Candidiasis is another name for yeast infection which is a common condition among males as well as females. It is a fungal infection caused by Candida, yeast-like fungi, the most common strand being Candida Albicans. Few other suggested names for the infection are yeast overgrowth, systemic Candida, systemic yeast infection, Candida overgrowth syndrome. Certain types of bacteria and some yeast cells are always present in a healthy digestive system, mouth, skin, and vagina. Different products are available in the market for yeast infection treatments.
The number of these fungal cells multiplies whenever there is an imbalance in these bacteria and yeast and the fungal form is converted into an aggressive entity releasing almost more than eighty different toxins. The imbalance is quite irritating and causes itching, discharge, swelling, and redness of the affected area suppressing the immune system of the body resulting in a number of health issues. The infection is quite common in women as it may affect three out of four women at any stage of their life. Although it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, the increased risk of genital yeast infection being transferred from the infected partner to the other one cannot be ruled out.
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Very common examples of yeast infections are:
A variety of reasons can be considered responsible for development and growth of yeast infections. Lactobacillus bacteria and Candida fungus are present in vagina in a unique combination maintaining a healthy balance for the optimum function of the particular area. Our ntural immune system keeps a check on the number of these cells and keeps it from growing out of control. Any imbalance of the system may cause overgrowth of yeast infection creating its symptoms and may disturb the normal physiological processes by presence of ever increasing number of yeast cells. The possible causes of yeast infection may be:
Antibiotics: An increased intake of antibiotics as penicillins, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins or macrolides may kill the Lactobacillus bacteria disrupting the balance and causing an increase in the number of candida cells. This imbalance creates yeast overgrowth showing the symptoms of infection.
Pregnancy: The imbalance of hormones during pregnancy and increased discharges create an imbalance in the vaginal cells creating an atmosphere feasible for the growth of infection.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: An abnormal amount of glucose or none at all in our blood creates high or low diabetic conditions imparting an imbalance in the number of cells in the vagina creating risk of infection.
Weak Immune System: Since the natural immune system of body creates a harmony and prevents the overgrowth of any number of cells in the body, so weakening of immune system due to any disease may increase the unlimited growth of cells.
Malnourishment: Poor eating habits may cause weakened immune system which then becomes unable to block the overgrowth of cells leading to infection.
Periodical hormonal imbalance: Menstrual cycle causes hormonal imbalance on monthly basis which may cause infection.
Continuous stress: Long term stressful situation weakens the immune system which renders infection.
Sleep disorders: Lack of sleep or none at all may create overgrowth of infection by creating hormonal imbalance.
Birth Control Pills: The birth control pills cause great variations in level of hormones ultimately creating abnormality and weakened immune system creating apt environment for development of infection.
Implanted devices: Urinary catheters, IV ports or IV lines and such implanted devices and tubes penetrating body provide access to yeast for body creating high chances for yeast infection.
Yeast infections may appear as sores or blisters on the affected skin. A raw or painful spot is considered a sore area while a small air filled or fluid filled bubble of skin is called a blister. An addition of rash appearance or redness may indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections occur in men and women with a variety of indicating symptoms.
A common set of symptoms present in women are the occurrence of yeast infection as vaginal itching, swelling around the vagina, burning during urination or sex, pain during sex, soreness, redness, rashes, whitish gray or clumpy vaginal discharge, etc. These are very common and less complicated symptoms.
Complicated yeast infections have a number of serious symptoms as:
Men can have yeast infection due to a number of reasons as in men who are not circumcised, men who may have a female partners with a yeast infection or overgrowth of Candida fungus on the skin. Yeast infection in men may lead to a condition of inflammation of the penis also called balanitis.The signs and symptoms may include:
It is very rare for yeast infections to go on their own. They may get mild, moderate, or severe depending upon a number of reasons. A number of over the counter drugs and DIYs are available to treat the symptoms of yeast infection and to reduce its severity. These treatment methodologies soothe the affected area and target the overgrown Candida fungus. A healthy balance of yeast and bacteria is restored with the help of these drugs.
