What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an infection by a kind of fungi: candida yeasts. Usually it is the candida albicans. Everyone carries this yeast species. He lives especially in a warm, moist environment, such as on the skin, in the mouth, vagina and intestines.
Normally you notice nothing of the yeast. But when candida the chance to spread, you can get complaints. This happens when your resistance is less, for example during a pregnancy, a period with much stress or after a course of antibiotics. What complaints you get depends on the location of the inflammation.
The vaginal candida infection is quite common. The yeast will arrange for itching and white discharge. Women can the candida infection during sex to their partner. A candida infection to the penis often causes a light scaling skin. Candida can cause diaper rash in babies. Is the candida yeast infection in the mouth, then it's called oral thrush.
In people with a very weak resistance (for example aids patients or people who have had major surgery) can the yeast in the blood. The kidneys and liver are damaged. This is almost never happy for.
Candidiasis is not the same as the candida syndrome.
Candidiasis diagnosis
A physician recognizes candidiasis often first on the rash on the skin or the white deposit on the mucous membranes. The doctor also checks to see if there are reasons to think that your resistance is low, for example, antibiotics.
In addition, the doctor may do several laboratory tests. The doctor then scrape some skin or touch away. She looks under the microscope. Also, they can be put on the cultivation in the laboratory.
Alternative practitioners often prescribe a diet for. However, there is no evidence that such a diet really works.
Candidiasis causes
Candidiasis can occur at a time when you have less resistance. In these situations, the reduced resistance:
- A time with a great deal of stress.
- During a pregnancy and after childbirth.
- When you medicines that the immune system suppression. Examples include cancer drugs (chemotherapy), antibiotics and corticosteroids.
- At a disease, such as aids, leukemia and diabetes.
Candidiasis treatment
Candidiasis of the skin, vagina and penis is usually curable with a cream or lotion. You have the cream usually seven to ten days, apply twice a day. For the treatment of candidiasis in the vagina or anus can also get suppositories.