Candidiasis

Description

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida Albicans, a microorganism that is commonly found in GI tract, vagina, mouth and skin. There are various candidal infections e.g:

Mouth candidiasis also known as oral thrush.
Vaginal candidiasis also known as vaginal yeast infection.
Skin candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis - in which candida enters the bloodstream and infects other parts of the body.

Amongst these the most common ones are oral thrush and vaginal yeast infection

Causes

The following causes may result in a yeast infection, or oral thrush:

The use of antibiotics
The use of oral contraceptives, or hormone therapy
Pregnancy
Uncontrolled diabetes

Risk factors

Risk factors of oral thrush includes:

Dentures,
Cancer,
HIV/AIDS,
Diabetes,
Smoke,
Dry mouth,
On medication of corticosteroids or antibiotic etc.

Risk factors of vaginal yeast infection includes:

Pregnancy,
Oral contraceptives,
Diabetes,
Antibiotics,
Suppressed immune system.

Risk factors of skin candidiasis include:

Use of too much moisturizers, soap or cosmetics,
Moist warm areas such as groin, between fingers, elbow, armpits etc.

Risk factors of invasive candidiasis include:

ICU patient,
Diabetes,
Kidney failure,
Weak immune system,
Recent surgery etc.

Symptoms

Symptoms of oral thrush includes:

White patches in the oral cavity,
Crack at the corner of the mouth,
Burning sensation in mouth,
Loss of taste,

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection includes following:

Itching,
White cottage cheese like vaginal discharge,
Pain during and after intercourse,
Burning sensation during pee
Redness,
Swelling etc.

Symptoms of invasive candidiasis include:

Persistent fever and chills even after treating with antibiotics,
Nausea,
Constipation,
Diarrhea,
Anal itching
Pain, stiffness, swelling of joints etc.

Symptoms of skin candidiasis include:

Itching,
Irritation,
Redness etc.

Diagnosis

Oral Thrush:

Oral thrush can be diagnosed by

Taking a medical history and examining the lesion.
A scraping of the lesion may be used to evaluate under a microscope
Blood tests may be needed to help rule out any underlying disease
In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended

Genital yeast infections can be diagnosed with the help of:

A detailed medical history, including the frequency of yeast infections, or any sexually transmitted diseases.
Pelvic exam may be performed to inspect the vagina and cervix
A sample of vaginal discharge or secretions may be tested to determine the type of fungus causing the yeast infections

Management

Treatment for oral thrush includes:

Antifungal medication in the form of a liquid, tablet or lozenge may be recommended.
Oral medication may also be recommended if the topical treatment was ineffective.

Management for genital yeast infections may involve:

Antifungal creams or suppositories may be used. These include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and terconazole.
A single dose oral medication called fluconazole may be used if the topical medication is ineffective.

When to consult a doctor?

A doctor should be consulted if the prescribed treatment has not managed your symptoms effectively.
A doctor should also be consulted if your infections keep recurring even after being treated.