By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

Overgrowth of intestinal yeast Candida albicans can be signified by a large number of skin problems, including psoriasis, inflammation, and rashes on various parts of the body. In fact, some experts estimate that 15% of patients with Candida overgrowth have some type of skin lesions.1 Numerous clinical studies have linked the presence of anti-Candida albicans antibodies in the blood with the clinical condition of atopic dermatitis.2-5 A team of German investigators found an inordinately large amount of Candida albicans yeast in the stool samples of HIV patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.6 The can be two types of candida related skin problems. The most common is when candida overgrows within the digestive tract and then releases “mycotoxins”(yeast toxins) and Neuro-toxins (toxins that effect the nervous system) into the Digestive tract. These are skin problems, which are indirectly caused by Candida. These toxins can be absorbed into the blood stream and the lymphatic system. At this point these toxins have entered they general circulation and can cause a cascade of allergic reactions which result in eczema, psoriasis atopic dermatitis etc. Candida typically causes malabsorption of many important nutrients that would normally help nourish the skin and prevent allergic reactions. Without these nutrients we are more susceptible to dry, flaky and inflamed skin. Allergic reactions also increase due to the lack of nutrients to help the liver detoxify the allergic reaction via liver function.

Candida Growth directly On The Skin

It is less common that Candida causes an infection of the skin by directly invading the skin. Candida can infect mucous membranes and moist areas of the skin. Typical areas of infection are the lining of the mouth and vagina, the genital area and anus, the armpits, the skin under the breasts in women, and the skin folds of the stomach. Conditions that enable Candida to infect the skin include hot, humid weather; tight, synthetic underclothing; poor hygiene; and inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, occurring in the skin folds. These are skin problems that are caused by the direct growth of candida on the skin!

Infections in skin folds (intertriginous infections) or in the navel usually cause a bright red rash, sometimes with softening and breakdown of skin. Small pustules may appear, especially at the edges of the rash, and the rash may itch intensely or burn. A Candida rash around the anus may be raw, white or red, and itchy. Babies may develop a Candida rash in the diaper area

Penile candidiasis most often affects men with diabetes, uncircumcised men, or men whose female sex partners have vaginal candidiasis. Usually the infection produces a red, raw, sometimes painful rash on the head of the penis and sometimes the scrotum. Sometimes the rash may not cause any symptoms.

Perlèche is candidiasis at the corners of the mouth, creating cracks and tiny cuts. It may stem from chronic lip licking, thumb sucking, ill-fitting dentures, or any other condition that leaves the corners of the mouth moist enough so that yeast can grow.

Candidal paronychia is candidiasis in the nail beds, producing painful redness and swelling Nails infected with Candida may turn white or yellow and separate from the nail bed. This disorder typically occurs in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system or in otherwise healthy people whose hands are subjected to frequent wetting or washing.

Standard Medical Treatment

Usually, a doctor can identify candidiasis by observing its distinctive rash or the thick, white, pasty residue it generates. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may scrape off some of the skin or residue with a scalpel or tongue depressor. The sample is then examined under a microscope or placed in a culture medium (a substance that allows microorganisms to grow) to identify the specific .Generally, candidiasis of the skin is easily cured with creams containing miconazoleSome Trade Names

MICATIN
MONISTAT
LOTRIMIN
MYCELEX
OXISTAT
NIZORAL
SPECTAZOLE
LOPROX
MYCOSTATIN
NILSTAT

The cream is usually applied twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Corticosteroid creams are sometimes used along with Antifungals creams because they quickly reduce itching and pain (although they do not help cure the infection itself). Corticosteriods in fact can WORSEN a candida infection! Long-term use of corticosteroids suppress the immune system. They may also upset the balance of normal microorganisms in the mouth and digestive tract. Corticosteriods may increase the amount of sugar contain in the mucus surrounding the candida infections. They may also increase the level of glucose in the small blood that the candida may “tap” into in order to obtain glucose.

Candidiasis that does not respond to Antifungals creams and liquids may be treated with gentian violet, a purple dye that is painted on the infected area to kill the yeast.

Keeping the skin dry helps clear up the infection and prevents it from returning. Talcum powder helps keep the surface area dry, and talcum powder with nystatinSome Trade Names MYCOSTATIN NILSTAT may further help prevent a recurrence.

Different treatments are prescribed for vaginal yeast infections, thrush, and nail infections

An Outline of the 5 Phases of Candida Elimination

Phase 0

Many years ago I discovered that parasites could cause Candida. This is covered in other articles and writings that you can find on our Web site. The exact mechanics of this is simple. Parasite destroy friendly flora just like antibiotics do. Many parasites excrete ammonia and other toxic chemicals that destroy friendly flora like acidophilus. Some parasites also depress the immune response in the intestinal tract allowing yeasts to overgrow. Anything that destroys friendly flora can cause an overgrowth of Candida since friendly flora holds Candida in check.

