Candidiasis | Cause, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any type of Candida (a type of yeast). When it affects the mouth, it is commonly called thrush. Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing. When it affects the vagina, it is commonly called a yeast infection. Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning. And sometimes a white “cottage cheese-like” discharge from the vagina. Less commonly the penis may be affected, resulting in itchiness. Very rarely, the infection may become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body. This may result in fevers along with other symptoms depending on the parts involved.

What are the sign & symptoms and complications of this disease?

A candida infection of the skin appears as a clearly defined patch of red, itchy skin, often leaking fluid. Scabs and pustules may be seen around the edge of the rash. It will usually find in areas such as the groin, the folds of the buttocks, between the breasts, toes, or fingers, and in the navel. It may be hard to see on people with darker skin. A vaginal yeast infection may well result in a slow leakage of a thick, white, clumpy (cottage-cheese-like) substance with no or minimal odour. The vagina may itch or burn, especially during urination or sex.

Pain or discomfort during intercourse is common. Candidal paronychia is candidiasis of the fingernails. It often strikes people whose hands are in water a lot. Sometimes it presents as a painful, red, swollen area around the fingernail. In worse cases, the fingernail may separate, revealing a discoloured white or yellow nail bed. Oral thrush causes curd-like white patches inside the mouth, on the tongue and palate and around the lips. It may also cause cracked, red, moist areas of skin at the corners of the mouth. Thrush patches may or may not be painful. Yeast infections of the penis are rare but may cause the tip to be red, swollen, and painful.

What is cause of candidiasis?

Candida yeasts are generally present in healthy humans, frequently part of the human body’s normal oral and intestinal flora, and particularly on the skin; however, their growth is normally limited by the human immune system and by competition of other microorganisms, such as bacteria occupying the same locations in the human body. Candida requires moisture for growth, notably on the skin. For example, wearing wet swimwear for long periods of time is believed to be a risk factor. In extreme cases, superficial infections of the skin or mucous membranes may enter into the bloodstream and cause systemic Candida infections. 

Causes

Factors that increase the risk of candidiasis include HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis, cancer treatments, steroids, stress,antibiotic usage, diabetes, and nutrient deficiency. Hormone replacement therapy and infertility treatments may also be predisposing factors. Treatment with antibiotics can lead to eliminating the yeast’s natural competitors for resources in the oral and intestinal flora; thereby increasing the severity of the condition. A weakened or undeveloped immune system or metabolic illnesses are significant predisposing factors of candidiasis. Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida species. Diets high in simple carbohydrates have been found to affect rates of oral candidiases.

C. albicans was isolated from the vaginas of 19% of apparently healthy women, i.e., those who experienced few or no symptoms of infection. External use of detergents or douches or internal disturbances (hormonal or physiological) can perturb the normal vaginal flora, consisting of lactic acid bacteria, such as lactobacilli, and result in an overgrowth of Candida cells, causing symptoms of infection, such as local inflammation. Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives have been reported as risk factors. Diabetes mellitus and the use of antibiotics are also linked to increased rates of yeast infections. In penile candidiasis, the causes include sexual intercourse with an infected individual, low immunity, antibiotics, and diabetes. Male genital yeast infections are less common, but a yeast infection on the penis caused from direct contact via sexual intercourse with an infected partner is not uncommon.

Diagnosis of Candidiasis

Examination and sometimes culture of a sample of infected tissue. Many candidal infections apparents from the symptoms alone. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor must identify the fungi in a sample viewed under a microscope. Samples of blood or other infected tissues may be sent to a laboratory to be cultured and examined to identify the fungi. If candidemia is diagnosed, doctors may examine the eyes to determine whether the eyes are infected.

What is the treatment of that disease?

Candidiasis isn’t normally a dangerous disease except in rare cases. When it enters the blood and spreads to vital organs of people with weakened immune systems. For infection of the skin, your doctor can give you an antifungal cream or powder or prescribe you an antifungal pill. For vaginal yeast infections, treatment consists of antifungal medications. That are administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments, or suppositories, or administered by mouth (e.g., fluconazole*). For oral thrush, a suspension of antifungal medication can be swished in the mouth and swallowed. For severe cases, antifungal medication taken by mouth for several days may be needed. Speak with your pharmacist. You can buy many of the creams and powder products intended for minor infections without a prescription.

How to prevent candidiasis?

A diet that supports the immune system. It is not high in simple carbohydrates contributes to a healthy balance of the oral and intestinal flora. While yeast infections associates with diabetes, the level of blood sugar control may not affect the risk. Wearing cotton underwear may help to reduce the risk of developing skin. And vaginal yeast infections, along with not wearing wet clothes for long periods of time. Oral hygiene can help prevent oral candidiasis when people have a weakened immune system. For people undergoing cancer treatment, chlorhexidine mouthwash can prevent or reduce thrush. People who use inhaled corticosteroids can reduce the risk of developing oral candidiasis by rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after using the inhaler. For women who experience recurrent yeast infections, there is limited evidence that oral or intravaginal probioticshelp to prevent future infections. This includes either as pills or as yogurt.

August 11, 2018 health