Candida albicans is a fungus.  This fungus naturally is inside our body.  Candida means yeast.  This yeast is normally in our mouth, skin, and intestines in small amounts.  When the yeast becomes out of balance and there is an overgrowth it can cause an infection which is called candidiasis.  There are different types of candidiasis, such as vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, diaper rash, or thrush.  

 

Symptoms

General symptoms of candidiasis are itchy red skin or rash, blisters, white patches that feel lumpy, pain or soreness, burning sensation, or abnormal discharge.  

 

Causes

Candidiasis can be caused by a number of different things.  It can be caused by feeling stressed.  If you have unmanaged diabetes.  A weakened immune system can lead to candidiasis.  Having a diet that is high in refined carbs, sugars, and yeast can also cause this infection.  Taking antibiotics, steroids, hormones or oral contraceptives can also be causes.  

 

Diagnosis

The best way to know if you suffer from candidiasis is to have a cultured test done of the infected area.  Whether that is your mouth, skin, or vagina.  The swab will be sent away to a lab where it will be tested for signs of overgrowth.  Afterwards your doctor will be able to come up with the best treatment plan for you.  Sometimes the treatment depends on what type of candidiasis you have or what other circumstances, like if you are pregnant.  It can take 10-14 days for an infection to clear up on its own.  Usually a round of antibiotics either cream, gel, or oral medication can be prescribed.  Even if symptoms start to get better it is important to keep taking the medication for the whole time your doctor has prescribed as well as taking it how they have instructed.  

 

Types of Candidiasis

Thrush is a type of candidiasis.  Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth and throat.  Thrush is common in infants, children, older adults, people who wear dentures, as well as people who have weakened immune systems.  Symptoms of thrush include white spots in the mouth, burning sensation in the mouth, loss of taste, difficulty swallowing, and cottonmouth.  Usually treatment includes an antifungal medication that is applied directly to the mouth for 14 days.  

A urinary tract infection is also a type of candidiasis.  It is the most common.  Normally a UTI will infect the lower intestinal tract, but can work its way back up into the kidneys.  In some cases a UTI may not show any signs or symptoms.  In other cases you may experience increased urination, pain while urinating, abdominal or pelvic pain, or blood in your urine.  

Invasive candidiasis is a severe infection.  This type of infection targets the whole body, specifically your blood, bones, brain and heart.  It is most likely to occur in people who are hospitalized.  If a patient uses a catheter, has had surgery recently or a weakened immune system.  The symptoms include fever and chills.  It can be very hard to diagnose this infection.  Usually someone who develops invasive candidiasis has another condition that is already causing them to be sick.  Treatment is an IV of antifungal medications.

 

Treatment

About 75% of women will develop at least one vaginal yeast infection in their life.  About 20% of women will have recurrent yeast infections which is defined as having 3-4 yeast infections in a year’s time frame.  A vaginal yeast infection is more common in women who are pregnant, are on birth control pills, have uncontrolled diabetes, take hormones, or have taken other antibiotics recently.  Symptoms can include burning during sex, burning or discomfort while urinating, uncontrolled itchiness, abnormal discharge, and a rash.  An antibiotic cream is a normal course of treatment.  If you are pregnant it is not recommended for you to take an oral medication to treat a yeast infection.  

Most candidiasis infections can be treated with a round of antibiotics whether that is topical or oral.  It is a common condition that can affect anyone.  There are different types of candidiasis.  You naturally have Candida albicans in your body.  Candidiasis will not go away on its own; you need treatment to alleviate symptoms.  

 

 

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Women’s Defense is uniquely formulated to naturally assist the built-in defenses of a woman’s body to keep it strong. The ingredients from around the world, including a special blend of mushrooms, cat’s claw, fermented soy and red clover, work together to support overall well-being and balance.

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