The purpose of Phase 0 is to eliminate enough of the parasites from the lining of the intestinal tract so that the person will not quickly relapse on Phase 1. Phs0 also eliminates the top layers of Candida growth so there is less die-off from Phase 1 that could make you feel sick. This also allows Phase 1 to absorb faster and deeper into your system.

Phase 1

The purpose of Phase 1 is to eliminate and destroy most of the candida in the body. This program destroys candida in the intestines, the blood, lymph and vital organs.

This is known as the rotation program. Once we have tested the person to discover the type of Candida they have, we now select 4 substances that are especially effective on that type of Candida. The first one is taken for a 4-day period, stopped and then we move to the next one for another 4 days, this is repeated over and over again. This is done so that the candida does not develop a resistance to the substance. (This concept is covered in my earlier articles on Candida)

At this time hormones are checked and a program to correct them is begun as an adjunct. If the hormones are imbalanced the Candida will not fully clear and Phase 1 will not kill all of its intended victims!

Phase 2

The purpose of Phase 2 is to: 1) Destroy the Candida buried in the intestinal tract. If this candida is not removed it will eventually cause a full-blown relapse within 6 months to year. 2) To establish friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract and stimulate the immune response in the intestines that fights candida and harmful organisms. This is not done in phase 1 or phase 0 because we have proved that candida will prevent friendly acidophilus and bifidus bacteria from growing. The Candida must be eliminated first before the friendly bacteria will grow. An analogy would be trying to plant flowers in a garden of weeds. 3) To repair any damage to the intestines tract (leaky gut) that has occurred that may be causing food allergies and chemical sensitivities. At this time the fecal toxic metal test is performed to check for the metals referred to in the “Toxic Metal Connection” earlier in this article.

Phase 3

The purpose of phase 3 is to completing eliminate all toxic metals and then to correct any deficiency of vitamins, mineral, amino acids, hormones or fatty acids that exists.

Special tests are performed to measure all the nutrients. The most common mistake in trying to regain energy in one who has Candidiasis is the use of many vitamins and minerals or other exotic supplements intended to boost energy while the Candida still exists in the body.

Giving a toxic body dozens of nutrients is to ask for trouble. One can become severely ill if they take many nutrients when they are chronically toxic. The nutrients will cause a mad, uncontrolled release of toxins, which the body was not prepared to release. The result will be feeling terrible. Candida suffers usually get bad reactions to vitamin supplements.

This is why vitamins are not given until phase 3 after the candida is gone.

Toxic metals and hormone imbalances in their own right have been implicated in all the skin problems we originally discussed.

At this point in our program the use of vitamins and nutrients can be of tremendous help in allowing the skin to heal correctly. One does not have to search very far to find that Vitamins have a profound healing effect on our skin!

Phase 4

The purpose here is to stimulate the immune system. In order to prevent relapse of Candida or any chronic viral condition, proper immune function must be restored. After Phase I & Phase II (killing the yeast) and Phase III (restoring vitamin and mineral balance and energy) have been completed, the immune system is perfectly set up to be restored. Immune function will not come back if we have deficiencies and toxic metals as these problems can suppress the immune system. You certainly cannot restore the immune system while you have an active Candida infection. If your house was on fire (which is like having an infection) would you put out the fire or would you run into the burning house with new rugs, wallpaper and furniture, and try to “build the house back up” while it was burning down? I doubt it! Candida

Special testing may be done to measure immune function.

Why This Works!

This method has a success rate of better then 90% according to our recent surveys.

Much of the success of this approach is not in what we do but when we do it and what we DO NOT DO!

Mixing these phases’ together results in a patient that either responds slowly, does not respond at all or gets worse. Most doctors get poor results with candida because the fail to understand the interactions between candida, vitamins, hormones and toxic metals

References:

1 Trowbridge JP, Walker M. The yeast syndrome. New York: Bantam Books, 1986;301-320.
2 Savolainen J, Lammintausta K, Kalimo K, Viander M. Candida albicans and atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Allergy 1993;23(40:332-339.
3 Savalainen J, Koivikko A, Kalimo K, Neiminen E, Viander M. IgE, IgA, and IgG antibodies and delayed skin response towards Candida albicans antigens in atopics with and without saprophytic growth. Clin Exp Allergy 1990;20(5):549-554.
4 Samuilova TL, Mokronosova MA, Krasnoproshina LI, Sdokhova SA, Sergeeva AS. Candida albicans sensitization in patients with atopic bronchial asthma and topic dermatitis [Russian]. Ter Arkh 1997;69(11):41-44.
5 Savolainen J, Kortekangas-Savolainen O, Nermes M, Viander M, Koivikko A, Kalimo K, Terho EO. IgE, IgA, and IgG responses to common yeasts in atopic patients. Allergy 1998;53(50:506-512.
6 Buslau M, Hanel H, Holzmann H. The significance of yeasts in seborrheic eczema. [German]. Hautarzt 1989;40(10):611-613.