Candidiasis: Yeast Infection Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Yeast Infection, known as Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species. The most common form of candidiasis is the one due to Candida Albicans. Candidiasis is generally found in the exposed or moist parts of the body. Some of the parts of the body Candidiasis is found are the oral cavity, vagina or vulva, folds of the skin on the derriere, commonly known as diaper rash and the nipples while breast feeding.

One can avoid Candidiasis by simply controlling the environment and atmosphere around. The environment should be dry. One should also avoid douches and other sprays and wipes. Women should also decrease the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics sometimes kill off the bacteria needed in the body to stop the overgrowth of yeast.

Candidiasis of the vaginal cavity is known as thrush or vaginal Candidiasis, while Candidiasis of the diaper area is called diaper rash. Candidiasis of the oral cavity is known as oral thrush. The Candida infection can also involve the esophagus, this can create a more serious condition called fungernia.

Yeast Infections in women have some general symptoms. The most common among them are burning, itching or soreness of the vagina or vulva. Women may also have a whitish gray or whitish discharge from their genitals.

Candidiasis is caused by yeast overgrowth. Such yeast is existent in all human forms; however, they are prevented by overgrowth due to normally existing microorganisms. Candidiasis is usually seen in the female gender. Seventy five percent of women experience Candidiasis at some point in their lives. Candidiasis can also be caused due to pregnancy or unhygienic sexual practices. Indulgence in vaginal sex after anal sex is one of the most common reasons behind Candidiasis.

Women with diabetes are also vulnerable to Candidiasis. The use of oral contraceptives is also a reason for Candidiasis. Some infertility treatments also cause Candidiasis, while some hormone replacement therapies are known to cause Candidiasis. There is various treatment available for Candidiasis. Mostly, people use home remedies for Candidiasis. Some of the home remedies used are lightly crushed garlic and boric acid. Yogurt is also used to treat Candidiasis. Other home-made treatments include a diet of fresh and raw vegetables. Yogurt contains lactobacillus while clover contains allicin. Another way of combating Candidiasis is by reducing the amount of sugar intake.

Such home remedies may give comfort in minor cases of Candidiasis. However, it is always suggested that professional medical help should be taken in the case of Candidiasis, in light of various situations. For example, the oral Candidiasis can be seen only till the mouth, but it may well be till deep into the digestive tract.

Prescription and other over-the-counter medicines are the best solutions for Candidiasis. Candidiasis can be cured by anti fungal medicines like topical nystatin, topical clotrimazole, topical ketoconazole and fluconazole. In extreme cases which need medication, caspofungin, voriconazole and amphotericin may be used. In case of yeast infection in women, vaginal suppositories and medicated douches may be used. Acidophilus subsidiaries are also used for the treatment of Candidiasis. Acidophilus is a bacterium that is naturally available in the human intestine. There are various Acidophilus supplements available in the market. However, different Acidophilus supplements are stronger than the others.

Other than these medicines, there are other alternate medicines available for the cure of Candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infections are treated by anti fungal medicines which are inserted directly into the vagina. There are other creams, ointments and suppositories.