Candida is a classification consisting of over 150 yeast-type organisms. Many candida species interact symbiotically with people and cause no symptoms. However, when homeostasis is disrupted in the body, virulent species such as candida albicans overgrow and cause infections. Reduced immunity, antibiotic use and poor nutrition are the main causes of candida infections, or "candidiasis," according to "Professional Guide to Diseases." Candidiasis usually occurs in warm, moist regions not exposed to the air.
Skin Candidiasis
Candidiasis of the skin can occur without internal candida infections, but frequently the two are related. Externally, candida yeast species prefer moist and hidden areas, such as under the arms, breasts and toenails or between the buttocks and other folds of skin. Consequently, skin candidiasis is more common among obese people, especially the elderly, who are unable to wash properly. The Merck Manual notes that symptoms of external candidiasis infections include inflammation, small blisters and grayish and red skin rashes that are itchy. Onychomycosis is the term for fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails, which cause splitting, thickening, and a white or grayish, disintegrating appearance.
Oral Candidiasis
Oral candidiasis, also called "oral thrush," affects the inside of the mouth. This condition occurs among children taking antibiotics and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer or diabetes. MayoClinic.com notes that symptoms of oral thrush include yellow and white cheese-like patches within the cheeks, on the tongue and sometimes into the esophagus. The patches can be painful, making it uncomfortable to chew and swallow. In addition, oral thrush often creates foul, musty-smelling breath. The "Professional Guide to Diseases" cites that about 90 percent of AIDS patients experience oral thrush.
Vaginal Candidiasis
Candidiasis also affects the vagina and is a common cause of inflammation, called vaginitis. MayoClinic.com lists the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis as internal itching, swelling, pain with intercourse, burning with urination and a white, cheese-like discharge that has a musty odor. The reason for the pain and inflammation is that the candida yeast morphs into its fungal form, which then burrows into tissue and releases harmful toxins. The "Professional Guide to Diseases" cites that about 75 percent of North American women experience vaginal candidiasis at least once, and more than 40 percent experience it multiple times.
Systemic Candidiasis
Systemic candidiasis usually begins as isolated infections of the mouth or genitalia; however, in severely immune-deficient people, about 15 percent of cases spread through the body via the bloodstream to become a systemic infection, as cited in the journal, "Critical Reviews in Microbiology." Systemic candidiasis targets vital organs, such as the heart, kidney and brain. This condition may lead to endocarditis, nephritis and meningitis, respectively. The results can be deadly, as an estimated 45 percent of those with severe systemic candidiasis die from the complications.
References
- "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2008
- The Merck Manuals Online: Skin Candidiasis
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Thrush Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Yeast Infection (Vaginal) Symptoms
- "Critical Reviews in Microbiology"; Candida Infections: An Overview; Frank C. Odds; 1987
