Are Yeast Infections Contagious?

Yeast, also known as Candida is a fungus that can thrive anywhere in the body. It turns into a problematic infection when our immune system lowers its guard due to illness or when one is consuming antibiotics and cannot prevent yeast from spreading.

Multiplication of an organism called Candida albicans leads to yeast infection or Candidiasis. Its common types are oral thrush, esophagitis, vaginal yeast infection, etc. Unchecked and untreated infection can enter the bloodstream and cause severe damage to the body. In some rare cases, it has even caused death.

Candidiasis is not contractible through all the modes of transmission, like air, water or food but mostly through sexual contact. This could probably be the reason why yeast infection's status as a contagious disease is still disputed. Let us understand the signs and symptoms of the disease to know more about its spread.

Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Infection

The occurrence and symptoms of infection caused by yeast depends upon the area affected. When it infects the skin, red patches of various sizes begin to appear; the skin becomes moist and has the feel and look of raw sore skin. The patch can become painful as small pus filled pustules begin to form around the edges of the red patches.

Thrush or oral yeast infection appears on the mouth lining and tongue in the form of cracked patches in either red or white color. The mouth and tongue inflame and tend to feel sore.

Esophagitis is the infection that occurs in the esophagus, and if left untreated can affect the stomach lining, making it painful to swallow food or water. Infection in the vagina exhibits through a constant itch, pain, or burning accompanied by a thick discharge. The activity of intercourse becomes very painful.

Curbing Contagious Candidiasis

Here are some preventive measures to curb the disease. Candidiasis thrives in the moist areas of the body like the vaginal or underarm areas. So the best preventive measure one can take is to keep them dry.

Sugar is known to aggravate the infection, so one must reduce the sugar intake. Diabetics are more prone to this infection as well as all those people who use antibiotics in excess. Pregnant women who are prone to yeast infection must always keep their doctors informed, if they feel any of the symptoms coming on. Avoid intercourse for a while, until the infection has cleared up, else use a condom.

A few more preventive measures include the following: Avoid sharing hand towels, wear cotton fabrics, change all sweaty garments, avoid using scented soaps, perfumes or strong detergents. Candidiasis can be quite an irritation and requires immediate medical attention. There is specific anti-candida diet available for those who want to manage this infection the healthy way.

Treatment of Yeast Infection

The infection can be treated using a wide range of medications. Treatment depends upon the type, location and severity. Antifungal medications help block ergosterol, a substance of the yeast cell wall. This blockage leads to cell wall becoming leaky and the yeast dying out. Other antifungal drugs, like nystatin and amphotericin B are prescribed for superficial candida infections. These medications are available in the form of lotions, creams, pills, lozenges and vaginal suppositories. It is best to consult a doctor for diagnosis and the right treatment.

The risks of transmission of yeast infection is more between sexual partners, but children and other family members are nonetheless prone to being infected through kissing and physical contact. So yes, infection caused by yeast is contagious and care must be taken to prevent its spreading.