Candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans (though more than 20 different kinds can infect humans). Although yeast is always in or on the body in small amounts, sometimes an overgrowth of Candida occurs, infecting the surrounding area. Generally, other bacteria on the body keep the amount of yeast in control, but external factors can make the yeast multiply more than normal.
Yeast infections can happen on multiple parts of the body, although vaginal and oral infections are among the most common because the yeast are partial to warm and moist environments. The skin and nails can also be subject to infection. Yeast infections are contagious; although candidiasis is not an official sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted sexually. A yeast infection on one person’s body can become a yeast infection somewhere else on another person’s body.
Types and Symptoms
Regardless of where the yeast infection occurs, the area is irritated, itchy, and often swollen or discolored. Vulvovaginal infections come with a thick, abnormal discharge, recognizable by it’s almost cottage cheese-like consistency. The entire area can be red, itchy, and sore, and sex becomes painful, as it creates friction on already irritated flesh. Diaper rash can sometimes be a form of yeast infection.
Genital yeast infections in males are rather rare, although they do occur. The tip of the penis may become irritated and an itchy, red rash results. This is effectively a combination of a genital and skin infection -- while it is on the genitals, the symptoms are more similar to a cutaneous infection than the vulvovaginal infection. A discolored, scaly, and itchy rash can develop anywhere on the skin, but the yeast prefers moist areas like the armpits.
Oral infections generally create a white layer of film on the top of the tongue, although it can sometimes be patchy and red instead. The throat may be sore and itchy, and swallowing can be uncomfortable or difficult. The corners of the lips may crack. An infection of the tongue is often referred to as thrush, but its proper title is oropharyngeal candidiasis, while an infection of the throat is esophageal candidiasis.
Risk Factors and Causes
Healthy adults usually develop candidiasis only occasionally. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as HIV are much more likely to develop it. Some healthy adults, however, are more susceptible to infection than others, particularly from changes within the body. Pregnancy and hormone therapy alter the levels of estrogen, which invites yeast growth.
Taking antibiotics tends to lead to candidiasis as well, for two reasons. For one, the condition requiring the antibiotics means the immune systems is already weakened; in addition, the antibiotics have no effect whatsoever on yeast, but kill bacteria. However, antibiotics can even destroy the the healthy bacteria that keep the amount of yeast in check to begin with. Smoking, stress, and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of yeast infections. Some experts even say the infection can be caused by an allergy to things like corn.
Treatment
The cure for yeast infections is usually very easy and cost effective. Although they can be easy to self-diagnose, a visit to the doctor is still highly recommended, as there are infections that mimic symptoms of candidiasis, or the infection can be an indication of an underlying condition. Thrush often clears up on its own after a few days; if not, doctors may prescribe nystatin, another antifungal medication. Skin infections can be treated with over the counter creams and lotions containing clotrimazole or with ketoconazole creams by prescription for more tenacious infections.
Vulvovaginal infections can be treated with over the counter products like Monistat. For extreme infections or for women who prefer oral medication (which is easier and less messy), ketoconazole is available in pill form. Although some of these products require only one application, the user should avoid sexual contact for seven to fourteen days to prevent reinfection and spreading. When left alone, additional infections can develop along with the yeast, providing increasing discomfort and illness.
