Yeast Infection Causes
October 6th, 2008 Posted by: admin
Yeast infections called Candidiasis are infections caused by different varieties of the Candida yeast. They are normal inhabitants of the digestive tract and the vagina. Yeast infections are experienced by both male and female adults and in children. When an infection occurs it is usually caused by an overgrowth of the yeast due to environmental conditions such as warm , humid weather or by one taking an antibiotic for an extended period. Sometimes if the proper conditions exist the infection can invade deeper tissues, or the blood, causing a life-threatening condition.
Common areas of the body infected by the Candida yeast are:
1. Vagina, infections occur more commonly in women who are pregnant or are taking antibiotics. Infections of this area also occur more frequently in women who are diabetic. Symptoms include a white or yellowish discharge, burning, itching internally and externally with a redness of the internal and external parts of the vagina.
2. Penis, infections occur in males who are diabetic or had sexual contact with a partner with a yeast infection. The symptoms will include a reddish, painful rash on the underside of the penis.
3. Mouth, infection called thrush can also be attributed to the Candida yeast. Whitish or cream colored areas occur on the tongue or on the sides of the mouth. Thrush can be caused by diabetes or AIDS in adults or by those taking antibiotics.
4. Nails, candida infections of the nail beds can also occur which results in painful swelling of the area with sometimes a secretion of pus. Nails that are infected may turn yellow or white and separate from the surrounding skin.
5. Skin yeast infections sometimes occur in skin folds that are moist. Skin yeast infection treatment include antifungal creams and lotions.
If you know that you have a Candida yeast infection either by the above symptoms or a diagnosis from your physician, what can you do about this condition?
Treatment will depend on where the infection is located. If it is on the skin, say in a skin fold or the penis or external vaginal areas the treatment is often anti-fungal creams to kill off the infection and hydrocortisone for the pain and itching.
Treatment for thrush is usually a slow dissolving lozenge or a liquid medication that is swished about in the mouth. Treatment for yeast infections of the vagina include suppositories with anti-fungal creams or lotions for the external areas.
One of the things that can reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection is the reduction of sugars in the diet. Adding yogurt to the diet that has live cultures in it will help prevent Candida from developing by adding beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract and the vagina. Yogurt also helps in getting the internal areas back to normal with bacteria that is helpful in controlling this environment such as bifida and acidophilus.
Some of the dietary additions and supplements that can help control yeast infections include: garlic, biotin, goldenseal and oregano oil. These items can be obtained at your local health food store or grocer.
