Candida infections are often referred to as yeast infections. The ironic thing is that Candida lives naturally unnoticed within the human body, in the vagina, mouth, and digestion system. Their growth is normally kept in check by the immune system and by other microorganisms, such as “good” bacteria that are also present. However, under certain conditions, Candida can spread to other areas of the body and develop into an infection.
Causes of Candida
The Candida infection can get into the mucosal membranes and moist areas and cause irritation. The mouth and vagina are two places that offer these ideal conditions. However, you can find Candida in other warm, moist areas where they shouldn’t be like the armpits, beneath the breasts and even in the genital area. Anywhere on the body that can trap sweat for long periods of time is prime breeding ground for Candida. Obese people generally have a difficult time with Candida as it can get in between the many folds or rolls of fatty skin.
The conditions that contribute to the spread of Candida include poor hygiene, not washing off sweat and other bodily fluids adequately. Humid, hot weather can cause Candida infection to crop up in trapped areas of the body, especially if it is underwear that is not made of a breathable fabric. Even current skin conditions like psoriasis can irritate certain areas causing the Candida to multiply.
Taking antibiotics to treat Candida infection can make the condition worst since the antibiotics will not only kill the bacteria responsible for Candida but also the good bacteria that normally limit the grown of the Candida bacteria. People with diabetes are more prone to develop Candida skin infections as are pregnant women and obese people. Immunosuppressive drugs and certain types of steroids also leave your body vulnerable to infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Candida
The location of the Candida infection usually determines the symptoms of the infection. For instance, women who get a Candida infection of the vaginal area will have burning, redness, itching and even cottage cheese like discharge that has no odor from the vagina.Babies, and the obese, which tend to have more skin folds for sweat or other bodily fluids to be trapped are more likely to getting Candida. This infection creates an itchy red rash that could be raw looking and may even form pustules. Some cases of diaper rash may turn into a Candida infection if not treated right away. Men can get an infection on their penis and genital area for the same reasons as others get Candida – trapped humid moisture or poor hygiene. Some men may get Candida from having sex with a partner who has the infection.
Thrush is a form of the Candida infection which occurs in the mouth. There are typically telltale white patches along the mouth and tongue. It may look creamy in appearance and these white patches do not scrape off. Children sometimes will get this and be healthy in other regards. However, quite a few people who have weakened immune systems can get it like diabetics or people with AIDS.
Treatment for Candida
Candida bacteria are normally found living unnoticed in and on the human body with other bacteria that limit their growth. Taking antibiotics to treat Candida can kill off these natural competitors of the Candida bacteria for resources, and help the Candida bacteria to multiple, making the Candida condition worst.Since Candida is a type of fungal infection, the proper treatment should be with anti-fungal drugs. Skin folds, genital are and other skin area may respond well to anti-fungal ointments. Treatment for vaginal yeast infections may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches, while some oral methods may help with the thrush.
Recurring infections may be treatable with other anti-fungal drugs, but resistance to these alternative treatments may develop. All in all, the doctor will know the best treatment to get the Candida bacteria back under control and living peacefully and unnoticed on your body.
