Yeast is a fungus that can cause infections in various parts of the body. Yeast can cause white patches in the mouth or throat, vaginal itching or discharge, rashes and trouble swallowing. Typically, certain anti-fungal medications can destroy the yeast and clear up the infections
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush refers to a fungal infection affecting the mouth and throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, the fungus Candida albicans begins to accumulate in the mouth. Symptoms of oral thrush include a white lesion on the inner cheeks, tongue, tonsils and roof of the mouth. Oral thrush can also lead to a loss of taste, cracking at the corners of the mouth, pain and bleeding when the white lesions are scraped. Oral thrush can also lead to red and itchy nipples if the Candida albicans fungus affects the breast region. Pain during nursing and pain within the breast tissue are other symptoms of oral thrush.
Infants and breastfeeding mothers with oral thrush may be prescribed an anti-fungal medication. Healthy children and adults can eat yogurt or acidophilus capsules to destroy the fungus. People with weakened immune symptoms may require anti-fungal medications to eliminate the fungus.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
The Candida albicans fungus can also infiltrate vaginal tissue and lead to a yeast infection. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal discharge that is watery, thick, white or cottage cheese-like. Women may also experience pain with intercourse and with urination. Other vaginal yeast infection symptoms include redness or swelling of the vulva (part of the vagina) and vaginal itching.
Typically, no treatment is needed if the symptoms are mild and the woman is not pregnant. However, medications such as miconazole, clotrimazole or tioconazole can be used for three to seven days to treat the fungal infection. Fluconazole is another antibiotic medication that can be used to treat a fungal infection.
Tinea Versicolor
The American Academy of Dermatology says that tinea versicolor refers to a yeast infection of the skin. It is important to know that yeast lives in the skin, but when it accumulates, it can cause tinea versicolor.
Specific symptoms of this skin infection include tiny spots that may appear white-to-pink or tan-to-dark, says the American Academy of Dermatology. These spots are usually found on the back, upper chest and neck.
Treatment for tinea versicolor includes using lotions, creams and shampoos that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc. Oral anti-fungal medications such as ketoconazole can also be used to treat tinea versicolor.
