MedlinePlus, an online medical library offered by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that Candida is the scientific name for yeast. Yeast naturally exists everywhere, including on the skin and in the mouth and throat. MedlinePlus reports that the immune system and natural bacteria in the body limit the growth of Candida. However when the immune system is suppressed or antibiotics have killed the natural bacteria, Candida can overgrow and cause an inflammatory condition called candidiasis.
White Plaques
Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports that candidiasis is often characterized by formation of white plaques. If the yeast infection is in the mouth, there may be white plaques on the inner cheeks, mouth and throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, there may also be white lesions that look somewhat like cottage cheese.
Itching
Candidiasis also causes itching at the location of infection. MedlinePlus reports that if the skin is infected, there may be an itchy rash. In women, vaginal candidiasis also causes intense itching, along with pain and discharge.
Esophageal Symptoms
Candidiasis can occur in the esophagus, which the long tube that connects the mouth and the stomach. Esophageal symptoms of candidiasis are pain in the throat and difficulty swallowing. The throat may also feel itchy, as mentioned above.
Mouth Symptoms
Candidiasis in the mouth also causes unique problems. The Mayo Clinic reports that the mouth may have a cottony feel, and Merck Manuals notes that the corners of the mouth may become cracked and even bleed. Merck Manuals suggests that infection at the corners of the mouth is common when licking lips, wearing dentures that do not fit correctly or sucking one's thumb, which causes the area to be moist and creates an environment where the yeast can flourish.
Invasive Candidiasis Symptoms
Most cases of candidiasis affect the skin or mucus membranes, but Merck Manuals notes that immunosuppressed patients may be susceptible to a particularly severe type of yeast infection: invasive candidiasis or candidemia. Merck Manuals reports that this condition is characterized by fever and other symptoms that may be nonspecific: septic shock, shutdown of the kidneys and massive clotting of the blood throughout the body.
