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Depending on where it occurs, some common names for candiasis include a yeast infection or thrush. Candidiasis is caused by a yeast-like fungus, Candida albicans. It is not often transmitted sexually, but it can be, depending on its location.
Causes
Candida albicans is normally present in healthy people all over the body in small amounts, and it doesn't usuallu cause any symptoms. A healthy immune system tends to keep it in check. Certain conditions, however, tend to causes an overgrowth of yeast in your body. For example, people with an immature or compromised immune system, such as infants or people with HIV, are more susceptible to candidiasis. People with diabetes are also highly at risk for recurrent yeast infections. Antibiotic therapy can also lead to yeast infections: When antibiotics kill a lot of bacteria in the body, the yeast has an opportunity to multiply and thrive.
Common Locations
When many women think of a "yeast infection" they think of a candidiasis of the vagina, which is a very common location for these yeast to grow. Other common locations include the diaper area of babies, both male and female, and the throat. Yeast infections of the throat are called "thrush" and again, are common in infants. Yeast can also thrive in skin folds, such as obese people often have.
Symptoms
When Candida infects the vagina it results in inflammation, itching, burning, and a white, cheesy discharge. Oral thrush will appears as white sores or patches on the tongue, back of the throat or inside the cheeks. A candidiasis of the diaper area is hard to tell apart from a regular "diaper rash" -- diaper rash that doesn't respond to regular hygiene and rash ointments should be brought to the attention of the baby's health-care provider.
Treatment
Antifungals such as clotrimazole, miconazole and terconazole are effective in treating candidiasis. These medications are available for vaginal yeast infections as over-the-counter drugs. Yeast infections in other parts of the body should be seen and evaluated by your health-care provider. In fact, if you have never had a vaginal yeast infection before, see your health care provider before treating it yourself to make sure that it is indeed a yeast infection. If over-the-counter treatments don't work, your doctor can prescribe stronger medications.