Azoles are the class of antifungal drugs used for the treatment of yeast infections that may either be mild or severe. These azoles are available as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories. Polyene antifungals are used for thrush and oral candidiasis. All the antifungals block the structural and functional unit of the yeast cell wall, the ergosterol resulting in artificial holes in the cell walls of yeast and other fungi causing it to leak and die. Examples of topical medication may include nystatin, boric acid, miconazole, or clotrimazole. Initially, when applied, the infection may get irritated but after a few days of continuous application, the infection starts to fade away slowly. The treatment lasts for three to seven days normally to overcome all the symptoms of infection.
Other than common over-the-counter creams and tablets, some people prefer to use herbal and essential oils to give soothing relief to symptoms of yeast infection. Tea tree oil is used for its antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil, yoghurt with natural probiotic action, garlic and few other herbs are used for yeast infections. Some of the most popular essential oils and other products used for natural treatment of yeast infections are as follows:
Natural consistency of the cervical mucosa makes a gentle environment optimum for sperm to reach the uterus and cause pregnancy. The changes in the consistency of the cervical mucosa create blockages for the travelling of sperm. Recurrent episodes of yeast infections cause the balance of vaginal flora to go out of balance that causes permanence infertility of sperm to reach cervical opening. The pH of human vagina varies between being acidic (3.8-4.5) to alkaline (7-14) during menstruation and time of ovulation respectively to maintain the optimum level to create pregnancy.
Alternate pH levels of a healthy vagina and cervix keep vaginal flora intact and make it act as a natural barrier against infections of fungus-like Candida. The natural immune system of the human body tries to fight against the recurrent infections by acidifying the pH of the vagina and cervix thus creating the inability of sperm to travel to uterus. Regulating the pH of vaginal flora along with the antifungal treatment is a key to get back good bacteria of the body and get rid of the recurrent irritation.
Yes, the yeast infection is contagious and can be transferred from one person to another, from males to females and vice versa. Few aspects must be considered dangerous while suffering through yeast infections as:
Sexual transmission of fungus: Sexual contact between an infected partner and an uninfected one can get transfer making both partners to suffer from the symptoms of yeast infection.
Transmission of infection through bathwater: Showers are a better option than baths once you are suffering from any kind of yeast infection. It can be transferred through the use of the same sponge, same soap, same towel or same bathing water.
Transmission of infection through breast feeding: Babies can get thrush due to accumulation of more yeast in their mouth by mother’s nipples that have Candida naturally present.
Yeast infections most commonly tend to be lingering on for long and even once treated, its recurrence is a common problem to be dealt with by many people. The reason that yeast infection becomes chronic may be known or unknown depending upon the condition, spread of infection and the infected place, but few of the possible reasons behind the outcome may be considered as:
Incomplete initial treatment: Sometimes the first therapy mode of treatment is not enough to kill the infected cells and eradicate the root cause of the yeast infections. The doctors then prescribe long term anti-fungal either to be taken orally or vaginal infusions on weekly basis for upto or more than six months.
Back and forth transmission: Candida infections are very easy to spread from skin-to-skin contact, in mouth and on other areas of body. The most common example of this back and forth transmission is the Candida infection between mom and baby via breast feeding. This recurring transmission can be blocked by treating mom and baby at the same time to cure the Candida infection.
Secure sexual activity: Although the yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease still use of condoms etc. or immediate after shower can prevent the spread of disease from infected partner to the other one.
Prone to humid and moisturized environment: Continuous humidity and weather may become the reason of developing yeast infection since yeasts tend to thrive in wet and humid weather. Wearing breathable fabrics, cotton preference, and keeping yourself dry can help you to avoid the occurrence and recurrence of fungal infections.
Any drug-resistant strain may become the reason for it to become chronic: Quite rarely the yeast infection may become resistant to any drug and reoccur several times converting the disease into chronic nature. Doctor may prescribe any alternate anti-fungal medication and asking to adapt lifestyle changes to develop a habit to make your environment fungal free.
Blocking the cycle of genital yeast infection: Douching, moist conditions, poor hygiene, and long term use of antibiotics can give rise to chronic yeast infection. Promoting normal vaginal yeast balance and observing hygienic conditions can prevent from recurrence of yeast infection thus combating the chronic condition. This can be achieved by using cotton panties and loose clothing, daily showers, washing and sterilizing any towels and dresses used during infection.
