Overview

Candidiasis, commonly referred to as a yeast infection, is an infection with the common yeast (or fungus) organism, Candida albicans , which is usually found within the environment. Sometimes this yeast lives within the mouth, digestive (gastrointestinal) tract, and therefore the vagina, along side many sorts of harmless bacteria, without causing any issues. However, under certain conditions (particularly weakening of the system, the utilization of antibiotics, exposure to cancer drugs or corticosteroids, or in diabetics), the fungus will multiply and cause disease.

There are different sorts of yeast infection, depending upon the world affected. Most commonly, the mouth, vagina, and damper skin areas are affected, because the yeast likes to grow in moist areas.

Most yeast infections are on the surface (superficial) and simply treated; however, serious life-threatening yeast infection can develop throughout the body (systemic) in people with very weak immune systems.

Who's at risk?

Various species of Candida yeast grow in over half healthy adults.

Ø     Men and women are affected equally.

Ø     People with weakened (suppressed) immune systems, who use antibiotics, take cancer drugs or corticosteroids, or are diabetic are more likely to develop a yeast infection.

Ø     Older people are more likely to get thrush (oral candidiasis).

Ø     In women, yeast infection is the second most common cause of inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis).

Ø     Long-lasting (persistent) symptoms and yeast infection that does not heal may be the first sign of infection with HIV.

Signs and Symptoms

The appearance and symptoms of yeast infection depend on the world affected.

The most common types of infection are:

Ø     Thrush (oral yeast infection) – The mouth lining, tongue, and/or angles of the mouth are red, cracked, or have white patches. There may be soreness or no symptoms. This is discussed separately.

Ø     Skin (cutaneous) – Small-to-large patches of red, moist, raw skin usually develop in body creases, such as under the breasts, belly, or groin area. The skin may itch or be painful. Tiny pus-containing lesions (pustules) may appear round the edges of the red areas.

Ø     Vaginitis – Vaginal itch, pain, or burning are frequent and may be accompanied by a cottage-cheese-like discharge. There is usually pain with sexual intercourse.

Ø     Esophagitis – Swallowing may be painful, and there may be pain behind the breastbone.

Self-Care Guidelines

Ø     Most yeast infections can be prevented by keeping body-fold areas clean and dry.

Ø     Diabetics should keep their blood sugar under good control.

Ø     Treat skin infection with a combination of an over-the-counter antifungal cream (such as clotrimazole or miconazole twice daily for 10–14 days) with hydrocortisone cream (0.5–1% applied twice daily after the antifungal cream).

Ø     Lose weight if you are overweight.

Ø     A Non-pregnant women can treat vaginitis with an over-the-counter vaginal suppository or cream antifungals (miconazole or clotrimazole). The woman's partner does not normally need treatment. Avoid sexual intercourse until the yeast infection heals.

When to Seek Medical Care

See your doctor if your symptoms do not go away with self-care.

Remember that vaginitis are often caused by something aside from yeast infection, and you would possibly have a sexually transmitted disease if you're sexually active. See your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

Your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications for any sort of yeast infection that doesn't improve with self-care measures.

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