the skin most commonly affected “folds” of the body such as the armpits or between the fingers.
3. Causes
Many different factors can contribute to a yeast infections developing on the skin. Very warm and humid weather, bad hygiene, antibiotic use, the prolonged use of undergarments, lowered immune system, and tight clothing are all contributing factors to a yeast infection.
4. Treatment
Antifungal creams and some powders are often used on the skin in order to reduce the amount of yeast on the skin and prevent further spreading. The best thing to do is to take measures to prevent yeast infections from occurring in the first place. Washing regularly and keeping the skin dry is essential to prevent yeast infections.
Scabies Facts
1. Basics
Scabies is a skin problem that is highly contagious. Scabies is not an infection, but an infestation. It is caused by small mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow into the skin. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable and scabies spreads very easily.
2. Symptoms
Scabies symptoms can be very uncomfortable and even painful. They are caused by the movement of the mites and an allergic reaction to their fluids. They include a skin rash that looks like small red bumps, intense itching, tiny little burrows in the skin, and blisters that are caused by the relentless scratching. Symptoms tend to get worse at night because this is when the mites are the most active.
3. Cause
The cause of scabies is the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. A pregnant mite will burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. These eggs will then hatch and the mites will continue to multiply. Scabies is highly contagious. Skin to skin contact with a person with scabies is the most common way a person contracts the condition. Scabies can also live on fabrics and furniture and can be spread this way.
4. Treatment
Treatment of scabies is rather simple. Your doctor will prescribe a potent cream that is applied from on every part of the body, regardless of where the rash is. This is because if any portion of the skin is left untreated the mites will go to this area for refuge. The cream is left on over night and washed off in the morning. Every person that lives with or has come in contact with someone with scabies should also be treated.
Differences Between Yeast Infection and Scabies
1. Cause
The cause of both of these skin conditions are vastly different. Yeast infections are caused by a build up of yeast on the surface of the skin. This can be caused by environmental factors as well as antibiotic use. Scabies, however, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, they burrow into the skin causing irritation.
2. Symptoms
While both yeast infections and scabies cause itching, their other symptoms are very different. Yest infections typically only cause a red or white patch of skin as well as moisture and peeling of the area. Scabies causes clusters of small red bumps to appear on the skin and blisters to form from the intense itching.
3. Treatment
Yeast infections of the skin are easily treated with a topical powder and proper hygiene. Scabies is treated with a head to toe potent cream that is left on over night. Scabies usually go away after just one treatment while a yeast infection may take reoccurring treatment for the condition to improve.
4. Spread
Yeast infections are not contagious. Scabies however, are HIGHLY contagious. They can be spread very easily from skin to skin contact as well as on clothing, fabric, and furniture.