Combating the oral thrush cycle: Candida is naturally present inside the mouth just like genital area but it posseses a healthy balance. Whenever the balance is disturbed, the oral thrush is a direct outcome. Oral thrush recurrence and chronic condition prevails in people with weakened immune system as children, babies, old age and in people with autoimmune disorder. Although comparatively it is easy to treat oral thrush and it is healed quickly than genital infection but its recurrence is very common too. To avoid its chronic condition, one must follow certain life style changes as, replacing toothbrush, cleaning and sterilizing all dentures, mouth guards and water flossers etc. and treating breastfeeding mom and baby at the same time.
Esophageal and throat yeast infections: Just like oral thrush, the esophageal and throat yeast infections are prone to recur very fast and similar precautionary measures as well as life style changes must be adapted to avoid them once treated.
Yeast infections occurring on the face are mostly accompanied by yeast infection throughout the body. Common causes of the imbalance creating Candida infection on face are poor hygienic conditions, excess sweating, licking around the mouth, using harsh facial products, rough scrubbing done on face or facial tissue irritation. Red skin rash is the most common symptom of presenting the yeast infection accompanied by bumps or pustules sometimes.
It is named oral thrush accompanied by symptoms of itching, burning, pimples, dry skin patches, and ulcers. The face is the most sensitive area of the body regarding your appearance and presentation so special precautionary measures must be adapted to avoid it at the utmost and especially the recurrence. Facial care, use of top quality scrubbing materials, and adapting hygienic measures for the face are the keys towards avoiding yeast infections of the face.
The Candida infection when spread to the bloodstream is known as Candidemia. It can spread to many parts of the body like the eyes, liver, brain, and kidneys, and then the condition is called Invasive Candidemia. High risk for development of Invasive Candidemia happens if one passes through any of such conditions as one gets hospitalized, especially in ICU for several days, with the weakened immune system from aftereffects of chemotherapy or any other such therapy, diabetic condition, after receiving corticosteroids, after having severe burns, after any kidney treatment as dialysis, underweight infants, illicit drug injections, etc.
Unlike all other types of yeast infection, Candidemia has special symptoms to be considered as the infection spreads in the bloodstream and cannot be viewed visually by skin or any other rashes or redness, itching, etc. The most common symptoms of Candidemia are fever, chills, rashes, generalized fatigue, muscle aches, low blood pressure, vision changes, neurologic defects, abdominal pain, or signs of eye infection.
Although most of the time, the yeast infections are caused by Candida Albicans the presence of other Candida strains as Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, etc. cannot be ruled out while diagnosing for Invasive Candidemia.
Candidemia is a serious life threatening condition for almost ninety percent of cases so its treatment becomes quite challenging especially if spread to the eyes, brain, or any other vital organ of the body.
A visible Candida infection in any healthy individual is easily recognizable by doctor without laboratory tests. If the infection is recurrent or involves systemic circulation covering whole body, then extensive tests are needed to be performed.
Tests in Women: A complete gynecological exam is the most definitive way to diagnose a yeast infection. The swab test which is quite uncomfortable but an ultimate test to diagnose the Candida infection is a specialized test method.
Tests in Children: A quick exam of skin or mouth in infants and children is the most approachable way to diagnose the yeast infection. In case of any confusion preceding the outcome of infection, the small scraping of the affected area is done to diagnose the Candida infection.
Tests in People with Weakened Immune System: Visual examination of oral, vaginal and skin Candida infections in people with weakened immune systems is easily diagnosable. More invasive tests are carried out by specimen collection to confirm the presence of Candida in blood and urinary tracts. Candidiasis of brain may be indicated by MRI or CT-Scan followed by a biopsy by health practitioner to differentiate candidiasis from other diseases.
Yeast infections are very common and related to our lifestyles mostly. Natural bacterial flora of genital organs, as well as other parts of the body, must be allowed to develop and maintained in a normal balance not to allow the optimal environment to prevail for the development of yeast infections. Along with following the hygienic conditions and amicable safety measures, there are a number of ways we can adapt in our lifestyle to avoid the occurrence of yeast infections. These include:
