Yeast Infections

Our bodies generally contain microorganisms, and they might become harmful and cause health problems, like yeast infections, when the balance between good and bad organisms disrupts.

Yeast infections

Yeast is a type of fungus that’s normally found in the body, in the skin, in the digestive system, and it also exists in the vaginal area in females. When the yeast grows more than normal, this causes the yeast infection (candidiasis).

Yeast infections affect the body in different ways, depending on the affected area.

Causes and risk factors leading to yeast infections

Yeast infections, or candidiasis, occur when the yeast fungus grows more than normal, and that happens due to specific conditions or reasons. The yeast fungus also grows more in warm or humid conditions.

The risk factors include the following:

• A skin damage.
• A weakened immune system.
• Taking antibiotics.
• It occurs more in infants.
• Wearing dentures.
• Taking cancer treatments.
• Having some health issues, like HIV or diabetes.

Symptoms of yeast infections

Skin yeast infection symptoms:

• Rash or pimples.
• Itchiness or burning.
• Redness and skin breakdown.
• Patches that ooze a clear fluid.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms:

• Itchiness and burning.
• White or yellow discharges.
• Redness in the outside area of the vagina.

Penis yeast infection symptoms:

• Redness in the area under the penis.
• Rash.
• Skin scaling.

Mouth yeast infection symptoms:

• White patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks.
• Redness and pain.
• If the yeast infection is in the esophagus, that causes difficulty swallowing.
• Cracked mouth corners.

Nail yeast infection symptoms:

• Pain and swelling.
• Pus.
• The nail becomes white or yellow and separates from the nail bed.

Diagnosis of yeast infections

• Medical history of the patient.
• Physical examination.
• Laboratory test for a sample.

Treatment of yeast infections

Local or oral antifungals, depending on the infection area and the patient’s condition.

Prevention of yeast infections

You can reduce the infection risk by:

• Practicing good personal and oral hygiene.
• Wearing cotton underwear.
• Keeping the areas where the skin rubs up dry and clean.