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Home > Yeast Infection Treatment Yeast InfectionYeast infections are caused by fungus or yeast, which are microscopic in size. The medical term for yeast infections is candidiasis. The name derives from the species of fungus called Candida. Yeast infections are extremely common among the human population, in particular the species Candida albicans. Yeast infection can occur all over the body including between the toes (athletes foot), in the groin area (vaginitis) and even inside the mouth (thrush). In many cases, if the infected person has a strong immune system and the yeast infection is treated properly, candidiasis is relatively harmless. In other cases, where the immune system is weakened due to immunodeficiency disorders, yeast infections can be much more harmful and very difficult to treat. Yeast infections occur on the warm, moist parts of the body; the underarms, the groin area, between the toes and in the mouth to name a few. Candida fungus can also penetrate openings in the skin (wounds, dermatological conditions) and cause infection. Typical areas of infection include: • Between the toes, common with athletes who wear closed toed shoes while performing sports or sports training. Cool, dark locker/shower rooms are conducive to the growth of fungus, which can cause the fungus to spread. • The groin area: Yeast infections in the groin area of women, called yeast vaginitis, is another common type of yeast infection in women of all ages. • Babies, with lower immune systems, are more susceptible to candidiasis with the mouth and diaper area being the most common areas of infection. • Elderly people have a higher chance of contracting a yeast infection in the mouth, especially if they use dentures. This is commonly called oral thrush. • Other areas of infection can be under the breasts, under the arms and in the folds of the skin. What Causes Yeast Infections Yeasts and fungi are present in all people, but are kept to a minimum by the immune system and by other bacteria and enzymes present in the body. A yeast infection simply occurs when yeast is present but not kept in check by these regulating factors. The yeast continues to grow and multiply, affecting an area of the body conducive to it’s growth. A lowered immune system due to unrelated factors is the most common reason for a yeast infection. People with HIV or AIDS have a much higher chance of contracting a yeast infection which can become systemic and infiltrate the entire body. Systemic yeast infections can be fatal. For people with lowered immune systems, such as the elderly, newborns, or people with other illnesses, yeast infections are more common but are not likely to become systemic. In some cases, the yeast or fungus can be transferred (by sharing clothes and towels or by having intercourse for example). Other factors can contribute to the accelerated growth of fungus and the resulting infection. Steroid use, for medical or aesthetic purposes, can make the body more prone to yeast infections. Certain antibiotics have also been linked to yeast infection outbreaks in some patients. Antibiotics usually kill other bacteria that normally keep the Candida in check, thus allowing it to flourish, replicate and create an infection. Simple hormonal changes can also cause the Candida fungus to multiply and cause an infection. For vaginitis, a simple change in hormone levels has been shown to be the cause of some yeast infections. Diabetes mellitus has also been linked to yeast infections. Lack of hygiene, especially in combination with malnutrition or poor eating habits can greatly increase the chances of a yeast infection. Yeast Infection Symptoms There are many symptoms of yeast infections, usually dependant on their location on the body. Below are some symptoms of the more common yeast infections. • Oral Thrush: Yeast infections of the mouth and throat are fairly common in newborns and elderly. Symptoms include a redness of the tongue, palette or inside of the cheeks usually followed by the onset of a thick, whitish covering. The whitish areas usually manifest in patches, and appear to be easily removed but are often difficult to remove and can be very painful. Pain similar to canker sores, oral thrush can cause difficulty in eating, speaking and wearing oral hardware. • Vaginitis: The most common yeast infection among women, vaginitis has symptoms of extreme burning and itchiness. Sometimes there is a milky discharge from the affected region. There is sometimes a curd-like appearance to heavily affected areas. Vaginitis can also infect the vulva. It should be mentioned that although much less common, men can also experience yeast infections in the groin area, known as penile yeast infections. These infections usually cause a red, burning, itching rash near the end of the penis and under the foreskin. Colored discharges are possible but not as common as with vaginitis. • Candidiasis of the skin: Yeast infections occurring on
other parts of the body usually start out as itchy, slightly burning
patches on the skin. The skin eventually becomes covered in a red
rash with scalloped edges. Other smaller rashes may start to appear
near the main rash or the originally infected area. Once the rash
is present, the area may be extremely itchy or have a painful burning
sensation.
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