Yeast Infection

A yeast infection, or vaginal 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 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.

Vaginal candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis 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. This 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 are 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.

Talk to our dermatologists for yeast 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.