Is a Yeast Infection from Diaper Rash Contagious?
Most yeast infections are not contagious. Usually, infections occur when conditions on the skin, mouth (mucosal surface), vagina and penis/foreskin develop extra moisture and warmth, often associated with a suppressed immune system. It is in these situations where Candida can ideally grow and multiply.
Candida infections are the major cause of diaper rash in children. Most commonly, yeast can cause infection of skin and mucous membranes. Such infections are called mucocutaneous candidiasis, which occur mainly in warm, moist areas of the body where the skin is often folded together, for example,
- diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children.
- the groin,
- armpits,
- underneath the breasts, and
- occasionally, the fingernails.
Candida infection also can infect;
- the mouth (oral thrush),
- vagina (yeast vaginitis), and
- infect or inflame of the male head of the penis and/or the foreskin (balanitis).