Expert: Lawrence Jay Rappaport <B>M.D.</B> - 10/23/2004

Question
what does a yeast infection feel like.  i have the red rash on binki area of leg and itching a lot burns and hurt but not as bad as did. i'm on prednisone and i was told that it can cause a yeast infection
please help me

Answer
Yeast (candida albicans) lives in the vagina and minds its own business unless there is a change in the pH (acid-base) of the vagina. Then it can flare up and cause a yeast infection. This can be caused by stress, antibiotics, birth control pills, and steroids. That is why it is called "an opportunistic fungal infection".  A yeast infection will appear as a white-cheezy discharge (looks like creamed cottage cheese) and causes lots of itching. The vulva can be "beefy-red" as well.  It can be treated with several different creams or with one pill (Diflucan) taken once. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your gynecologist and get treated.