by Alison O'Donoghue

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast-like fungi, also sometimes called thrush, candidiasis or moniliasis. Usually, only small amounts of the Candida fungus are present, but imbalances in the body can cause it to multiply, leading to various signs and symptoms. Imbalances include:
o changes in a woman's hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or when taking the oral contraceptive pill

o antibiotics which kill off bacteria keeping the fungus in check
o a weakness in the immune system (caused by stress, certain medications [e.g. steroids] or some diseases [e.g. AIDS]
o having diabetes, which leads to increases in sugar levels, promoting fungal growth

Other factors which can increase the risk of infection include wearing tightly fitting underwear or wet bathing costumes, humid weather conditions or constant wetting of the hands.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Yeast infections on the skin usually occur in moist skin folds such as the diaper area in babies, or under the arms, breasts or in the groin in adults. A flat, red, rash is seen, sometimes surrounded by small raised areas, and often painful or itchy.
Yeast infections in the mouth cause curdy white patches on the cheeks, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or under dentures. Underneath, the skin is raw and bleeds easily.
A vaginal yeast infection causes a white, cheesy discharge that irritates the vaginal walls and surrounding outer tissues. Burning during urination or pain during sexual intercourse may occur.
In men, Candida infection can affect the penis, causing the head to become red, sore and itchy, and a cheesy discharge may be seen. Urination may be uncomfortable.
Rarely yeast infection can spread deeper into the body, affecting, for instance,the gullet, causing difficulty swallowing, or entering the bloodstream, causing many symptoms including fever.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
While many healthy people who have occasional episodes of yeast infection treat themselves without visiting a doctor, anyone in doubt about their diagnosis, who has an underlying health problem, or who has recurrent episodes should seek advice from a family doctor or specialist.

Usually the infection can be diagnosed by examination, but sometimes a swab or scraping of skin may be taken and urine or blood tests may be ordered to look for the presence of diabetes.

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Oral yeast infection is treated with gel, lozenges or drops, containing anti-fungal medications, e.g. nystatin. Ideally, these should be kept in the mouth as long

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>