, commonly called '''yeast infection''' or '''thrush''', is a
Fungal Infection of any of the ''
Candida '' species, of which ''
Candida Albicans '' is probably the most common.
In
Immunocompetent people, candidiasis can usually only be found in exposed and moist parts of the body, such as:
Candidiasis is the most common cause of
Vagina l irritation or
Vaginitis , and can also occur on the
Male Genitals , particularly in uncircumcised men.
In
Immunocompromised patients, the ''Candida'' infection can become systemic, causing a much more serious condition,
Fungemia .
Yeast organisms are always present in all people, but are usually prevented from "overgrowth" (uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring
Microorganism s.
At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis at some point in their lives. The ''Candida albicans'' organism is found in the vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no problems. However, when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora", such as
Lactobacilli (which can also be harmed by using
Douche s), an overgrowth and symptoms can result. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and some
Antibiotics , and
Diabetes Mellitus can lead to an increased incidence in yeast infections.
The most common symptoms are itching and irritation of the
Vagina and/or
Vulva , and a whitish or whitish-gray discharge that may have a "yeasty" smell like beer or baking bread. Many women mistake the symptoms of the more common
Bacterial Vaginosis for a yeast infection. In a 2002 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only 33 percent of women who were self treating for a yeast infection actually had a yeast infection. Instead they had either bacterial vaginosis or a mixed-type infection. Currently, bacterial vaginosis can only be diagnosed during a doctor's visit.
KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation can be diagnostic. A scraping or swab of the affected area is placed on a microscope slide. A single drop of 10% solution of KOH is then placed on the slide. The KOH dissolves the skin cells but leaves the ''Candida''
untouched. When viewed under a microscope the hyphae and pseudo spores of ''Candida'' are visible. Their presence in large numbers strongly suggest a yeast infection.
Swab and culture is performed by rubbing a sterile swab on the infected skin surface. The swab is then rubbed across a culture medium.
The medium is incubated for several days, during which time colonies of yeast and or bacteria develop. The characteristics of the colonies provide a presumptive diagnosis of the organism.
Candidiasis is alleged to be successfully treated either with
Home Remedies or, in the case of a more severe infection, with either
Over The Counter or
Prescription Antifungal Medication s. Home remedies for candidiasis include the consumption or direct application of
Yogurt , which contains
Lactobacillus (
Probiotics , "friendly" bacteria that kill yeast),
Acidophilus tablets or salves, and even lightly crushed cloves of
Garlic , which yield
Allicin , an antifungal.
Boric Acid has also been used to treat yeast infections when gelcaps are filled with boric acid powder and two are inserted at bedtime for three to four nights.
While home remedies can offer relief in minor cases of infection, seeking medical attention can be necessary because the extent of the infection sometimes cannot be judged well by the sufferer.
Prescription Medication is often the only solution to an infection; the
Antifungal Drug s commonly used to treat candidiasis are topical
Clotrimazole , topical
Nystatin ,
Fluconazole , topical
Ketoconazole . In severe infections (generally in hospitalized patients),
Amphotericin B ,
Caspofungin , or
Voriconazole may be used. These medications are not effective against the more common bacterial vaginosis.
If indicated, an underlying reason should be looked for. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled
Steroids in
Asthma Medication . Patients on long term inhaled steroids should rinse their mouth after each dose of steroids. It can also be the first sign of a more serious condition, such as
HIV . Babies with diaper rash should have their diaper areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.
Sugar assists the overgrowth of yeast; thus, the increased prevalence of yeast infections in patients with
Diabetes Mellitus , as noted above. In the case of frequent yeast infections, sugar can be looked to as a culprit and should be avoided.
Nutritionists often recommend avoidance diets, eliminating sugar and often many other foods for a period. Extensive
Antibiotic treatment is sometimes implicated, and
Probiotics are then recommended.
Following the health tips at
Vulvovaginal Health can help prevent vaginal candidiasis. Local treatment may include vaginal
Suppositories or medicated
Douche s.
B. Lagenbeck in 1839 in Germany was the first to demonstrate a yeastlike fungus in thrush. He also found that a fungus was able to cause thrush, a human oral infection.
The genera ''Candida'', species ''albicans'' was described by Christine Marie Berkhout. She described the fungus in her doctoral thesis, at the University of Utrecht in 1923. Over the years the classification of the genera and species has evolved. Obsolete names for this genus include ''Mycotorula'' and ''Torulopsis''. The species has also been known in the past as ''Monial albicans'' and Oidium albicans. The current classification is nomen conservandum, which means the name is authorized for use by the [http://www.bgbm.org/iapt/nomenclature/code/SaintLouis/0000St.Luistitle.htm International Botanical Congress (IBC)].
The full current classification is available at ''
Candida Albicans ''.
The genus ''Candida'' includes about 150 different species. However only about, six are considered as causing human infections. ''Candida albicans'' is the most significant species. Other species responsable for human disease include ''Candida tropicalis'', ''Candida glabrata'', ''Candida krusei'', ''Candida parapsilosis'', and ''Candida lusitaniae''.
Alternative medicine proponents also frequently diagnose people with "systemic candidiasis" using methods not deemed valid by have also proposed that these symptoms may be due to intestinal wall damage, known as
Leaky Gut Syndrome , due to candida overgrowth or other effects.
