Medical Terminology for Inframammary Candida Infection
The medical term for a yeast (Candida) infection under the breast is "candidal intertrigo" or "inframammary candidiasis." 1
Understanding the Terminology
Intertrigo refers to inflammation of skin folds caused by skin-on-skin friction, and when secondarily infected with Candida species, it becomes candidal intertrigo. 2 The inframammary region (under the breast) is a classic location for this condition because it represents an intertriginous area—an underventilated, moist fold exposed to friction that creates an ideal environment for fungal overgrowth. 3
Clinical Presentation
The diagnosis is suggested by specific clinical features:
- Erythematous, minimally indurated, nonscaling plaques in the inframammary fold 4
- Blanchable erythematous plaques with satellite lesions (small pustules or papules surrounding the main rash) 5
- White, thick, curd-like appearance with surrounding erythema in some cases 6
- The affected areas may show hyperpigmentation, thickening, scaling, and erythema at the periphery 1
- Pruritus (itching) is commonly present 5
Important distinction: The absence of satellite pustules makes secondary candidal infection less likely in cases of inverse psoriasis, which can also affect the inframammary region. 4
Diagnostic Confirmation
While the clinical appearance is often sufficient, definitive diagnosis requires:
- KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation to visualize yeast and pseudohyphae under microscopy 6, 1
- Culture is reserved for resistant cases or when identifying specific Candida species is necessary for treatment selection 1
Related Terminology
Other terms you may encounter for Candida infections in skin folds include: