Candida on Skin: Healing, and Preventing Candida Rash

What is Candida on Skin?

Candida fungus on the skin is often a sign of a deeper internal imbalance. Candida is a naturally occurring yeast that lives on the skin, in the gut, and in mucosal areas of the body. When the balance of healthy microorganisms is disrupted—often due to lifestyle or environmental factors—Candida albicans can overgrow, resulting in a condition known as cutaneous candidiasis, commonly referred to as Candida on the skin.

From a naturopathic perspective, these skin manifestations aren’t just superficial—they’re a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. True healing doesn’t stop at treating the symptoms; it focuses on restoring harmony, particularly in the gut. In my experience, when a patient has a fungal issue on the skin, they almost always have a gut problem as well.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Recognising a Candida Skin Rash

Candida rash typically appears in areas prone to moisture and friction, such as under the
arms, between the thighs, under the breasts, or within skin folds.  

 
Common features include: 

 
Naturopathically, skin rash indicates systemic imbalance or overgrowth or a local imbalance
in skin flora. Addressing only the visible rash without treating the root cause can lead to
recurrence.

Candida Fungus on Skin Pictures

What Causes Yeast Infection on Skin?

From a holistic standpoint, several internal and external factors contribute to Candida
overgrowth: 

• Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates in the diet 
• Overuse of antibiotics, which disrupt the gut microbiome 
• Chronic stress, weakening immune response 
• Poor hygiene or prolonged damp skin 
• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., elevated estrogen) 
• Diabetes or insulin resistance, feeding yeast through high blood glucose 

 
According to a study in Frontiers in Microbiology, Candida is opportunistic and thrives when
immune defences are low and gut microbial diversity is reduced. This further supports the
naturopathic principle that healing involves supporting the terrain, not just attacking the
pathogen.

How to Diagnose Candida Skin Infections

While visual inspection often provides clues, I’ve also found it important to consider: 
 

• Comprehensive health history: A careful inspection of the person’s diet,their stress levels, occupation and lifestyle, any medications, and recurring symptoms 
• Stool analysis or gut microbiome testing: to assess gut dysbiosis, a commonroot of Candida overgrowth 
• Urine organic acid test: may reveal markers of fungal overgrowth 
• Skin scrapings: sometimes used if needed for confirmation (not generally required). 

The focus is not just on what’s growing on the skin, but why the body’s defences allowed it to
flourish in the first place.

Naturopathic Treatment for Candida on Skin

Instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals, naturopathic protocols combine natural
antifungal agents, immune support, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments. 
 

1. Topical Natural Remedies 

• Coconut oil: Contains caprylic acid and lauric acid, which are natural antifungals 
• Tea tree oil (diluted): Offers antifungal and antibacterial properties 
• Apple cider vinegar: Helps balance skin pH and inhibit yeast 
• Aloe vera gel: Soothes inflammation and promotes healing 
• Calendula cream: Offers gentle antimicrobial support 

 
Apply 2–3 times daily after thoroughly drying the affected area. 

2. Internal Support and Gut Healing 
    
   Since Candida on the skin often signals gut imbalance, restoring digestive health is key: 
    

• Probiotics: Introduce beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and
  Bifidobacterium strains 
• Herbal antifungals: Such as oregano oil, garlic, pau d’arco, berberine, and
  olive leaf 
• Digestive enzymes: Help break down food and reduce yeast-promoting
  fermentation 
• Liver support: Use herbs like milk thistle or dandelion root to support
  detoxification pathways 

 
Eric Bakker ND emphasizes that treating Candida requires addressing both the gut and skin
to prevent recurrence: 

 
“The skin is the mirror of your inner health. If Candida shows up on the outside, it’s almost
always because something is out of balance inside. You can’t just put a cream on it and expect it
to stay away.” 
 

Eric Bakker ND

Dietary Adjustments 
 
A Candida-control diet forms the cornerstone of a naturopathic approach: 

• Remove sugars, refined carbs, alcohol, and yeast-containing foods 
• Focus on non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado), and lean proteins 
• Introduce fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi to help restore gut flora 
• Stay hydrated and include herbal teas like pau d’arco or ginger 

These dietary changes reduce the fuel Candida needs to grow while nourishing the body’s resilience. If you’d like a deeper look at what foods matter see Candida Cleanse Diet: Foods that Heal (and those that don’t)

How to Prepare Tea Tree Oil for Candida on the Skin

 What You Need:

• 100% pure tea tree essential oil
• A carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil)
• A small glass container or bottle

Basic Dilution Formula (Safe for Most Adults):

• 1 drop tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon carrier oil

This gives you roughly a 0.5% dilution, which is gentle for sensitive or irritated skin. For more resilient skin or stubborn patches (like athlete’s foot), you can go up to 2–3 drops per teaspoon (1–2% dilution), but always patch test first.

How to Use:

1. Clean the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry.
2. Apply the diluted tea tree oil blend using a cotton swab or clean fingertips.
3. Let it absorb — don’t wash off.
4. Use 1–2 times daily until symptoms improve. Reduce to once daily if the skin becomes dry or irritated.

Important Safety Notes:

Not recommended for infants or during pregnancy without guidance from a healthcare provider.

Don’t apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to the skin—it can cause irritation or allergic reactions – and if you choose to, use common sense – obviously the skin on your heels is less sensitive to the skin under your breast.

