Getting candid about Candida Infections

Candida albicans is yeast like fungus, which usually resides in the intestines, along with many other micro organisms collectively known as intestinal flora. A balance among them normally prevents uncontrolled growth of any one type. However, sometimes the balance is upset, allowing Candida to multiply unchecked and cause infection. Also called thrush or yeast infections, candidiasis can affect any area of mucous membrane or moist skin. In the vagina, it causes a thick, whitish curd like discharge, and frequent itchiness and soreness. A fungal infection of the mouth, also known as oral thrush, causes sores – raised, creamy yellow patches in the mouth and on the tongue.

Candida can also affect the nipples and the folds of skin at the sides of the nails. Some babies develop nappy rash infected with Candida. This is usually bright red with white patches. Generalised infection of the whole body is rare but can be serious.

Overgrowth of Candida in the intestines can cause symptoms such as poor digestion, wind, bloating, and problems such as fatigue and headaches. Candida infection can be triggered by anything that upsets the balance among microorganisms in the body, for example poor general health, pregnancy, stress, poor immunity, and medication like antibiotics, steroids or contraceptive pills.

Vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is inflammation of the vagina caused by Candida fungus. Thrush is a very common, not to mention misery causing problem. According to research statistics, three quarters of all women will get vaginal candidiasis at some stage in their lives. Some women suffer only one attack, whereas the unlucky ones suffer several attacks in a year. Every woman should know that whereas candidiasis is not life threatening, it could cause a lot of distress. The more you know, the less it will worry you. Women are likely to suffer one of three forms of genitourinary infections at some point in their lives: thrush, cystitis and bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginal thrush is not necessarily a sexually transmitted infection, although it can be transmitted across partners. Men can be silent carriers of this infection, and often do not seek medical attention. So they keep re-infecting their partners. The imbalance that leads to vaginal thrush can be caused by many things, such as the hormonal imbalance caused by menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Poorly controlled diabetes, disinfectants in the bath and vaginal deodorants can also trigger infection.

Symptoms of genital thrush

Women
o Itching and soreness around the vagina
o A thick whitish discharge that does not necessarily smell unpleasant
o Swelling of the labia
o Pain when passing urine
o Post coital pain

Men
o Irritation, burning or itching under the foreskin or at the penile tip
o Redness or red patches under the foreskin or on the penile tip
o A thick cheesy discharge under the foreskin
o Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin
o Pain when passing urine

Most but not all sufferers experience these symptoms. They can also be symptoms of cystitis, which is inflammation of the bladder.

Treatment after diagnosis is usually by antifungal medication,which is taken orally. Sometimes, antifungal creams may be prescribed to relieve the itching. For pregnant women antifungal pessaries are prescribed, which should be inserted into the vagina for the advised period.

How to avoid thrush
While there is no simple solution to prevent thrush, there are a number of things you can do to prevent getting it often. Avoid wearing tights, underwear not made of cotton, leggings, and tight jeans and trousers. Wash and wipe your genital area from front to back. Avoid scratching when you have an infection, as the fungus can be spread by hand. Any constant scratching can cause thickening of the skin and further infection. During your period, use sanitary pads rather than tampons. Avoid perfumed soaps, genital sprays and deodorants and other irritants such as disinfectants. Get rid of your bubble baths and other bath additives.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, remind him that you tend to get thrush. He will then prescribe something to prevent the thrush. Avoid very hot baths or showers. Be careful to dry skin folds very carefully. Limit foods containing added sugar and refined carbohydrates. Reduce your intake of foods containing natural sugars such as milk, fruit and wine.

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