Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. It can be acquired perinatally, in adolescence through intercourse with an infected individual, or occur idiopathically in children of all ages. It frequently occurs in diabetic individuals and immunosuppressed individuals, and after treatment with oral antibiotics.

Candida can infect the proximal shaft, scrotum, and crural folds. Candidal balanitis is an infection of the glans penis. It occurs more frequently in uncircumcised males.

In its mildest form, the condition may be intermittent and transient.

Genital or crural candidiasis that is recurrent or persistent and that occurs in concert with more widespread candidal infections of the mucous membranes, skin, and nails may be seen in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC). CMCC may present with candidal diaper dermatitis in infancy.

Related topics: neonatal candidiasis, oral candidiasis