Do a patch test first: Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction.

Avoid use near the eyes, mucous membranes, or on broken skin.

Hygiene and Lifestyle Tips

A key aspect of naturopathic treatment is preventing conditions that allow yeast to thrive: 
 

• Shower and dry thoroughly, especially in skin folds 
• Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers 
• Change out of damp clothes quickly, especially after exercise 
• Use non-toxic personal care products that don’t disrupt the skin microbiome 
• Manage stress through practices like meditation, yoga, or nature walks 

 
For more, read our article on Hygiene and Candida Overgrowth

Patient Case Study: Healing Candida from Within

 
Patient: Sarah, 34-year-old mother of two 
 
Symptoms: Recurrent rash under arms and breasts, fatigue, bloating, sugar cravings 
 
History: Took multiple rounds of antibiotics for recurrent UTIs. High-stress lifestyle. Diet rich in processed foods. 
 
Approach: 

• Comprehensive stool test revealed overgrowth of Candida albicans and low beneficial bacteria 
• Sarah was started on a Yeastrix-style based protocol (see below) 
• She followed an 8-week anti-Candida diet, eliminated sugar and alcohol 
• Applied diluted tea tree oil and aloe vera to affected skin 
• Introduced stress-reducing techniques including breathing exercises and guided meditation 

 
Outcome: 

• Rash resolved within three weeks 
• Energy levels and digestion significantly improved significantly! 
• After 3 months, Sarah’s microbiome was re-balanced and her skin remained clear 

We often hear positive comments from patients with fungal skin conditions once their diet and
lifestyle have changed to some degree. Here is a snippet from an email we received years ago from Sarah: 

“I realized the rash was just the surface problem. Healing my gut and changing my lifestyle made
me feel better than I had in years.” – Sarah

Suggested Supplement Protocol for Candida on Skin

Eric Bakker formulated the Yeastrix line to support individuals with Candida overgrowth
using a strategic combination of enzymes and beneficial probiotic bacteria. 
 
CANDIDA CLEANSE

• Contains 14 key anti-fungal botanicals targeted to balance gut yeast and bacterial levels 
• Aids detoxification and reduces Candida die-off symptoms 

 
Dosage: 1 capsule in the morning and evening for 8-12 weeks. 
 
 
ACTIVE ENZYMES

• Contains 13 targeted digestive and systemic enzymes 
• Plus Bacillus coagulans, a probiotic known for its gut resilience 
• Supports breakdown of yeast biofilms and improves digestion 

 
Dosage: 1 capsule 15–20 minutes before each main meal for 8–12 weeks 
 

DAILY PROBIOTIC

• A companion probiotic formula to replenish beneficial flora – 17 well-researched strains
• Strengthens immune response and gut barrier integrity 
• Powerful 35 billion delayed-release CFU per capsule

Dosage: 1 capsule twice-daily daily with food for 8-12 weeks. 

This protocol is ideally followed for a minimum of 8 weeks, alongside dietary and lifestyle
support. It can be customized further based on test results and individual needs.

When Western Medicine May Be Helpful

While naturopathy aims to treat the root cause naturally, there are times when conventional
medicine plays a helpful role: 

• Severe, widespread, or recurring infections may require oral antifungal medication 
• Individuals who are immunocompromised may need urgent medical attention 
• Secondary bacterial infections may need to be addressed with antibiotics 

 Our clinical naturopathic approach has always honoured the importance of integrating
necessary Western medical interventions while prioritising natural skin and gut restoration
whenever possible.

The Mind – Body Connection

Naturopathy always considers the role of the mind and emotions in physical health. Chronic
skin issues can be a manifestation of suppressed emotions, stress, or trauma.  
 
We have found in chronic cases that supporting mental well-being can enhance immune
function and promote lasting healing. Here are a few tips: 
 

• Practice deep breathing and grounding exercises 
• Explore emotional patterns or triggers with a practitioner 
• Consider mindfulness-based therapies 

“You cannot separate the skin from the gut or the mind. If you want true healing, you have to
connect the dots and support the entire system.” – Eric Bakker ND

Research Support for Naturopathic Strategies

Modern studies are increasingly recognising the power of natural antifungals and probiotics: 

• A 2018 review in Mycoses journal found that coconut oil and other fatty acids can inhibit Candida albicans 
• BMC Complementary Medicine reported promising antifungal activity in garlic and oregano oil 
• Probiotics were shown in Journal of Applied Microbiology to help regulate Candida colonisation in the gut and skin 

These align with naturopathic principles of supporting the body with natural, non-toxic, and
evidence-informed therapies.

Final Thoughts

From a naturopathic viewpoint, Candida on the skin is more than a rash—it’s a signal from
the body asking for balance, care, and healing. By addressing diet, hygiene, internal
microbiome health, and emotional well-being, you can reduce recurrence and strengthen
overall health.

Remember:

• Support your gut to heal your skin 
• Use natural antifungals both topically and internally 
• Avoid sugar and nourish with whole, anti-inflammatory foods 
• Maintain clean, dry skin and manage stress holistically 

 
When you view the skin as a reflection of internal wellness, treatment becomes a
journey—not just a fix.

Helpful Resources

This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication. The recommendations here reflect a naturopathic approach and are not meant to replace conventional care when it is required. Individual results may vary.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes