Yeast Infection: Description, Causes and Treatment

What is Yeast Infection?

This kind of infection is most common among women. However, many remain ignorant or unaware of this medical problem. It is important to know the symptoms, dangers, and related conditions of yeast infection to be able to treat it early on. It is also necessary to determine the various causes of this disease to be able to avoid it before it even happens. Finally, it will be most helpful for any female person if she is also knowledgeable of the several possible treatments for yeast infection to be able to curtail it immediately.

Not many women are familiar with the term “yeast infection”. However, more women are probably aware of or have experienced previously the symptoms of this condition. The top three signs of having yeast infection are itching, burning and pain, and discharge. Itching of any part of the skin or body is usually caused by an infestation of foreign organisms such as fungi or bacteria in a particular area of the body. In the case of yeast infection, the affected portion is the vaginal part and the surrounding areas. The infection can cause intense itching that rashes or redness usually develop secondary to scratching. Another indication is a burning or painful sensation in that area especially when urinating. The skin in a woman's vaginal part may already contain sores due to frequent scratching that when placed in contact with the acidity of urine may cause pain or a burning sensation. This feeling may be similar to that which is experienced when having urinary track infection, however, they occur at different areas of the body. Lastly, some women report of having discharges that are usually described as odorless, white, and cheese-like. At other instances, a starch-like odor is said to be observed from the discharges.

Yeast infection itself is not considered as highly dangerous, however, it can be very irritating and disturbing especially among women who are already preoccupied with other responsibilities or tasks. On the other hand, like most infections, it is highly transferable to other individuals including the opposite sex. Certain conditions of the body may make it easier for a person to acquire this disease such as diabetes and use of antibiotics.

Other health problems which are usually associated with yeast infection include urinary tract infections and possible complications during pregnancy. However, these are not scientifically-based and are yet to be proven or negated in future studies.

What causes Yeast Infection?

The scientific term for yeast infection is Candidiasis. This was derived from the the yeast organism or fungus-like Candida that causes this condition. Fungus thrives in dark and moist areas such as the vaginal area of women. Certain health conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes make people, especially women, more prone to acquiring yeast infection. Pregnancy causes a change in the metabolic balance and vaginal acidity of women which is more favorable to fungus growth. Fungus are also known to thrive among individuals with high sugar levels such as in the case of people with diabetes and those with defects in sugar metabolism.

What are the treatments for Yeast Infection?

Various oral medications such as Diflucan or fluconazole and topical treatments may be prescribed by doctors to cure yeast infection. Home remedies such as using yogurt and garlic, whether internally and externally, can also be done. It is, however, important to consult a doctor first prior to applying any of the available remedies to avoid complications and further harm.

Male Yeast Infection – Yes This Exist

It is a common thing to hear yeast infections occurring in women, but this almost seems like a myth in males. However, even men contract yeast infection (candidiasis) and they should be equally informed about this issue the same rate women are.

Although it can be sometimes transmitted sexually by an inflicted woman to an unaffected male yeast infection is not categorized under sexually transmitted diseases, such that not all males who contract it via sexual intercourse do so in all cases. The same Candida species (Candida albicans) though, that cause the infection in women are the same ones involved in men. It is thus, sometimes recommended by doctors to have a man get checked as well if his partner has yeast infection.

Another cause of male yeast infection is the use of condoms that are lubricated with the spermicide, nonxynol-9. Research links the said spermicide to the development of yeast infections in both men and women.

However, not all male yeast infections are contracted from sexual intercourse. There are yeast infections in males that are found in other parts of the body such as the mouth (oral thrush), ears, digestive tract and skin. These may occur due to external factors including medications, illness and lifestyle. A diet high in sugar - a substance that yeasts feed on – is one. Overconsumption of alcohol, particularly beer, may contribute to a yeast infection since beer is both high in yeast and glucose. In this light, diabetes mellitus can also be a cause, especially if the blood sugar is left unmanaged. Smoking is also said to put persons at an increased risk for oral thrush.

Excessive use of antibiotics can kill good bacteria in the body and lead to an exaggerated multiplication of yeasts. Other conditions that render a man’s immune system weak (making him immunocompromised), such as chronic steroid use, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS and kidney transplant may provide favorable conditions for yeast to invade the body uncontrollably.

