Definitely a quote that I find myself saying, at least twice a week, is one by the philosopher Aristotle: “The excess of a virtue is a vice.” And boy, when it comes to yeast, that statement couldn’t be more true. I say that because yeast isn’t the devil to our systems. The reality is, so long as it’s kept under control, yeast is a fungus that is beneficial in the sense that it helps to fight off certain intestinal diseases and it even plays a bit of a role in the detoxification process of our bodies.
The problem comes in when there is too much yeast in us — when that happens, we end up with what is known as a yeast infection and usually, whenever people think of this, a vaginal yeast infection is what comes to mind.
I recently read that over 138 million women deal with, not just yeast infections, but recurring ones. And that got me to thinking about the fact that, again, although vaginal yeast infections may be the most popular, there are several others that everyone should know about as well. Because just like an overgrowth of yeast in your genital region can wreak havoc, it can do the same thing…elsewhere.
Today, let me do you a solid by sharing nine other places where yeast overgrowth can become a potential issue, along with what to do if that ever transpires. Because if you’ve ever had a vaginal yeast infection before, you already know what an “ounce of prevention” can do for/about it. Goodness.
1. Scalp
GiphyLet’s start with the top of your head, your scalp — because, like it or not, there is plenty of fungus that is up on there. Candida is one and the other is Malassezia; it’s considered to be the culprit of dandruff. So, how do you know when it’s dandruff (check out “Stop Scratching: The Differences Between Dandruff And Dry Scalp”) vs. a yeast infection? Great question. Remember how yeast infections like to thrive in moist areas? Okay, so some symptoms of a scalp yeast infection (whose technical name is tinea capitis) would include soft and moist white areas, green or yellow patches, possible bumps that resemble pimples, and, of course, itching and irritation.
Now, although it’s usually Candida that leads to a scalp yeast infection, the reality is that Malassezia can be the issue too. That’s why, in order to get the proper treatment for a scalp yeast infection, your doctor would need to check to see if Candida or Malassezia is the cause of your drama so, no, please don’t just slap some Monistat on your scalp and call it a day. Once an official diagnosis has been given, usually what will happen is you will be either prescribed an oral medication like Diflucan or an antifungal shampoo for Candida (or a selenium or zinc shampoo for Malassezia). If the inflammation is really off of the charts, a corticosteroid shampoo may also be an option.
2. Mouth
GiphyAnother name for oral yeast infection is thrush and although it’s most common in toddlers and children, you can also be susceptible to if it you take antibiotics or steroids, if you’re on birth control, if you are going through cancer treatments, if you wear dentures, if your immune system is compromised or if you’re 65 or over. Symptoms of thrush include a “cotton-like” feeling in your mouth, redness and soreness in and around the corners of your mouth, cracking around the corners of your mouth, and a loss of taste.
For oral thrush, you will typically be prescribed an antifungal medication like miconazole, clotrimazole, or nystatin to apply to your mouth for a couple of weeks. For immediate relief, you might want to try rinsing your mouth out with salt water, eating plain yogurt (consuming some that has a lot of sugar in it is pretty counterproductive since yeast thrives off of yogurt), and rinsing your mouth out with a mixture of distilled water and clove oil.
3. Armpits
GiphyIf you’ve got a red itchy rash in one or both of your armpits, there’s a good chance that you’ve got a yeast infection happening up in there. Since, again, yeast likes to thrive in moist environments, if you happen to sweat a lot in your armpits or you have folds of skin in that area (more on that in a bit), that can lead to discomfort that includes scaling skin, bumps that may resemble pimples and even a bit of swelling — not to mention a ton of itching (which could be worse at night when you are still).
Over-the-counter antifungal creams can help to get you back on the road to healing. Also, make sure to keep your armpits clean and dry. That said, you may want to invest in a natural drying powder that can help to prevent a yeast infection from recurring in your pits in the future along with a deodorant that contains antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil. It’s important to also take note that being overweight and having diabetes can make you more vulnerable to armpit yeast infections, so make sure to be super intentional about caring for your health.
