Types of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are caused by a fungal organism Candida albicans also known as Candidiasis yeast-infection. Yeast is found everywhere on your skin normally. They do not cause an infection all the time as they are kept under control by the body's immune system. Yeast can cause different types of yeast infections and many are life-threatening. This article will deal with all the different types of yeast infections that affect humans.

Yeast Infection Types
There are different types of yeast infections that are superficial and can be treated easily. Yeast infections that are seen in AIDS, cancer and transplant patients can prove to be dangerous. It is also known to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is seen that 70% of women develop at least one yeast infection in their life. Also, over 40% of the women suffer from more than one yeast infection in their lifetime. Women are more prone to yeast infection types than men. Men can also suffer from an yeast infection. Most men never realize they are suffering from a yeast infection due to their exterior sexual anatomy as opposed to the interior sexual anatomy of women. Children are also prone to different types of yeast infections.

Yeast can cause infections in different parts of the body. The following are different types of yeast infections that can occur in different regions of the body.

Oral Yeast Infection: The white patches seen in the mouth are known as oral thrush. These are caused by Monilia Albicans. The mouth and throat tissues are invaded by the organism. The infections are seen inside the cheek, on the roof of the mouth, tongue, gums and lips. These white patches when wiped from the mouth may cause bleeding and a painful patch of ulcer can also be seen. Esophageal thrush that spreads to the esophagus is known as esophagitis. This infection makes it very painful and hard to swallow food and water.

The causes of this type of yeast infection is reduced resistance to Candida in women due to the use of birth control pills. Antibiotic used for a long time causes reduction of the bacteria that do not allow yeast to grow. As the 'good bacterial' population decreases, the yeast turns into a opportunistic pathogen. Oral yeast infections can also be caused by tricyclic antidepressants.

Skin Yeast Infection: Itching and rashes caused on the skin can be a case of yeast infection. Yeast thrives in areas of moisture like the groin, underarms, under the breasts, lower abdomen, under the folds of buttocks, between the fingers and toenails, etc. Cuts and sores can also cause skin yeast infection.

Obese people are also prone to yeast infections as there is more skin surface contact in their body. Diabetes and yeast infections go hand in hand most of the times. Weak immune system can also lead to growth of yeast on skin.

Systemic Candidiasis: When the yeast finds its way into the bloodstream, it may lead to systemic candidiasis. This infection is observed in patients suffering from AIDS or cancer. This is a serious condition and can prove fatal, if not treated.

Yeast Infection in Children: Infants can suffer from yeast infection type due to transmission of the organism during delivery or through breast feeding. The most common yeast infection in children is thrush. Children have a weak and developing immune system and are susceptible to yeast infections. Also, children who are on antibiotics may also fall prey to yeast infections, as the good bacteria necessary for digestive and immune system may diminish. Thus, antibiotics and yeast infection have a correlation.

Vaginal Yeast Infection: It is a common infection seen in women, which can cause itching, pain and discharge in the vagina. This infection is caused by Monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal yeast infection is caused by use of birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, unprotected sex, menstruation, hormonal changes and weak immune system.

The changes occurring in a woman's body during pregnancy lead to yeast overgrowth as the balance of acid and yeast in vaginal is disturbed. These yeast infections won't have much affect on the pregnancy, but cause a lot of discomfort to the pregnant women.

Yeast Infection in Men: Penile Yeast Infection is a type of yeast infection observed in men. This rare infection can be very painful. Men notice this yeast infection only when they suffer from related health problems or if their partners are detected with a vaginal yeast infection.

Yeast infection in men is caused due to a weak immune system that cannot control the growth of yeast infection. Diabetic men also are prone to yeast infection as the sugar in urine helps the growth of yeast. The most common source of yeast infection in men is unprotected sexual intercourse.

These were the different types of yeast infections. There is no specific cure for yeast infections, but there are many easy methods of yeast infection treatment. The best way to beat a yeast infection is prevention of yeast infection by maintaining hygiene. Have healthy foods and healthy drinks to build up a strong immune system. Have plenty of water and yogurt to help the immune system fight a possible yeast infection. You should try and keep your diabetes under control to avoid any type of yeast infections. Always remember, prevention is better than cure.