All symptoms of yeast infections are caused by the yeast species, Candida. Candida is naturally found living on your skin, in your digestive tract and mucus membranes. As long as you are healthy and your G.I. tract is in balance, then the yeast is kept in check. However, when something happens and your G.I. tract goes out of balance, then the yeast can grow to large numbers and cause an infection.
Yeast like to live and grow in very specific conditions as they like warm and moist places. Some areas that typically can develop yeast infections include skin folds, the underarms, genitals, the mouth and behind the knees and elbows. Babies tend to develop symptoms of yeast infection under their diapers. The most common yeast infections are nail bed infections, vaginal yeast infections, thrush or mouth yeast infections and diaper rash.
Generally adults will have a greater chance of developing yeast infections as they age. The vast majority of these yeast infections form Candida are around the dentures, nail beds and in skin folds. In very rare cases a yeast infection can become systemic and spread through the entire body. This is very dangerous as 75% of all individuals with a systemic Candida disease will die. Recurring symptoms of yeast infections can be a sign of a more serious condition such as leukemia, AIDS or diabetes.
You can develop a yeast infection when taking antibiotics because the antibiotics kill off the good bacteria that live on and in your body that regulate yeast growth. The antibiotics are actually promoting yeast growth by changing your body’s environment. Steroids and birth control can also change the body’s chemistry so that yeast infections have a greater chance of developing which is why women are more prone to developing yeast infections.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of yeast infection so that you can begin treatment immediately. A vaginal yeast infection is associated with white vaginal discharge, burning, irritation, itching and sometimes pain during sex. If you have thrush, then you can notice white patches in your throat and mouth that are surrounded by red. You may experience pain when eating or drinking.
Yeast infections that occur inside the body and occur because of a weakened immune system can cause problems with the function of those infected organs as well as pain. You can even get a yeast infection in the blood stream and this is very dangerous as it then has the potential to spread to the brain which can cause brain damage and impair brain function.
For yeast infections on your skin and nail beds, there are many over the counter medications that will quickly and easily treat the infection. If you are using over the counter medication, and it is not having any effect, you should visit your doctor. Also, thrush requires antifungals, which need to be prescribed by a doctor. If your yeast infection keeps coming back, then you may have other health issues and should see an experienced Candida doctor immediately.
The vast majority of individuals will not need hospital treatment for their symptoms of yeast infection. Some individuals with thrush may become severely dehydrated and require a stay in the hospital. If you have a yeast infection, as well as a fever, chills, abdominal pain and vomiting, then there is a high likelihood you have a kidney infection as well, and you should seek medical attention.
There are many symptoms of yeast infections that both men and women can show and the best solution is to find a doctor who has a track record of successfully treating patients who have had Candida and yeast infections. Be careful, however, if your doctor wants to prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics to treat your yeast infection as this will only likely make matters worse.
Doc Walton is the founder of CandidaCureZone.com and is dedicated to helping people get by educating them on the various
