Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast that is normally found in all people, but it can cause problems and infections in certain cases. We are seeing candidiasis more frequently now due to overuse of antibiotics, increase in incidence of AIDS, and increase in organ transplants and implanted devices like catheters, artificial valves and artificial joints, which increase the risk of infection. Overgrowth of Candida can cause infections of the vaginal canal, mouth, deep organs, and can sometimes cause widespread infection of the bloodstream. Candidiasis is also the yeast infection that causes diaper rashes in babies.

Vaginal candidiasis:
This is a common cause of vaginal infections in women, affecting one million women annually and up to 75% of all women at some point in their lifetime.

What causes it?
The vaginal canal naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Lactobacillus, a bacterial species found in dairy, prevents overgrowth of yeast. The balance between yeast and bacteria is disrupted during antibiotic use, in states of increased estrogen such as pregnancy, during use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, and in those with a weakened immune system.

What are the symptoms?
Yeast infections present with white, thick, odor-free vaginal discharge and a cottage-cheese appearance. The infection causes swelling, irritation, pain, soreness, watery vaginal discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva. Some may experience a burning sensation during urination and intercourse. A vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, but there is an increased risk of acquiring it during regular sexual activity. Some infections may be due to oral sex.

What is the treatment?
Treatment of yeast infections is aimed at killing the yeast that is causing the infections. There are over the counter medications such as creams, suppositories, and tablets that can be inserted into the vagina or applied on the vulva. Your doctor can also prescribe an anti-fungal pill or topical medications.
A longer treatment course might be needed for complicated yeast infections such as ones that present with four or more episodes within a year, severe signs and symptoms causing cracks and sores, infections in pregnant females or in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, and infections in those with weakened immune systems.

Oral candidiasis:
Oral candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, causes white, curd-like patches in the mouth or throat. The patches can also appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or on the palate. Patients who wear dentures will experience redness without white patches. Most patients state that their mouth feels like it is filled with cotton. Oral candidiasis typically occurs in people with abnormal immune systems, patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, people taking immunosuppressive drugs to protect transplanted organs, people with HIV, or patients taking certain medications through their mouth such as inhalers.
People with thrush usually get a prescription mouth rinse, a medicated lozenge, or a tablet to stick inside the gums to kill the yeast. Your doctor may sometimes prescribe a pill, especially if you have severe symptoms, diabetes, a weakened immune system, or are at risk for severe infections.
To prevent thrush, it is important to keep your mouth clean. Insides of mouth and tongue should be brushed twice a day as part of your daily routine. If you use inhalers by mouth, you should rinse the mouth after each use. If you wear dentures, it is really important to clean them nightly and to give your mouth some denture-free time.

Deep organ candidiasis:
Deep organ candidiasis, also known as invasive candidiasis, is a serious systemic infection that can affect internal organs such as the esophagus, heart, blood, liver, spleen, kidneys, eyes, and skin. The infection might start out as normal skin colonization or even as vaginal or oral candidiasis, but it can spread when a patient’s immune system is lowered. Deep organ candidiasis is also seen in patients with a history of stomach surgeries, burns, nasogastric tubes, and catheters as these conditions and implants can interfere with the body’s natural defense against infections. Increased incidence of candidiasis is also seen in patients with AIDS, organ transplants, weakened immune systems, and decreased, malfunctioning, or missing white blood cells. Treatment in these patients starts with removal of any foreign devices likes catheters and systemic antifungal treatments to prevent the spread of disease. For prevention, it is important to keep catheters clean and inserted for as short a time as possible.

Talk to our dermatologists about Candida infections that are not responding to over the counter treatment options or if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, AIDS, are pregnant, or have implanted devices like catheters and tubes.