Signs and symptoms include redness, soreness and an itching sensation on the penis, especially the penile head. In some cases the condition may present with tiny blisters with red, itchy bumps. There may also be a white, cheesy discharge that smells of yeast. These may resemble the clinical presentation of some sexually transmitted diseases and so should any of these manifest, it is advisable to see a doctor to immediately.

Clinical manifestations of oral thrush on the other hand include slightly raised, “cottage-cheese” white lesions in the gums, inner cheeks, tongue, and tonsils and back of the throat. These are painful and may bleed if accidentally scraped by a brush. Cutaneous yeast infections signs and symptoms include cracked skin, itchy, red rashes and painful lesions that are sometimes accompanied with pus. Systemic infections are rare.

Male candidiasis is easily treated especially if given prompt attention. Physicians usually prescribe over-the-counter topical antifungal creams especially for infections on the penis. These are applied on the affected area twice daily for a week or two. Examples are Miconazole (Monistat) and Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). Oral preparations may also be available like Fluconazole (Diflucan). In the case of oral thrush, antifungals are given in tablets, lozenges, liquids or ointment.

However many men do find the chemical methods of treating a male yeast infection can be quite harsh on the body, especially their skin. There are many very effective natural methods out there for treating yeast infections, which are far more gentle on the body and often more effective also.

Recurrent Yeast Infection

A person has recurrent yeast infection if he or she suffers from this condition at least four times in a calendar year. There are many reasons why Candidiasis or yeast infection recurs. We will discuss the causes here and offer advice on how to prevent Candida infection from recurring.

Causes of recurrent yeast infection

One of the most common causes of recurrent or chronic yeast infection is birth control pills. Women who take birth control pills are more likely to develop vaginal Candidiasis than those who do not. Pregnancy has also been identified as a factor behind chronic yeast infection. Pregnant women are more likely to experience a return of Candidiasis despite having cured the previous occurrence. In this regard, they should seek the help of a doctor before trying over the counter treatment to make sure that whatever they will be taking will not harm them or their baby.

People who have high-sugar diets are also likely to experience recurring Candida infection. The use of antibiotics can also make a person susceptible to repetitive infection since these medications can weaken a person's immune system. HIV-positive individuals, cancer patients and diabetics are prone to acquiring Candidiasis because their immune system has already taken a hit from their diseases and their bodies are less resistant to the Candida bacteria.

Preventing Candidiasis from recurring

The best way to prevent recurrent yeast infection is to watch one's diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. Remember that the stronger your immune system is, the less likely you will be infected. Cut down on sugar intake and drink lots of water to flush out the unwanted elements inside your body.

Women who have experienced vaginal Candidiasis and men who have suffered from penile yeast infection should avoid wearing tight fitting undergarments. Use cotton underwear and avoid using spandex or lycra pants. After exercising, don't just let the sweat dry on your skin. Take a shower and use mild-scented soaps. After using the toilet, wipe yourself from front to back. It should also be noted by women that shaving the vulvar area can deprive them of natural protection against bacteria. When having your monthly period, use tampons instead of sanitary pads to prevent moisture from getting trapped between the pad and your skin.

Treatment options

To relieve the itchiness and burning feeling caused by Candidiasis, remedies made from natural ingredients like vinegar mixed with water, garlic paste and tampon dipped in yogurt can be used.
These are all effective cure for recurrent yeast infection . So dont worry. Now, you can say goodbye to those itchiness that irritates you.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms You Should Know

Facing the Facts of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a brought about by the abnormal increase in the number of species of Candida, of which Candida Albicans is the most common culprit. A type of fungus, Candida Albicans is normally present on the human skin and in various areas of the body where it is generally warm and moist.

Under a variety of conditions, a change in the environment where they live in causes them to increase in quantity beyond normal, causing the infection. Among the signs and symptoms of vaginal infection include: itching, burning and painful sensation in the vaginal area; redness and soreness in the affected region; a noticeable discharge. Encountering these may help you properly identify the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.

Itching, burning and painful sensation

For some women, the easiest way to identify if she is suffering from vaginal yeast infection is that she itches severely in and around the vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when it does, it itches so badly a lot she finds it difficult to perform normal daily activities, such as to ambulate.

