Candida Albicans Symptoms

Candida albicans is a type of fungus that causes "candidiasis," or yeast infections. There are different types of yeast infections, such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection and cutaneous candidiasis (skin yeast infection.) While the majority of candida albicans symptoms for each infection are similar, there are subtle differences relative to the area of the infection.

Oral Yeast Infection

Also referred to as "oral thrush," a yeast infection in the mouth can be quite painful. They often occur in newborns, denture wearers and those with a weak immune system. Symptoms are a white, creamy substance inside the cheeks, on the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth. The Mayo Clinic also adds "cotton mouth," pain and cracks around the edges of the mouth to the symptoms list.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

When one hears the term "yeast infection," a vaginal infection is usually the first type that comes to mind. Vaginal yeast infections often occur when a patient is on antibiotics, as this kills off the good bacteria in the body, as well as the bad.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are extreme itchiness, painful urination, and redness and inflammation of the vulvar skin. The National Institutes of Health also states that there is often an abnormal vaginal discharge, which can appear watery and whitish, or thick and white, almost resembling a curd cheese or cottage cheese.

Skin Yeast Infections

Cutaneous candidiasis is also referred to as a yeast infection of the skin. The most common example is a diaper rash. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the candida albicans fungi thrive in moist, warm conditions, such as in a diaper. They also like the warm, moist skin folds under the breasts and other areas. Symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis are red patches of skin that can ooze and turn white, severe itching, and tenderness in the inflamed area.

General Symptoms

If you have an overgrowth of candida albicans anywhere in the body, it can cause other symptoms along with the localized physical symptoms. According to Marcelle Pick, an OB/GYN, the generalized symptoms of candida overgrowth include a lack of energy, headaches, weakness and dizziness, low blood sugar, respiratory issues, depression, confusion and the inability to concentrate. Having candida albicans in the system can affect the entire body, not just the area where a visible infection appears. There can often be an overgrowth in the digestive tract. While it cannot be seen physically, the symptoms that show up can be changes in bowel movements, gas, and inflammatory bowel disease.