People who think of yeast infections often think of a health issue that affects women's private areas. While this type of yeast infection is common, what you might not know is that you can also get a yeast infection in other parts of your body. Characterized by a rash and some annoying itchiness, you might not immediately link this skin condition with a yeast infection. This makes it even more important to seek the care and advice of a local dermatologist when you encounter these troubling symptoms. Here's some help that your dermatologist will provide when you have a yeast infection on your skin.
Diagnosis Of The Issue
One of the big benefits that your dermatologist will provide when you visit his or her clinic complaining of a skin issue is the proper diagnosis of your condition. Without this expert diagnosis, it's highly unlikely that you'll care for the skin condition properly, which may allow it to continue or even get worse over time. Because you might not be thinking about a yeast infection when you see a rash on your body, it will be valuable for your dermatologist to confirm that this is indeed what you're dealing with.
Proper Treatment
Once your dermatologist has determined that you're indeed dealing with a yeast infection, he or she will be able to treat it effectively. Often, this issue is possible to clear up with a topical ointment. The dermatologist will suggest specific products for you to buy — or, in some cases, be able to provide you with the ointment during your appointment. He or she will lead you through how to care for the issue, offering tips such as how often to apply the ointment and strategies such as perhaps wrapping up the affected area at night so that you don't scratch at it in your sleep and make it worse.
Lifestyle Changes
The dermatologist will also talk to you about the lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent future yeast infections. Often, there's a close relationship between your diet and this skin condition, so dietary changes are usually valuable in keeping future yeast infections at bay. Your dermatologist will talk about some foods that you should avoid — sweets and products such as bread are typically on this list — and may even refer you to a nutritionist if you're curious about improving your diet so that you don't experience a variety of issues that relate to what you eat.
For more information, contact a local dermatology clinic.