The most common of the candida species isCandida albicans(also calledC.
albicans),but many species exist.Candida grows best in warm, moist places.
albicansare very common and are usually easy to diagnose and treat.
However, some infections and strains pose serious risks to your health.
albicans,overgrowth in the vagina is commonly called avaginal yeast infection, vaginal candidiasis, or vaginitis.
It’s often asymptomatic.
Yeast Diaper Rash
A baby may develop a yeast diaper rash alone or along with thrush.
A manicure or pedicure performed with contaminated tools is also a common cause.
The skin may look baggy.
In severe cases, the nail itself may become discolored.
Other symptoms vary depending on the part(s) of the body infected.
Other potential risk factors for candidiasis include:
How Is Candidiasis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of yeast infections varies by location but some commonalities exist.
Medications include:
Keeping infected skin clean and dry can also help clear it up.
They’re usually given in two doses taken several days apart.
These drugs include:
Nystatin is a common choice for candidiasis associated with HIV.
While those oral drugs are sometimes used to treat invasive candidiasis, intravenous antifungals are a more common choice.
Long-term antifungal therapy may be needed to treat chronic candidiasis, as well.
Summary
Candidiasis, or yeast infection, is an infection brought on by a fungus called candida.
Invasive candidiasis is a more serious form of candida infection in the internal organs that can be life-threatening.
Any time you have recurrent, treatment-resistant, or severe symptoms, you should seek medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
A frequent reason is that the initial infection wasnt completely cleared up.
Wait until yoursymptomsare completely gone before having sex.
A yeast infection (candidiasis) can be transmitted during sexual intercourse from one partner to another.
Turner SA, Butler G.TheCandidapathogenic species complex.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.
2014;4(9):a019778.
2018;4(1):6-11. doi:10.18502/cmm.4.1.27
Martin Lopez JE.Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).BMJ Clin Evid.
2015 Mar 16;2015:0815.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Candidiasis.
Morris BJ, Krieger JN.Penile inflammatory skin disorders and the preventive role of circumcision.Int J Prev Med.
2017;8:32. doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_377_16
MedlinePlus.Balanitis.
Anwar KP, Malik A, Subhan KH.Profile of candidiasis in HIV infected patients.Iran J Microbiol.
2012;4(4):204-9.
Folster-Holst R.Differential diagnoses of diaper dermatitis.Pediatr Dermatol.2018;35 Suppl 1:s10-s18.
doi:10.1111/pde.13484
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
Metin A, Dilek N, Bilgili SG.Recurrent candidal intertrigo: challenges and solutions.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
2014;22(3):165-178. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-22-03-165
Yapar N.Epidemiology and risk factors for invasive candidiasis.Ther Clin Risk Manag.
2014;10:95-105. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S40160
Cleveland Clinic.Invasive candidiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of candidiasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.C.
Lanternier F, Cypowyj S, Picard C, et al.Primary immunodeficiencies underlying fungal infections.Curr Opin Pediatr.
2010;23(2):253273. doi:10.1128/CMR.00076-09
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Risk factors for fungal diseases.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Mohamed AA, Lu XL, Mounmin FA.Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal candidiasis: current updates.Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol.
Published 2019 Oct 20. doi:10.1155/2019/3585136
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vaginal pH.
In:LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.
Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; April 8, 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of candidiasis.
Michigan Medicine.Recurrent vaginal yeast infections.
Mount Sinai.Vaginal yeast infection.
New York State Department of Health.What is a yeast infection?
2014;177(5-6):223-240. doi:10.1007/s11046-014-9749-1
