Candida Issue
A yeast infection (aka, candidal infection) is an over-growth of microscopic fungi that normally live on our body. This yeast is typically controlled by "good" bacteria. When the fungi (or yeast) begin to populate within a certain area, it most often becomes an infection.
The infected areas are warm and moist places on the body, such as skin folds, arm pits, groin, anal area, oral, nail bed, etc. Unexposed skin is often softer and more sensitive than normally exposed skin. The pores within these areas are open and prone to being a breeding ground. Yeast infections are not partial to the female body. Men also are susceptible as are babies. Commonly infected areas (but not limited to) specific to group:
Women -
* Under breasts
* vaginal area
Men -
* Penile foreskin
Babies -
* Diapered areas
* oral (mouth)
The signs of a yeast infection will vary depending on what area is thought to be infected. Visually, a vaginal yeast infection will have a creamy colored white discharge resembling cottage cheese and an unpleasant odor. Normally along with the discharge the vaginal area will be itchy and irritated. It is also not unusual to encounter pain if engaging in intercourse or a burning sensation during urination.
Visual indications of an oral yeast infection (thrush) include a white residue or curd-type film under the tongue or in the cheeks which is normally sore and sensitive. Other signs include redness, soreness and dryness in the creases of the mouth. Other signs of an oral yeast infection may involve part or all of the mouth including under dentures.
For males, a penile yeast infection will normally appear red, dry, and patchy. The affected area will be tender and itchy.
The Root of the Matter
Candida infection is most typically caused in females by changes within the vagina via high antibiotic doses or steroid use. It is also not uncommon to be caused in part by pregnancy, sperm, birth control or menstruation. For men, infections are mainly caused by diabetes, obesity, transmitted by an infected person or poor physical hygiene.
Yeast infections are most commonly associated with aging and menopause. In younger and older people, candida infection may also be caused as a result of a weakened immune system from medical treatments for illnesses such as AIDS or cancer.
Getting Over It
With any medical condition, an immediate treatment must be followed. There are holistic approaches to treating and eliminating a yeast infection. Most people I know that have had or are having this uncomfortable condition experience embarrassment when going to the doctor or pharmacy. The best advice for early treatment is to get diagnosed and treated holistically. If the condition worsens or has been untreated, seek the conventional medicine approach and seek a doctor immediately. Long term repercussions of an untreated case of yeast infection can lead to life threatening results.
The information provided above is not intended to substitute or disclaim medical care by a licensed health practitioner or physician. Information serves only as an educational tool. Much of the information was cited and based on information by the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services.
