A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, occurs due to an overgrowth of a specific fungus called Candida albicans. There are several different kinds of yeast infections, which all require treatment with antifungal medication to resolve symptoms. People who develop symptoms of a yeast infection should seek care from a medical professional.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is a common infection in women; in fact, approximately 75 percent of women develop this type of infection at least once during their life, according to WomensHealth.gov. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are uncomfortable and include intense vaginal itching; white, thick or lumpy vaginal discharge; pain during sexual intercourse or urination; and vaginal swelling, inflammation or redness. Approximately 12 to 15 percent of men develop a yeast infection along the penis after engaging in unprotected sex with women who have this kind of yeast infection, WomensHealth.gov warns.
Thrush or Oral Yeast Infection
Another kind of yeast infection is called thrush, or an oral yeast infection, MedlinePlus reports. Oral thrush can lead to the appearance of creamy, white skin lesions along the tongue or inside the cheeks. If a person scratches or damages these skin lesions while brushing the teeth or eating, the lesions may begin bleeding. People can also develop cracks along the corner of the mouth, which can be painful. Oral lesions may grow in size and can spread into the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing or a sore throat.
Skin or Nail Yeast Infection
Additionally, excessive growth of Candida albicans across the skin or nails can cause a skin infection. Skin yeast infections can occur across any region of the body. People with this kind of yeast infection often develop red, itchy skin rashes between the toes or fingers or beneath the breasts, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Breast-feeding mothers can develop a yeast infection across the breasts or nipples if their infant has an oral yeast infection. A nipple or breast yeast infection can cause symptoms of severe pain, itching, blistering or burning, AskDrSears.com reports.
Systemic Yeast Infection
A systemic yeast infection is a serious condition that occurs when this fungal infection spreads to the digestive and respiratory tracts and blood stream. Symptoms of a systemic yeast infection include fatigue, breathing problems, bowel movement changes, dizziness and muscle aches, according Linda Allen in a March 2008 article published in the "American Chronicle." People who have depressed immune systems due to alternate medical conditions, such as HIV or AIDS, are at an increased risk of developing this kind of yeast infection.
