What a Yeast Infection Looks Like on the Skin, Genitals, and in the Mouth (2024)

A yeast infection occurs when fungus becomes overgrown on or inside the body. The most common fungus to cause a yeast infection is the Candida species. When people hear the term yeast infection, they often think of a vagin*l infection because they are quite common.

The appearance of a yeast infection will vary significantly depending on where it’s located and how severe it is. For example, when it occurs within the vagin*, it typically presents with thick white discharge. Skin yeast infections will cause patches of scaly skin on the body.

This article discusses the various types of yeast infections and what they look like.

Yeast Infection Visual Cues (Besides Pain)

Several visual signs can indicate that you have developed a yeast infection. They depend on where the infection is located and can include:

vagin*l Yeast Infection

A vagin*l yeast infection is the most commonly known type. The most significant visual sign of a vagin*l yeast infection is the thick, white discharge that develops. It is similar to cottage cheese in appearance.

Other visual signs of a vagin*l yeast infection include:

• Inflammation or swelling around the area
• Redness
• Tears, cracks, or sores on the skin

Penile Yeast Infection

Penile yeast infections are far less common than vagin*l, but they can develop if a male has unprotected sex with a female when a yeast infection is present. The visual signs of a yeast infection in males include:

• Red rash
• Small red spots on the glans (head of the penis)
• Yellow or white discharge from the penis
• Cottage-cheese-like substance underneath the foreskin

Mouth

If a fungus grows uncontrollably in the mouth, it can lead to an oral yeast infection or thrush. Physical symptoms of oral thrush include:

• White patches on the tongue, the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or the back of the throat
• If scraped off, the area underneath the white patches will be red and inflamed
• Cracked skin in the corners of the mouth

Other Body Folds

In rarer cases, a yeast infection can occur in the skin folds. The way it looks will depend on where it is located, but it will typically present as:

• A red and inflamed rash
• Crusty lesions
• Flaky skin
• Pustules that look like pimples

The skin will develop lighter or darker patches when a yeast infection is present. In people with darker skin tones, the patches tend to be lighter than the skin.

How Yeast Infection Appearance Changes

Over the course of a yeast infection, its appearance may change depending on its severity and duration.

From Mild to Severe Infection

Severe yeast infections are more likely to cause more severe symptoms, such as extensive redness and swelling and cuts or cracked skin in the area. Those that are mild may only present with altered discharge.

During Healing

During the healing process, yeast infections will slowly improve over a few days to a week after you start treatment.

You will notice fewer physical symptoms, and the visual signs of infection, such as swelling, inflammation, redness, cracked skin, a rash, or discharge, will slowly dissipate.

Next Steps if You See Signs of a Yeast Infection

The first thing you should do if you notice any signs of a yeast infection, regardless of where it is on your body, is call your healthcare provider.

They can provide guidance on whether you can try at-home remedies, such as over-the-counter antifungals, or you need to come in to get a definitive diagnosis and prescription treatment.

Summary

An overgrowth of fungus causes yeast infections. They can happen in various areas of the body, such as the genitals, mouth, and skin, and the appearance of the infection will vary depending on what area is affected.

Typically, you will notice some redness, swelling, and, if in the genital area, discharge. If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, contacting your healthcare provider is essential. They will help diagnose and provide treatment for clearing up the infection.