Candidiasis is a common infection caused by the fungus candida, specifically candida Albicans. Candida can be found in almost all places in the environment. In fact, some of them live a harmless existence along with the native bacterial species found in our gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and mouth. Generally, the growth and spread of candida are kept in check by the immune system of our body and these native bacteria.

The use of antibiotics and birth control pills, poor dietary intake, and the presence of moisture in covered body parts can cause a change in the chemistry or acidity of yeast in your body. This, in turn, escalates their growth to cause agonizing candida infections.

Causes of Candida Infections

The infections attributed to candida can hit healthy people with occasional symptoms. Candidiasis may infect different parts of the human body to cause serious illness or localized infections. The spread and impact of these infections are dependent on the specific health, age, and state of the immunity of individuals. Say, if a person’s immune system is already weak and grappling with conditions like AIDS or diabetes, then the symptoms tend to appear frequently. The use of certain medications like anticancer drugs and corticosteroids may also cause infections to increase. Malnutrition serves to be an essential cause of Candidiasis.

Types of Candidiasis

Thrush

Thrush refers to a type of mouth infection that’s caused by the spread of Candida albicans fungus. It is usually found in people suffering from AIDS and cancer as both these diseases reduce the immune system in a big way. The areas that are usually affected by thrush are the moist surfaces on the inner side of the cheek, around and in the corner of lips, on the palate and tongue. Thrush may also impact people with normal immune systems; specifically, those suffering from diabetes or the irritations caused by ill-fitting dentures.

Esophagitis

Candida infections affecting the mouth are likely to reach the esophagus to cause esophagitis.  This kind of candida infection is commonly found in AIDS patients and people undergoing regular sessions of chemotherapy for treating cancer.

Cutaneous (skin) Candidiasis

Candida causes serious skin infections, such as diaper rash, in those areas of the skin that are prone to receiving little or no ventilation at all. These infections specifically impact the moist areas, for instance, the diaper area, the hands of those who wear rubber gloves regularly, vaginal areas, the skin surrounding the groin, folds under the breast, cleft of the buttocks, and so forth.

Prevent Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections caused by candida are generally transmitted externally and not sexually.  It’s common for most women to go through at least one instance of candidiasis in their lifetime. In case you’re susceptible to such vaginal yeast infections, are diabetic, or pregnant, then start building up your immunity system to avoid aggravating signs of these infections. As prevention is better than cure, you may like to research further on candida infections and their cure to take the right preventive measures, and in good time.