Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection
caused by excessive growth of Candida. It is found in different parts of the
body like mouth, esophagus, throat, stomach, urinary tract and vagina. Candida is a type of yeast. It is
called oral candidiasis or thrush when found in the mouth. When overgrowth of
candida occurs in the throat and esophagus, it is called candida esophagitis.
It is called vaginal candidiasis or
genital candidiasis when found in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection is the
most common type.
Candida yeast are found normally
in the mucous membrane and skin in little quantity. They have important benefit
in the body. Overgrowth of candida yeast results in candidiasis.
Invasive candidiasis is found in
sick patients and it comes with symptoms like fever and chills. Mostly invasive
candidiasis does not improve after antibiotics therapy. It is a serious
condition that can affect important organ of the body like heart, brain, blood,
bones and eyes. When candida affects the blood stream, it is called candidemia.
Types of Candidiasis
Oral Thrush
Candida infections of the mouth
are commonly seen in babies, elderly and people with compromised immune system
like HIV patients, diabetes, and cancer patients. The candida infection of the
mouth and throat is not common among the adults. Patients that undergo organ transplantation
tend to have candida infection of the mouth. People who uses antibiotics too
frequent tend to have candida infection.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral and Esophageal Candidiasis?
Oral thrush presents with symptom
like plaques and patches on the tongue, difficulty in swallowing, redness of
different parts of mouth and cracking of mouth corners.
People who have esophageal
candidiasis may not develop symptoms. Symptoms of esophageal candidiasis may
include nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, and epigastric pains. Most of the time,
people with esophageal candidiasis also shows symptoms of oral thrush.
How to Prevent Oral Candidiasis
In people with compromised immune
system, good oral hygiene will help to prevent oral thrush. Some researchers
have shown that oral thrush is prevented in cancer patient using chlorhexidine
mouthwash. Some people on inhaled corticosteroids use water to wash the mouth
to reduce the incidence of oral thrush.
Antifungal drugs can be used to treat
oral thrush like fluconazole and itraconazole, some topical treatment can also
be used like nystatin suspension and clotrimazole troches.
Candidiasis of the Skin
The overgrowth of candida fungus
on the skin causes candidiasis of the skin. Candidiasis of the skin is
associated with reddish itching rashes on the skin. It is also called cutaneous candidiasis.
Other symptoms of candidiasis of
the skin include cracked skin, sores, blisters and pustules. Rashes are mostly
found in the armpit, between fingers, in groin and under the breast area.
Some conditions can be mistaken
for candidiasis of the skin; these include eczema, herpes, ringworms and hives
Causes of Candidiasis of the Skin
Wearing of tight clothes, poor
hygiene, obesity, antibiotics and non-changing of underwear can encourage the
growth of candida beyond normal leading to candidiasis of the skin.
Diapers use by babies tends to
cause candidiasis of the skin especially when it is not changed when due.
Prevention of Candidiasis of the Skin
- Make sure you wear loose fitted clothes
- Change your underwear and socks regularly
- Avoid the use of soaps full of scents.
- Reduce your sugar intake
- You can include probiotics to your diet
- Coconut oil, vinegar oil are good home remedies for treating candidiasis of the skin.
Genital Candidiasis
Genital candidiasis is also
called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). It occurs as a result of imbalance of
vaginal acidity. It mostly occurs with hormonal change. It is commonly termed
vaginal yeast infection.
There are different home remedies
for Genital candidiasis which includes garlic.
Check here for other home remedies for genital candidiasis.
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