Candidiasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Candidiasis Definition

Candidiasis is a Infection of a skin caused by fungus of the genus Candida. Candidiasis occurs in the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory tract, or vagina but may invade the bloodstream, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The fungus also can travel through the blood stream and affect the throat, intestines, and heart valves.

Candidiasis Causes

Most cases of Candida infection result from C. albieans. The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms including bacteria and fun. gi. Conditions in the bowel must be favorable for the fungus to grow. Candidiasis usually is not spread by sexual intercourse. Candidal infection of the penis is more common among uncircumcised than circumcised men and may result from sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Some of the cause of the candidiasis may be included:

• Oral antibiotics kill off the "good" bacteria in the intestine, which allows candida to proliferate.
• Diets high in sugars.
• Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, and anti-ulcer medications.
• Having a repressed immune system due to medication or disease.
• Diabetes.
• Chemotherapy.
• Multiple pregnancies.

Candidiasis Symptoms

The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are not specific. Persons at high risk for candidemia include low-birth-weight babies, surgical patients, and those whose immune systems are deficient.

Candidiasis causes different symptoms, depending on the site of infection:

• thrust
• esophagitis
• cutaneous candidiasis
• vaginal yeast infections
• deep candidiasis

Some other symptoms of the candidiasiamay include:

• tching
• skin lesion or rash
• enlarging patch
• macule
• papule
• Eye fatigue
• Facial rash
• Hives
• Panic attacks
• Swollen lips

Candidiasis Treatments

Treatment usually involves a strict diet along with some anti-fungal medication and acidophilus and bifidus supplements. Candidal infections may be treated with antifungal drugs such as nystatin and miconazole.

Treatment of thrush may be done by antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin and others) and clotrimazole. Vaginal yeast infections may be treated with antifungal medications that are applied directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, and ointments.

Most candida infections may be treated at home with OTC or prescription medication. Medications are available for the treatment of candidiasis as creams to put on the skin, tablets to be taken by mouth for rashes.