There are over 150 species of Candida yeast micro-organisms known, and some have symbiotic relationships on and within human beings. A few, like Candida albicans, can be virulent under certain circumstances and proliferate into infections and cause symptoms. Candida infections, also called "candidiasis," predominantly occur in moist, unexposed areas such as the vagina, mouth, buttocks and under the breasts.
Causes of Candida Infections
According to "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management," the main cause of Candida infection is reduced immune system function. Immune systems can become weakened through disease, such as AIDS, cancer and diabetes, or due to disease treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, or from poor nutrition, lack of sleep and stress. Other causes of candidiasis include overusing antibiotics, long-term use of birth control pills, and consuming highly acidic foods and beverages, such as chocolate and diet soda.
Candidiasis of the Vagina
The most common Candida infection in women is vaginal candidiasis, which is a variety of vaginitis. "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management" cites that 75 percent of American females suffer a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes, and about 45 percent suffer multiple times. MayoClinic.com relates that symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are itching, inflammation, pain with sex and tampon insertion, burning sensation with urination, moldy odor and white or light yellow cheese-like discharge. Most of the symptoms occur because the Candida yeast changes into its fungal form, which can burrow into the walls of the vagina and release toxic substances.
Candidiasis of the Skin
Candidiasis of the skin, or moniliasis, is common among women also. Candida grows in warm and moist regions, such as the underarms, within the cleft of the buttocks, and underneath breasts and folds of skin. Generally, obese and large breasted elderly women are more at risk of fungal infections, especially if they can't reach these areas to clean thoroughly. Merck.com relates that symptoms of fungal skin infections are gray or reddish itchy skin rashes, skin inflammation, blisters and the characteristic musty odor.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a Candida fungal infection of the toenails and fingernails, which causes the nail-beds to thicken, split, crumble, and turn a white or grayish color. Because the fungal form of Candida burrows into the nail-bed, onychomycosis is very difficult to eliminate.
Candidiasis of the Mouth
Candidiasis of the mouth, or "oral thrush," infects the inside lining of the cheeks and the top and sides of the tongue. Oral thrush commonly occurs among children taking antibiotics and people with compromised immunity, like those with cancer, diabetes or HIV infection. "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management" cites that over 90 percent of patients with full-blown AIDS, both women and men alike, suffer from oral thrush. MayoClinic.com relates that symptoms of oral thrush are light colored, cheese-like lesions that can be painful, which make chewing and swallowing difficult. Oral thrush also produces sweet, but musty smelling breath.
Systemic Candidiasis
Systemic candidiasis occurs in people with severely compromised immune systems. The Candida yeast and fungal forms infect vital organs, such as the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes, through the bloodstream. Roughly 15 percent of Candida infections within severely immune deficient patients develop into systemic candidiasis, and about 40 percent of those patients die from the complications, as noted by an article in, "Critical Reviews in Microbiology."
References
- Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management; Malcolm Richardson; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Yeast Infections - Vaginal
- Merck.com: Skin Candidiasis - Moniliasis
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Candidiasis - Thrush
- "Critical Reviews in Microbiology"; Candida Infections: An Overview; Frank C. Odds; January, 1987
