What is Yeast Infection

Candida albicans, a type of fungus, is a yeast that causes candidiasis (yeast infection). Warm and moist environment 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.

Types of Yeast Infection

In Men
This infection, as mentioned, 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. Candidiasis in men is mainly the result of unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who has the same infection. The main symptom is a rash and irritation on the head of the penis. There may also be a burning sensation while urinating.

In Babies
A yeast infection is often misunderstood as a diaper rash in babies. One common cause could be prolonged use of antibiotics. So mothers who are on such drugs may easily pass on the infection to their newborns through breastfeeding.

In Women
A vaginal yeast infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis. Yeast lives 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 this infection. Vaginal burning, itching and discharge are the common symptoms. Pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills are the common offenders in this case.

What is Oral Yeast Infection?
Also known as oral thrush, it is an infection of the mouth. It commonly affects the roof of the mouth, the tongue, gums and the lips. A low white blood cell count, low IgA count and IgA deficiency in the body, are the most probable causes for oral thrush. The symptoms include 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.

What Triggers the Infection?
Stress, alcohol abuse, over consumption of corn products, peanuts, wheat products and barley, favor the overgrowth of yeast in the body. 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.

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 ensure faster healing.