Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and form infections. They can live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Cutaneous candidiasis involves infection of the skin with Candida. It may involve almost any skin surface on the body.
Cutaneous candidiasis is fairly common.
Candida is the most common cause of diaper rash in infants where it takes advantage of the warm moist condition beneath the diaper. The two most commonly involved forms are Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Candida infection is particularly likely during pregnancy or other conditions that involve hormone changes, and in diabetes and other endocrine disorders. It is also likely in people who are obese or who perspire freely because fungal infections, including Candida infections, thrive in warm moist environments. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives increase the risk of cutaneous candidiasis.