What is candida yeast




















Vaginal candidiasis may pass to a partner during sex, for example. Also, if a Candida infection enters the bloodstream, it can spread to various other parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, and other organs. Symptoms of candidiasis vary based on the location of the infection.

Below, learn more about the possible locations of a Candida infection and the associated symptoms. Because Candida thrives in warm, moist environments, cutaneous candidiasis often develops in the folds of the skin. Cutaneous candidiasis can cause the following symptoms :. An overgrowth of Candida around the nail beds can cause candidiasis of the nails. Symptoms may include:. Learn more about candidiasis of the skin and nails here.

Some possible symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include:. A person may develop penile candidiasis after sexual intercourse with someone who has vaginal candidiasis. Penile candidiasis can cause painful swelling at the tip of the penis. Other possible symptoms include:. The symptoms vary, according to the location of the infection in the body. However, it can cause generalized symptoms, such as a fever and chills. The condition may also cause septic shock , with the following symptoms:.

Or, a doctor may take a scraping from the area and examine the cells under a microscope. They may prefer to do this for suspected candidiasis of the skin, mouth, or nails. In some cases, blister-like lesions can form. The skin may also become thickened or produce a white substance that has a curd-like appearance. Antifungal creams are typically given to clear the skin infection. They can contain antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole.

A steroid cream may also be given to help ease any itching or swelling. The skin should also be kept dry while recovering. In order to diagnose candidiasis , your doctor will first take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms.

Many common cases of candidiasis can often be diagnosed through a physical examination. If your doctor is uncertain if your symptoms are due to a Candida infection, they may take a sample from the affected area. This sample can then be used to culture the organism and to identify what species it is. For example, if candidemia is suspected, your doctor will collect a blood sample for testing. If Candida albicans enter your bloodstream, they can cause serious infections not only in your blood but in other organs as well.

An important risk factor for developing more invasive Candida conditions is neutropenia. This is when there are abnormally low levels of cells called neutrophils in your blood. It can make you more prone to infections.

People that are commonly affected by neutropenia include people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer , and people with leukemia or other bone marrow diseases. Individuals that have neutropenia and an invasive Candida infection have different treatment recommendations.

Candidemia is a blood infection with Candida species. It can lead to long hospital stays and an increase in mortality due to concurrent conditions. Symptoms can resemble those of bacterial sepsis and can include:. Treatment may depend on the species of Candida causing the infection, but can include IV doses of fluconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, or amphotericin B.

Catheters should also be removed. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart, which includes the heart chambers and valves. Fungal endocarditis is a very serious condition with a high mortality rate.

Candida albicans is responsible for 24 to 46 percent of all cases of fungal endocarditis. Diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are often similar to endocarditis caused by bacteria. Treatment may include intravenous IV fluconazole or amphotericin B, removal of any infected medical device, and possible surgical removal of fungus from the tissue.

Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye that can be caused by fungus. Your doctor may prescribe drying agents with antifungal creams, ointments, or lotions that are applied to your skin.

Suppositories and oral medications are also available. You will probably be prescribed over-the-counter drugs, such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole, both of which are topical you apply on top of the skin and from a class of antifungal drugs known as azoles.

They are available in forms like ointments, tablets, and creams. Amphotericin B is an intravenous medication only used in the hospital setting. Different kinds of drugs will be used based on the type of infection and the affected body part.

For example:. Some medications, such as miconazole and clotrimazole, can be safely used to treat candida infection in any trimester of pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you to use. In rare cases, antifungals may cause severe allergic reactions or severe skin reactions, including peeling or blistered skin. Children can more prone to candida fungus skin infections when compared to adults. Children are most likely to develop sinus infections, skin rashes including diaper rash , oral thrush, and earaches from candida overgrowth.

Treatment will depend on the specific type of candida infection. It may be topical medication for skin infections or antifungal medications, which are sometimes oral. There are simple steps you may take to reduce your risk of developing candida infections.

In healthy adults, candidiasis is often minor and is easily treated. The infection can be more problematic in older adults and young children, as well as other groups that have weaker immune systems.

This can cause a spread of the infection to other parts of the body, especially in cases of oral thrush. The areas it can spread to include the:. Preventive measures as well as early treatment can go a long way in preventing candida growth. The sooner you seek treatment for suspected candidiasis, the better the outcome. But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections. Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies. To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn't fit too tightly. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.

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