Candida Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)

Candida yeast infection is an infection which is caused by yeasts. 20 different species of Candida, a fungus, can cause such infections. They are mostly present on the body surface. When during favourable conditions, they multiply rapidly and cause different infections. Such infections generally happen in the moist and warm areas of the body, such as the mouth cavity, the vagina, skin, genitals and other areas. It is most common in underarms. In case of babies, the nappy area and the mouth is mostly affected. In case of adults, oral yeast infection is more common. It may also appear under the breast, lower abdomen and dentures, in the skin folds, and nail beds.

In general, your skin is capable of fighting such yeast infection. However, in case of cuts and breakdown of the skin, severe Candida infections may occur. Yeast infections may also reappear in patients.

Causes

In women, Candida can result in vaginal burning and itching along with discharge. Yeast is present in the vagina, but when the environment changes, it may overgrow and result in Candida yeast infection. Such offer growth can happen due to use of steroids and antibiotic. Due to other reasons such as pregnancy, sperm, menstruation, contraceptive pills and diabetes yeast infections may happen. It is mostly seen after menopause.

Such infections also appear in case of people with weakened immune system. People who have weakened immune system, cancer patients, patients suffering from AIDS or who have used steroids, may suffer from yeast infections. Such yeast infections can be life-threatening. It may affect the blood, eye, brain, kidney and heart.

Some people may also develop a systemic illness due to Candida infections. If the infections enter the bloodstream with the help of cuts or breakdowns in the skin, then systemic illness may happen.

Diagnosis

Doctors can diagnose Candida infection without any laboratory tests. If the infection spreads to the entire body, in that case you may need to undergo some tests to find out candida infection. In case of vaginal yeast infection, the only way to diagnose it is to undergo a complete gynaecological examination. The doctor may go for speculum examination. He will take a swab of the vaginal discharge to diagnose Candida infection. Other cultures may also be used in laboratory to have a definite diagnosis.

While diagnosing vaginal Candida infection, the doctor may go for a thorough inspection of the vagina. Pressing on the uterus, ovaries and the nearby areas to find out any softness in the tissues may also be included in the examination. Urine and blood samples may be necessary to definitely diagnose such infections.

In case of adults and children, examination of the skin and the mouth help in diagnosis of Candida infection. In case of doubt, collection of specimen may be necessary for finding out infection in the blood and urinary tracts.

Home remedies

Most of the infections caused by Candida can be treated right at home. You can use prescription or over-the-counter medicines for the treatment of Candida infections.

Vaginal yeast infections

Such infections can be treated at home using over-the-counter medicines, including vaginal tablets, cream or oral tablets.

Oral thrush

In case of such problems, you can use antifungal mouthwash. Maintaining a good oral hygiene is very important to fight this problem. In case of children, anything that is put into their mouths, should be sterilized before.

Skin and nappy rash

In case of such infections, Clotrimazole lotions and creams should be applied to the skin. You should always keep the area clean and dry. In case of nappy rushes, you should use barrier creams and frequently changed the nappies.
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