Feb 06 2010
Candidiasis Causes and Treatments
The human body naturally is home to numerous types of micro-organisms, which include fungus and bacteria. Some fungi and bacteria are useful for the body, while some have no effects or benefits, and still others will develop into harmful infections.
A fungal infection is caused by fungi residing in the nails, skin, and hair. In the condition called candidiasis, skin turns infected with the candida fungi. This is a very common and observable ailment. Infection can occur in a lot of parts of the body’s exposed skin. But, it is most likely to develop in a warm and damp environment. Moreover, these fungi delight in the dark, so they often develop in skin folds or creases, like the armpits and genital area. The fungus responsible for candidiasis is known as the candida albicans.
Candida is the highest and common cause of diaper rash in babies. This fungus gains from the warm, damp, dark environment found in the baby’s diaper. Candidiasis is very commonly found in those who have diabetes and in obese people. Antibiotics and contraceptives such as birth control pills will build up anyone’s risk of getting candidiasis. Candida may also develop into nail infections and infections in the corners of the mouth.
Oral thrush is also a usual candida infection that occurs in the mouth, and is usually connected with antibiotic use. Candida infections are not normally contagious, though at certain occasions people with poor immune systems can easily catch the infection.
Candida is the most known cause of vaginal yeast infections. These are very common and often connected to the use of antibiotics.
Symptoms of candidiasis you will experience include itching, rashes, skin lesions, infected hair follicles that look like pimples, and red or inflamed skin.
Candidiasis is diagnosed mainly by skin appearance. Certain occasions a sample is taken and the culture shows yeast forms, which provide evidence of a candida infection.
Maintaining personal cleanliness and hygiene is crucial to completely getting rid of candidiasis. Keeping clean, dry skin, that facilitates air circulation is very useful. Weight loss can rid of lots of problems in obese people. Diabetics can enjoy great gains from controlling sugar intake.
Candidiasis is normally easily treatable, except that repeat infections are also well known when the root cause is not removed totally. Topical antifungal medications are essentially used to treat skin infections. An oral antifungal medication may be required for infection of the nails or during serious candida involving the throat, mouth, or vagina. When you feel you may have symptoms of candidiasis you should immediately call for an appointment with your physician for proper diagnosis.
Keeping total tip top hygiene and health can assist you to prevent candida infections. Take steps to keep your skin clean and dry. Using a drying powder could stop a fungal infection in particular areas which are easily susceptible. Weight loss and controlling sugar intake in obese and diabetic persons can help remove candidiasis infections.
