What is a Yeast Infection

The question, what is a yeast infection, doesn't have much of an answer, except for the fact that candida albicans, which is a type of fungus, is a yeast which causes candidiasis (yeast infection). Warm and moist environments favor the growth of these fungi and cause infection. The mouth, the webs of fingers and toes, folds of skin, fingernails and toenails, and genitalia, are the vulnerable areas of the body which are most commonly affected by a yeast infection. The above discussion dealt with what is a yeast infection, now let's understand its different types.

Types of Yeast Infection

What is a Male Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is more prevalent in women, and is difficult to detect at an early stage in men. This is mainly due to the male anatomy and in most cases, the affected person is unaware of the infection for a long time. A male yeast infection is mainly the result of unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who has a preexisting yeast infection. The main symptom of male yeast infection is a rash and irritation on the head of the penis. There may also be a burning sensation while urinating. Read more on male infection treatment and home remedies for male yeast infection.

What is a Oral Yeast Infection?
Also known as oral thrush, oral yeast infection is an infection of the mouth. It commonly affects the roof of the mouth, the tongue, gums and the lips. Apart from all the causes which are common to yeast infections, a low white blood cell count, low IgA count (one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulin) and IgA deficiency in the body, are the most probable causes for oral yeast infection. The symptoms are white, yellow or cream-colored, raised spots in the mouth. These spots are usually painless, however, if scraped, the area may bleed and leave a painful ulcer behind. Check oral yeast infection treatment for more on the same.

What is a Baby Yeast Infection?
A baby yeast infection is often misunderstood as a diaper rash in babies. One of the common causes of yeast infection is the prolonged use of antibiotics. So mothers who are on such drugs may easily pass on the infection to their newborns through breastfeeding.

What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis. Yeast live on all surfaces of the body, including the vaginal surface. So when there is an abnormal multiplication of candida albicans in the vagina, it leads to a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal burning, itching and discharge are the common symptoms. Pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills are among the causes which are responsible for causing vaginal yeast infection. Read more on natural cures for yeast infections.

These were among the most common types of yeast infections which people suffer from. Here's an overview on the common causes of all yeast infections.

What are the Common Causes of Yeast Infection?
Stress, alcohol abuse, over consumption of corn products, peanuts, wheat products and barley, favor the overgrowth of yeast in the body and thus cause yeast infection. Antibiotics, as already mentioned, are also held responsible for causing the infection. Such drugs, when administered for a long time, tend to destroy the 'good bacteria' in the body. These so called 'good bacteria' keep a tab on the growth of yeast and thus prevent its overgrowth. So a high ratio of yeast over the 'friendly bacteria' invites the onset of yeast infection in the body. Diabetes also adds to the cause as it raises the sugar level in the body and favors a rapid growth of the fungi. Apart from a weakened immune system, wearing tight fitting clothes (inner wear) and not keeping the body properly dry (especially after a shower), provides just the right warm and moist environment that is required for the yeast to multiply.

Treatment of Yeast Infection
Treating any kind of yeast infection is to deal with its underlying causes. Keep the causes at bay in the first place and you can prevent the infection. Certain measures such as reducing the intake of sugar-based products, inculcating yeast-free diets and refraining from commercial foods, fried foods and other simple carbohydrates, work great in preventing the infection and also ensure faster healing. Apart from the yeast infection treatment cited above, it is also important to pay the doctor a visit upon the recurrence of the symptoms so as to initiate a hasty treatment.

More important than just knowing what is a yeast infection, is to be aware about its different types; their causes and symptoms. However, when it comes to the treatment, the methods are similar, irrespective of the types; be it a yeast infection in a male or female. Same treatment methods are followed, except for a few ones which might be specific and those which may be prescribed by the doctor, depending upon the gender.