4. Breasts
GiphyAlthough my fungus sensitivity has given me more vaginal yeast infections than I would ever want in one lifetime (it’s been under 10 but still…I loathe those things), BY FAR, the worst that I’ve experienced was one that was underneath one of my breasts. Listen, make sure that, especially in the summer season, you lift those bad boys up and look underneath instead of just washing under them and going on about your day.
I know of what I speak because one time, after getting tired of scratching so much underneath my right breast, I flopped it back towards my shoulder (I’m a 38H, so…) and I saw a semi-large dark purple circle that was moist, prickly and hella irritated. Yep, I had a yeast infection underneath my breast because moisture kept getting trapped in between my breast and the lower part of my rib cage.
Although you can use an antifungal cream like Monistat under there to speed up the healing process, depending on how severe the infection is, your doctor may prescribe something like Diflucan too. On the prevention tip, you should probably wear bras that are made out of cotton most of the time, put bra pads underneath your breasts to absorb excess moisture, and moisturize your breasts with coconut oil; it contains antifungal properties so that your breasts can be soft and smooth and yeast-free…naturally.
5. Belly Button
GiphyChile, if this won’t make you want to clean your belly button tonight, I don’t know what will. Did you know that, reportedly, there are over 67 different types of bacteria that are stored up in that thing at any given time? That’s why it’s a good idea, at least a few times a week, to put some mild soap on a damp Q-Tip and gently cleanse it. Make sure that you dry it thoroughly too; otherwise, you could have a yeast infection in your belly button — one that is extremely itchy, could burn, and will probably look a lot like a rash. SMDH.
As far as the cause, although not cleaning your belly button properly and/or often leads the pack, skin conditions like intertrigo and psoriasis, wearing super tight clothing, pregnancy, obesity, and going through a round of antibiotics can all play a direct role. And as far as treatment, an antifungal cream as well as exposing your belly button to as much air as possible so that it can fully heal should help.
6. Butt
GiphyHere’s the thing: If you’ve got a yeast infection around your vaginal area and you keep scratching, you can easily spread it to your anus — and lawd, that’s probably the only thing worse than one that’s in your vagina (or around your labia)! Now, for the record, there are other ways that you can get an anal yeast infection including having too much bad bacteria in your intestines, wearing clothes that are too tight or engaging in unprotected anal sex with someone who already has an infection. And, just to put it on record, not properly wiping or cleaning that area can trigger one as well.
When it comes to healing from an anal yeast infection, it’s similar to how you would treat a vaginal one. Applying an antifungal cream should help and, if it is severe, your doctor may give you an antifungal prescription. As far as the irritation of your skin goes, if you’d prefer to go the natural route, applying some coconut oil or ozonated olive oil can help with the itching. Just remember that both of these options are not latex condom-friendly (because they can melt them) and so, until you (and your partner if they apply) are healed from your yeast infection, rubbers definitely need to be used (honestly, they need to be used regardless but…that’s another message for another time).
7. Skin Folds
GiphyIf you’ve never heard of intertrigo before, it’s what happens when folds of skin start to rub together and cause irritation and then a rash; this can especially be the case if the folds are moist and anywhere there is moisture (on the skin), it is a potential breeding ground for a yeast infection. In this case, this means that it’s somewhat common to have intertrigo and a yeast infection simultaneously. Have mercy. SMDH.
As far as treatment for this type of infection goes, you definitely need to make sure that you thoroughly dry your skin after bathing and that you wear breathable fabrics (like cotton) as much as possible. Some other helpful tips include applying wet tea bags to the rash (the tannins can help to speed up the healing process) and applying an antifungal cream or ointment should you have a yeast infection in the same spot. It’s also a good idea to take note that using an antibacterial soap in those particular spots can help to decrease your chances of experiencing intertrigo, moving forward, too.
