You may face a higher risk of developing a Candida fungus infection if you have psoriasis. This can make your psoriasis symptoms worse. It can also lead to other health issues, such as thrush or vaginal yeast infection.

You may be at higher risk of developing other medical conditions if you have psoriasis or another autoimmune condition. One condition you may be at risk for is an infection caused by the Candida fungus.

The infection can appear in several ways: as thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, or invasive candidiasis.

This article will explore what research says about how people with psoriasis are at risk for Candida in their bodies and what effect that may have on psoriasis symptoms.

Research suggests that people with psoriasis are more likely to have Candida colonize in their bodies. It’s thought that substances called “superantigens” and toxins from species of Candida can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis is a genetically linked autoimmune disorder, often diagnosed with this chronic condition between 12 and 30 years. The condition causes skin cells to turn over too quickly, leading to raised red patches and a silvery white buildup on the skin. It can appear as other types of rashes, and it can progress to psoriatic arthritis.

This 2018 review and meta-analysis of other studies totaling over 1,700 people found that the presence of Candida in people with psoriasis was significantly greater than in people without psoriasis. This may cause worsening psoriasis symptoms.

In that research review, the authors noted that it appears to be the first of its kind looking specifically at the connection between Candida and psoriasis. Still, more research is needed on the topic and to help determine what antifungal medications or other treatments may help when treating psoriasis if Candida is present or a risk factor.

Candida is a strain of fungus. It’s also referred to as yeast. If this fungus becomes too prevalent in your body, it can cause an infection. It’s likely that your body already has traces of this fungus.

It may be found in the:

  • mouth
  • digestive tract
  • genitalia
  • skin

The presence of other bacteria can keep the fungus from causing an infection. An infection occurs when this balance of bacteria is compromised. This imbalance can be caused by an illness or other medical condition.

Candida infections include the following.

Thrush

This can occur inside the mouth. The symptoms can include:

  • white lesions on your tongue
  • white lesions on your cheeks
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a fever

Vaginal yeast infection

Yeast infections can also cause uncomfortable vaginal itching and irritation. It may also cause your body to produce a heavy and thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese.

An estimated 3 of 4 women are likely to experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once during their lives.

Diaper rash

A diaper rash can be the result of a yeast infection because of its warm and moist environment. The infection breeds in the creases of the skin, such as the groin or buttock folds. Discolored dots may appear around it.

Invasive candidiasis

If the fungus spreads to other parts of body, such as the bloodstream, it’s considered invasive. This condition is very serious and even life threatening at times. It can affect all parts of the body. This includes the:

  • blood
  • heart
  • brain
  • eyes
  • bones

Due to the serious nature of this infection, a lengthy treatment or hospital stay may be required.

If you suspect you have a Candida infection, you may want to consult your healthcare team.

When this infection strikes, you’ll likely be treated with antifungal medications either by mouth, topically by using creams, or intravenously.

These methods may also help you prevent a yeast infection:

  • You can lower your risk of developing this infection by having good hygiene. Thrush can be avoided by keeping your mouth clean through toothbrushing, flossing, and saltwater rinses.
  • Wearing loose-fitting, cotton underwear, pants, and skirts can decrease your chance of getting a yeast infection. Avoiding hot pools or hot tubs and limiting your use of antibiotics can also help prevent yeast infections.
  • There’s an eating style known as a “Candida cleanse diet,” which eliminates sugars, white flour, yeasts, and cheeses to cure “yeast syndrome.” There isn’t a great amount of evidence backing it, but some believe this eating style is successful because it cuts out unhealthy, overly-processed foods.

Before you pursue any alternative treatments for this infection, the best move is to consult your healthcare team to discuss options. If you have psoriasis and suspect that Candida is worsening your symptoms, you and your care team can discuss the best course of action.

People with psoriasis and some other autoimmune conditions are at significantly greater risk of developing the Candida fungus, an infection that can lead to thrush, vaginal yeast infection, diaper rash, or more serious infections. This may lead to worsening psoriasis symptoms on your skin.

You may consult your healthcare team about antifungal medications, whether they’re topical creams, taken by mouth, or administered by IV. You may also try certain lifestyle changes, such as your eating style, to help prevent or manage Candida infections if you have psoriasis.