Small amounts of yeast are beneficial to the body. Sometimes, however, the yeast that lives in the body will multiply to levels that are too high and cause an infection. This happens most often when antibiotics are used or when there is a disorder affecting the immune system. Luckily, most yeast infections are easily treated with medications and can be cured within a few days.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
There is a delicate balance of bacteria and organisms that live inside the vagina. Any time this balance is disrupted, the yeast that lives there can grow out of control and cause a vaginal yeast infection, which causes the vagina and surrounding area to become irritated and intensely itchy, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women's Health. During a yeast infection, there will be a foul-smelling discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Some women develop a low-grade fever in the first few days. These types of infection are usually treated with over-the-counter medications and can be cured anywhere from one to seven days after the initial infection.
Male Yeast Infection
MayoClinic.com states that it is possible for a man to catch a yeast infection from a woman. Sexual intercourse is the most common way for a man to develop a yeast infection, but overuse of antibiotics can cause one as well. The symptoms of a male yeast infection include a rash around the penis and the surrounding area. The tip of the penis will burn as well. The man may develop a whitish discharge from the penis. Male yeast infections can also be treated easily with over-the-counter medications.
Oral Thrush
The KidsHealth website describes oral thrush as a yeast infection that causes irritation in and around a baby's mouth. The yeast in the baby's mouth that normally aids in digestion grows out of control, and a yeast infection of the mouth is the result. The symptoms of oral thrush in an infant include cracking and peeling in the corners of the baby's mouth. There will also be white patches that form inside the mouth--on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the roof of the mouth and sometimes on the back of the throat--that cannot be wiped away and may bleed if scratched. The baby may also have a hard time eating and act as if it hurts to nurse. Oral thrush is treated with prescription medication and can be cured quickly.
