Candidiasis are condition caused by the fungus Candida albiacans – which also known as a yeast infection. It may infect the vagina, mouth, and moist areas on the skin.
It is normal to have some fungus on the body. Bacteria normally on and in the body usually keeps the fungus population under control. However, sometimes growth of the fungus increases and causes an infection.
Yeast infections generally occur in warm, moist parts of the body, such as the mouth and moist areas of the skin. When they cause an infection in the vagina, the infection is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. About 75% of females have a yeast infection at some point or time in their lives.
There are several situations in which the fungus may overgrow or multiply. For example, antibiotic medication may destroy the bacteria that keep fungus levels down. Disorders and conditions that cause hormonal changes, such as menopause, pregnancy, or taking birth control pills, may also cause the fungus to grow.
Less commonly, persistent yeast infections can be the early sign of HIV infection. Drugs that suppress the body’s defense system (such as the drugs used to treat AIDS) also allow the fungus to grow and spread. It is a fact that should to consider that candidiasis usually is not spread by sexual intercourse.
In the vagina candidiasis causes a discharge that is thick and white and looks like cottage cheese. Other symptoms women commonly such as itching, irritation when urinating, and redness of the outer part of the vagina. However, many women infected with Candida have no symptoms.
In men, the fungus can cause swelling and redness on the penis and foreskin. This condition is referred to as balanitis, an infection of the head of the penis, and it can be caused by the same candida that causes the yeast infections in girls.Yeast infections of the penis are more common when the penis is uncircumcised.
If the mouth is infected, the lining of the mouth is often red and sore. Sometimes the fungus causes white spots and patches on the tongue and cheek lining. This is called thrush.
The fungus can cause creamy-yellow, raised sores on the mouth. On the skin (including skin with diaper rash), candidiasis produces an itchy red rash. Often the rash is a red patch with small red bumps around it.
Yeasts are considered opportunistic pathogens, usually causing infectious disease in the debilitated host. Situations which can lead to host debilitation can include hormonal or metabolic imbalance, anticancer therapy, AIDS and other immune system defects, as well as overuse of broad spectrum antimicrobics.
Yeast infections are often associated with diabetes, especially when the blood sugar is not well controlled. Recurring or stubborn cases of vaginal candidiasis may sometimes be an early sign of diabetes.