Yeast infection
Definition
Yeast infection is generally the infection by Candida albicans in any part of the body.
Yeast infection is a collective term for candidiasis, moniliasis and oidiomycosis.
There are various types of yeast infections cutaneous candidiasis, diaper candidiasis, perianal candidiasis, congenital cutaneous candidiasis, candidial paronychia, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, candidial intertrigo, oral candidiasis, pharyngeal candidiasis, intestinal candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica and candida infection of urinary bladder and genitals. Candida can cause superficial skin infection or potentially fatal systemic infections also. The systemic candida infection is also called as candidemia and is seen in immuno-compromised patients like cancer, AIDS patients or transplant recipients. In immuno-competent patients the candida infection is superficial and localized.
Alternative names
Fungal infection, Candidiasis, Cutaneous candidiasis, Vaginal candidiasis, Monilial vaginitis, Oral candidiasis
Causes, incidence and risk factors
Yeast infection may be caused by Candida which is present on nails, hair and skin.
Cutaneous candidiasis is the skin infection caused by Candida albicans. It can occur at any place on the body but commonly occurs in warm and moist places like armpits and groin.
Vaginal candidiasis is due to use of antibiotics. When the normal inhabitants of vagina are killed by use of antibiotics (taken for other illnesses) and Candida albicans overgrows and causes infection.
Oral candidiasis is the fungal infection of the mucus lining of the mouth caused by Candida albicans. It is caused due to use of antibiotics and immunodeficiency disorders.
Pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, infertility treatment, stress, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, obesity and immuno-compromised state are the risk factors for yeast infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of yeast infection depend on the site of infection.
Reddening and inflammation of skin, satellite lesions, rash, enlarging patches, macules, papules and itching are the symptoms of cutaneous candidiasis. Infection is seen in skin folds, genitals, buttocks, trunk or under the breast.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are abnormal vaginal discharge, pain while urination and intercourse, reddening of vulva, itching and burning of vagina and labia or inflammation of skin of vulva.
Sighs and tests
Yeast infection can be diagnosed by examination of appearance of skin. Skin scrapings may be observed under microscope for candida or cultured in laboratory.
Treatment
General personal cleanliness, skin dryness, exposure to sunlight is important in treatment of cutaneous candidiasis. Sugar control for diabetics and loosing weight for obese people help in treating yeast infection. Topical antifungal creams containing nystatin, fluconazole, ketaconazole, miconazole or clotrimazole are helpful. Oral intake of anti-fungal medication is required in cases of folliculitis, nail fungus and yeast infections of mouth, throat and vagina. For the treatment of first vaginal yeast infection doctor’s advice should be taken. Subsequent infections can be treated by use of topical antifungal creams after making sure that it is a yeast infection. If the infection does not go away then again medical advice is a must. In severe hospitalized cases of yeast infection caspofungin, amphoterecin B or voriconazole are used for the treatment.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Cutaneous candidiasis can be treated well but recurrent infections are possible.
Complications
Infection of nails can cause spread of infection to the surrounding tissue. There may be recurrent cutaneous yeast infections. The candida infections may spread widely in the body in immuno-compromised patients. Prolonged skin scratching makes it more susceptible to infections.
Recurrent yeast infection is the sign of other disease.
Calling your health care provide
If there are symptoms of yeast infection in any part of the body then it is better to call the health care provider before it spreads.
Prevention
General personal hygiene, avoiding moisture, washing cloths after every use, sugar control in diabetics and weight loss in obese people can prevent yeast infections.
Reference
Nih.gov, wikipedia.com