8. Feet (Tinea Vericolor)
GiphyThe technical name for Athlete’s foot is tinea pedis; it’s a type of (contagious) fungus infection. Another foot fungus infection that you should know about is tinea versicolor (I’ve actually had that one before). And why am I bringing both of these up now? It’s because, technically, they both are considered to be “yeast infections of the feet” (you can confirm that here and here); that’s because both things tend to thrive in moist environments and that can end up leaving your feet feeling really itching, irritated and can sometimes with a burning sensation — just like other types of yeast infections.
When it comes to treating Athlete’s foot, depending on its severity, you may need to take an oral medication like fluconazole or itraconazole to get rid of the yeast from the inside out. It’s also a good idea to apply an antifungal foot cream like Lotrimin or Tinactin and you should definitely throw out the socks that you had on while you were dealing with the infection and get ones that are made of a more sweat/moisture-wicking fabric.
As far as home remedies go, applying a blend of tea tree oil and neem oil to your feet can help since they contain powerful antifungal properties. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide helps to kill fungus too. Oh, and one article said that Vicks Vapo-Rub may bring some relief due to the menthol and eucalyptus that are in it as well. And what about tinea versicolor? Well, when I got it, the doctor recommended that I wash my feet in a dandruff shampoo (because that helps to kill fungus) for several weeks — and yes, it worked like a charm.
10. Digestive Tract
GiphyAnd finally, Gastrointestinal Candidiasis (which is sometimes called Invasive Candidiasis) Out of all of the types of yeast infections that we’ve discussed, this is definitely the one that you should be the most concerned about. It’s an infection that can affect your stomach as well as your small and large intestines which can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, white or yellow stool, chills, and/or muscle aches; however, if it hits your bloodstream, it can literally become life-threatening.
So, if you’ve been having any of these symptoms or lately, your vision has been blurry, you’ve got lots of unexplained headaches or even your memory is not what it used to be, make an appointment for your doctor to do some lab work. Also, if you’re wondering what could make you more susceptible to this type of yeast infection — a weakened immunity, steroid use, birth control, estrogen therapy, and a poor diet all top the list.
Anyway, if it’s a yeast infection that’s “only” in your gut, you may be given an on-10 version of a probiotic, be instructed to do something like a candida cleanse (which you can read more about here, here, and here) and also be prescribed with a medication like Nystatin (which is designed to treat intestinal yeast-related issues). If it is more serious than that, you will very likely be admitted to the hospital.
___
Yeast infections. They’re typically not the topics that people are rushing to talk about. Still, the more you know about them, the better you’ll be at treating them — should they show up in your vagina or…anywhere else.
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
Featured image by xoStaff
Then there were those who gave up their zip code altogether and found a permanent home in the skies. After years spent recruiting students for a university, Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare became a full-time travel influencer and founded her travel company, Shakespeare Agency. And she's not alone.
These stories mirror the experiences of women across the world. For millions, the pandemic induced a seismic shift in priorities and desires. Corporate careers that were once hailed as the ultimate “I made it” moment in one's career were pushed to the back burner as women quit their jobs in search of a more self-fulfilling purpose.
xoNecole spoke to these three Black women who used the pandemic as a springboard to make their wildest dreams a reality, the lessons they learned, and posed the question of whether they’ll ever return to cubicle life.
Answers have been edited for context and length.
xoNecole: How did the pandemic lead to you leaving the cubicle?
Randi: I was becoming stagnant. I was working in mortgage and banking but I felt like my personality was too big for that job! From there, I transitioned to radio but was laid off during the pandemic. That’s what made me go full throttle with entrepreneurship.
Gabrielle: I moved around a lot for work. Five times over a span of seven years. I knew I needed a break because I had experienced so much. So, I just quit one day. Effective immediately. I didn’t know what I was going to do, I just knew I needed a break and to just regroup.
Lisa-Gaye: I was working in recruiting at a university and my dream job just kind of fell into my lap! But, I never got to fully enjoy it before the world shut down in March [2020] and I was laid off. On top of that, I was stuck in Miami because Jamaica had closed its borders due to the pandemic before I was able to return.