Urination may also go together with a burning sensation, or be generally painful for her to do so. But this bothersome urination may also be present with other forms of infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI). One good way to tell apart the burning sensation that is caused by a yeast infection from that which is caused by a urinary tract infection is to notice when exactly the sensation is experienced. The urine is acidic in nature. So if the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside, then it is most likely brought about by a yeast infection. Urinary tract infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes through the urinary tract on its way out.

Redness and soreness in the affected region

A slight to severe redness localized in the vaginal and vulvar areas is another sign of yeast infection. Soreness and irritation of the said areas may also be presenting symptoms, which make sexual intercourse an extremely painful experience for the woman.

Unusual seepage down there

Most women associate a thick discharge that somewhat resembles cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. Its consistency may typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to thin and clear. The discharge may or may not have a starchy odor to it, something that resembles the smell of bread or beer. Yeast, by the way, is used in making bread as a leavening agent, and in the fermentation of beer.

Since not everyone who has vaginal yeast infection gets a discharge, still the best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around the vaginal area.

Yeast infection in other body parts

As mentioned earlier, Candida is normally present in the skin and in most areas of the body that are warm and moist. This means that signs and symptoms of candidiasis may also appear in different areas of the body in many different ways.

Yeast infection may occur in the mouth, in diaper areas and skin folds. And in people with weakened immune system, such as those with AIDS, yeast infection may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus and the stomach.

Yeast Infections Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Everyday, more and more people are getting affected by yeast infections without them knowing it. Yes, and they would notice it at the end when the infection grow stronger and drastic remedy should be done. Because of this, I would like to share to you these yeast infection symptoms to detect yeast infection fast.

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• vaginitis
• skin problems
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• hyperactivity
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• menstrual problems
• urinary disorders
• respiratory problems
• food and environmental allergies
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Candida infections have signs and symptoms that vary depending on the location of the infection. This infection is very common to women. Its signs and symptoms consist of a white discharge that is itchy and irritating to the vagina. It can affect the surrounding outer tissues of the anus where a moist patch appears on the contiguous skin of the anus. Candida yeast infections also cause pain during sexual intercourse and a burning sensation during urination.

Candida infections in infants and adults may become visible in different ways; oral Candidiasis (or thrush) is exhibited by thick, white patches on top of a red base and may appear on any area inside the mouth. Bleeding on the underlying tissue occurs if these white patches are wiped away. Without the white coating this infection makes the tongue appear to be red in color. Oral thrush is painful and can contribute to eating disorders.

Prevention of dehydration is a must for anyone who has oral thrush. This infection frequently causes elderly people to have sores and cracks at the sides of their mouth.

Candidiasis can also develop within hours of birth on the palms of a newborn baby. Candida organisms live on the skin and yeast overgrowth occurs if there is a breakdown of the skin’s outer layer. It is visible on the warm parts of the body such as diaper areas and skin folds. Superficial Candida skin infection may look like a red flat rash that has sharp scalloped edges.

Satellite lesions are smaller patches that look the same and may cause itching or pain. This kind of infection causes redness, swelling and softness of the fingernail. In male genitalia, Candida infection usually presents with dry, red scaly patches on the tip or head of the penis.

Candida infections can have an effect on various internal organs and cause pain or dysfunction to a person, especially if they have a destabilized immune system. Likewise, individuals with Candida infection may develop sensitivity to some foods. Other times there is food intolerance for dairy products and glutens. Food intolerance can be positively identified through The Detection Diet.

A person with AIDS typically contracts the yeast infection known as esophagitis in the upper gastrointestinal system. This condition may seem like oral thrush, but this type of infection extends down from the mouth, into the esophagus until it reaches the stomach, it causes painful ulcers around the gastrointestinal system, so that even swallowing liquid is difficult. Food is not fully absorbed when the infection spreads out into the intestines, and the danger of dehydration is present to people with such condition. If Candida yeast infections reach the bloodstream, people gets sick with or without fever. And the spreading of this infection throughout the brain causes acute changes in behavior or mental function.

If you suspect you are suffering with Candida and is seeing some of these yeast infection symptoms , you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps.