Candidiasis, also called thrush or moniliasis, is a yeast infection. Candida albicans is an organism that normally makes a quiet home for itself on your skin and doesn’t bother anyone. We all carry this organism on our skin, in our mouth, in our gastrointestinal tract (gut), and, in the case of women, in the vagina. Occasionally the yeast multiplies uncontrollably, causing pain and inflammation. Candidiasis may affect the skin. This includes the external surface skin and the skin of the vagina, the penis, and the mouth. Candidiasis may also infect the blood stream or internal organs such as
the liver or spleen. By far the most common problems are skin, mouth and vaginal infections. Candidiasis can kill if it reaches the bloodstream or vital organs such as the heart, but this is rare even in people with damaged immune systems and is almost unheard of in healthy people.
Causes of Candidiasis
You don’t catch candidiasis. The yeast is
already there. A number of factors can increase the chance of the yeast growing out of control. The leading cause is overuse of antibiotics. Yeast must compete for the right to live on us with various other organisms, many of them bacteria. These bacteria, which live on the skin and in the intestine and vagina, among other
places, are harmless but good at fighting off yeast. When we take antibiotics to deal with less friendly bacteria, we kill off these harmless ones as well. Yeast, which is unaffected by antibiotics, moves into
the vacated spots once occupied by bacteria, and starts to grow and multiply.
Steroids and some cancer medications weaken the immune system and can allow yeast to flourish. Candida albicans infections of the mouth (known as oral thrush) most often develop in people with diseases such as cancer and AIDS. They can also develop in people with diabetes or in people who have long-term irritation
resulting from dentures. Taking birth control pills increases your chances of getting vaginal candidiasis.
Symptoms and Complications of Candidiasis
A candida infection of the skin appears as a
clearly defined patch of red, itchy skin, often leaking fluid. Scabs and pustules may be seen around the edge of the rash. It will usually be found in areas such as the groin, the folds of the buttocks, between the breasts, toes, or fingers, and in the navel.
A vaginal yeast infection may well result in a slow leakage of a thick, white, cheese-like substance. The vagina may itch or burn, especially during urination or sex. Pain or discomfort during intercourse is common.
Treating and Preventing Candidiasis
Candidiasis isn’t normally a dangerous disease except in rare cases when it enters the blood and spreads to vital organs of people with weakened immune systems.
For infection of the skin, your doctor can give you an antifungal cream or powder or prescribe you an antifungal pill.
For vaginal yeast infections, treatment
consists of antifungal medications that are
administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments, or suppositories, or administered by mouth (e.g., fluconazole*).
For oral thrush, a suspension of antifungal medication can be swished in the mouth and swallowed, or sometimes the doctor will have you dissolve an antifungal lozenge in the mouth.
Here are some hygiene tips to help prevent
vaginal candidiasis:
1. Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet – the rectal area is full of yeast
2. Take baths not showers – sitting in the bath can clear yeast from the vaginal area
3. Dry yourself thoroughly afterwards, especially the pubic hair – use a hair dryer on low setting if you have to
4. Don’t use soap around the vagina – soap kills the bacteria you want to keep, and has no effect on yeast
5. Sterilize or throw away underwear that you wore during your last infection – the washing machine isn’t hot enough, you must boil them if you want to keep them. You must also replace any diaphragms or caps.
6. avoid chemicals like deodorant tampons and especially vaginal douches, which serve no purpose and may cause infection
These sensible precautions may also help
prevent candidiasis:
7. Wear loose cotton underwear
8. Avoid pantyhose and tight pants
9. Eat live yogurt, especially if you have been prescribed antibiotics or have other factors which increase your risk for yeast infections – pasteurized yogurt isn’t effective. Some health food stores carry lactobacillus
acidophilus pills which may help to keep yeast in check
10. Cut down on sugar and alcohol (yeast’s favourite foods)
11. consider changing “the pill” – if you’ve had recurring infections, talk to your doctor about changing your birth control pill and see if it helps
12. Make sure your partner is not infected – there’s no point curing candidiasis if you’re going to be re- infected
13. Don’t ask for antibiotics if you’ve got a cold or the flu – the flu is caused by viruses, so taking antibiotics won’t help and they might provoke candidiasis