Randi O
xoN: Tell us about your journey after leaving Corporate America.
Randi: I do it all now! I have a podcast, I’m an on-air talent, I act, and I own a public relations company that focuses on social media engagement. It’s all from my network. When you go out and start a business, you can’t just say, “Okay I’m done with Corporate America,” and “Let me do my own thing.” If you don’t build community, if you don’t build a network it's going to be very hard to sustain.
Gabrielle: I realized in New York, there was not a lot to do for Black lesbians and queer folks. We don’t really have dedicated bars and spaces so I started doing events and it took off. I started focusing on my brand, Raw Honey. I opened a co-working space, and I was able to host an NYC Pride event in front of 100,000 people. I hit the ground running with Raw Honey. My events were all women coming to find community and come together with other lesbians and queer folks. I found my purpose in that.
Lisa-Gaye: After being laid off, I wrote out all of my passions and that’s how I came up with [my company] Shakespeare Agency. It was all of the things that I loved to do under one umbrella. The pandemic pulled that out of me. I had a very large social media following, so I pitched to hotels that I would feature them on my blog and social media. This reignited my passion for travel. I took the rest of the year to refocus my brand to focus solely on being a content creator within the travel space.
Gabrielle
xoN: What have you learned about yourself during your time as an entrepreneur?
Randi: [I learned] the importance of my network and community that I created. When I was laid off I was still keeping those relationships with people that I used to work with. So it was easy for me to transition into social media management and I didn’t have to start from scratch.
Gabrielle: The biggest thing I learned about myself was my own personal identity as a Black lesbian and how much I had assimilated into straight and corporate culture and not being myself. Now, I feel comfortable and confident being my authentic self. Now, I'm not sacrificing anything else for my career. I have a full life. I have friends. I have a social life. And when you are happy and have a full quality of life, I feel like [I] can have more longevity in my career.
Lisa-Gaye: [I'm doing] the best that I've ever done. The discipline that I’m building within myself. Nobody is saying, ‘Oh you have to be at work at this time.’ There’s no boss saying, ‘Why are you late?’ But, if I’m laying in bed at 10 a.m. then it's me saying [to myself], 'Okay, Lisa, get up, it's time for you to start working!’ That’s all on me.
xoNecole: What mistakes do you want to help people avoid when leaving Corporate America?
Randi: You have to learn about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. You have a fast season and a slow season and I started to learn that when you're self-employed the latter season hits hard. Don't get caught up on the lows, just keep going and don't stop. I’m glad I did.
Gabrielle: I think everyone should quit their job and just figure it out for a second. You will discover so much about yourself when you take a second to just focus on you. Your skill set will always be there. You can’t be afraid of what will happen when you bet on yourself.
Lisa-Gaye: When it comes to being an influencer the field is saturated and a lot of people suffer from imposter syndrome. There is nothing wrong with being an imposter but find out how to make it yours, how to make it better. If you go to the store, you see 10 million different brands of bread! But you are choosing the brand that you like because you like that particular flavor.
So be an imposter, but be the best imposter of yourself and add your own flair, your own flavor. Make the better bread. The bread that you want.
Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare
xoNecole: Will you ever return to your 9 to 5?
Randi: I wouldn’t go back to Corporate America. But I don’t mind working under someone. A lot of people try to get into this business saying, “I can't work under anyone.” That’s not necessarily the reason to start a business because you're always going to answer to somebody. Clients, brands, there’s always someone else involved.
Gabrielle: I went back! I really needed a break and I gave myself that. But, I realized I’m a corporate girl, [and] I enjoy the work that I do. I’m good at it and I really missed that side of myself. I have different sides of me and my whole identity is not Raw Honey or my queerness. A big side of me is business and that’s why I love having my career. Now I feel like my best self.
Lisa-Gaye: I really don’t. For right now, I love working for myself. It's gratifying, it's challenging, it's exciting. It’s a big deal for me to say I own my own business. That I am my own boss, and I'm a Black woman doing it.
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Featured image courtesy of Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare
Originally published on February 6, 2023