What does a yeast infection look like? Discover the visual signs and symptoms of candidiasis, from vaginal discharge to skin rashes. Learn about the various treatment options and effective management strategies for this common fungal infection.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that naturally resides in the body. While Candida is typically kept in check by other microorganisms, certain factors can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to the development of a yeast infection.

Some of the common risk factors for yeast infections include:

• Antibiotic use, which can kill the beneficial bacteria that keep Candida in check
• Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or while using hormonal contraceptives
• Weakened immune system, as seen in individuals with conditions like HIV or those undergoing cancer treatment
• Diabetes, which can lead to high blood sugar levels that promote the growth of Candida
• Poor hygiene or the use of irritating products in the genital area

Identifying Yeast Infection Symptoms: A Visual Guide

The appearance of a yeast infection can vary depending on its location in the body. Let’s explore the common visual signs and symptoms associated with different types of yeast infections:

Vaginal Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as thrush, is characterized by a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. The vagina and vulva may also appear red, swollen, and itchy.

Penile Yeast Infection

Yeast infections on the penis, though less common, can cause scaling, inflammation, and a painful rash on the underside of the penis. Balanitis, an inflammation of the head of the penis, may also occur.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush appears as white patches on the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, or back of the throat. Affected areas may also feel sore or painful, and the person may experience a cotton-like sensation in the mouth.

Skin Yeast Infections

Yeast infections on the skin often present as red, itchy, and flaky patches, particularly in warm, moist areas of the body such as the underarms, groin, or between the toes. Pustules may develop around the edges of the affected areas.

Nail Yeast Infections

Yeast infections under the nails can cause the nail to turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed. This can be accompanied by swelling, pain, and pus.

Strategies for Effective Yeast Infection Management

The treatment for a yeast infection depends on its location and severity. In mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories may be sufficient. For more severe or recurring infections, prescription medications or targeted treatments may be necessary.

It’s important to address the underlying cause of the yeast infection, such as by managing diabetes, avoiding irritating products, or restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding behaviors that can disrupt the body’s natural defenses are also key to preventing and managing yeast infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If a yeast infection persists or worsens despite treatment, or if you experience severe symptoms such as fever, chills, or widespread rash, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform an examination, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

Preventing Yeast Infections: Lifestyle and Hygiene Considerations

To help prevent yeast infections, consider the following strategies:

• Practice good hygiene, including keeping the genital area clean and dry
• Avoid using scented products, such as douches or feminine sprays, in the genital area
• Wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid tight-fitting underwear
• Manage any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, that may contribute to yeast infections
• Limit the use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Can yeast infections be sexually transmitted?

While yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having sexual contact with someone who has the condition, particularly if they are susceptible to yeast infections.

How common are yeast infections?

Yeast infections are very common, with up to 75% of women experiencing at least one in their lifetime. They can also affect men, although less frequently.

Can a yeast infection cause long-term complications?

In most cases, yeast infections are not associated with long-term complications when properly treated. However, in some cases, such as with recurring or severe infections, there may be a risk of spreading the infection to other parts of the body or developing secondary infections.

What are the signs that a yeast infection is not improving with treatment?

If a yeast infection persists or worsens despite treatment, or if you experience severe symptoms such as fever, chills, or widespread rash, it’s important to seek medical attention, as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition or the need for a different treatment approach.

What does a yeast infection look like? Examples and treatments

The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and changes in genital discharge, which may look like cottage cheese.

In this article, we describe how a yeast infection visibly affects the body. We also look at other symptoms, treatments, and more.

A yeast infection occurs when fungi grow excessively in the body. This is particularly common in moist areas with less exposure, such as the mouth, vagina, or feet.

Often, yeast infections are caused by fungi from the Candida species — and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida albicans is the type most likely to overgrow and cause an infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, typically causes white discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• painful urination
• soreness around the vagina
• inflammation and itchiness of the vagina and vulva
• pain during sex

These infections are common, with up to 75% of females having at least one diagnosed in their lifetimes.

Yeast infections can affect the penis, but this is less common. The symptoms tend to develop on the underside of the penis and include:

• scaling
• inflamed patches of skin
• a painful rash

A yeast infection can also cause inflammation near the head of the penis. This issue is called balanitis.

A person with balanitis may experience burning or itching and yellow or white discharge. In some people, the inflammation spreads to the shaft and the area under the foreskin.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has the condition, especially if they are especially susceptible.

Around 15% of males who have unprotected sex with females experiencing yeast infections develop the infection themselves.

Oral thrush occurs when yeast grows excessively in the mouth or throat. Typically, a person develops white patches on the tongue, cheeks, back of the throat, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

• soreness
• pain while eating or drinking
• a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• a loss of taste

Most healthy adults do not develop oral thrush, but yeast infections in the mouth or esophagus are common in people with weakened immune systems.

Wearing dentures, smoking, and having dry mouth also elevate the risk of developing oral thrush.

The appearance of a yeast infection on the skin depends on the location, but this type of infection often causes patches of inflammation. These can vary in shape and size.

Sometimes, these patches itch, flake, or develop crusts, and pustules may appear around the edges.

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the skin, but is most likely to develop in folds, such as:

• under the breasts
• under the arms
• in the groin
• under or in the buttocks
• in the navel
• on the scalp
• between the fingers and toes

If a yeast infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause crusty lesions that can lead to hair loss. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash in babies.

Yeast infections can develop beneath the nails. An infected nail may turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed.

When a yeast infection occurs under the nails, a person may experience:

• painful swelling
• pus
• nail loss

In small amounts, Candida fungi are not harmful. Many people have yeast on their skin and in their body. Other types of microbe, such as bacteria, help keep Candida from growing excessively.

However, certain factors can disrupt the body’s ability to keep Candida under control, such as:

• Antibiotics: Because antibiotics kill bacteria, the result may be that Candida fungi grow unchecked.
• Hormonal contraceptives: People who take hormonal birth control that contains estrogen are more likely to develop yeast infections.
• Pregnancy: Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the chances of developing yeast infections.
• A weak immune system: Young babies and people with immune disorders or conditions such as HIV may be more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Medications: Some medications and treatments, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy also weaken the immune system.
• Diabetes: Sugar helps yeast grow, so if a person frequently has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop candidiasis.

Vaginal douches and sprays may also increase the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

The treatment for a yeast infection varies, depending on the infection’s location and severity.

For mild, occasional infections, a person can try over-the-counter options, such as topical creams, nail treatments, or vaginal suppositories.

However, it is important to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and some STIs.

These issues do not respond to yeast infection treatments. They require different approaches and can cause serious health complications if a person does not receive the necessary care.

Also, frequently using antifungal medicine unnecessarily may reduce how effective it is in the future.

For more severe or reoccurring infections, a person may need prescription antifungal medication.

Pregnant women should not take the antifungal medicine fluconazole (Diflucan), as it may cause birth defects, the Office on Women’s Health report.

Some home care strategies may help reduce yeast infection symptoms or prevent the issue from coming back.

Probiotic yogurt may help reduce the amount of yeast in the body. A 2013 pilot study involving 24 women showed that eating 8 ounces of probiotic yogurt per day reduced the presence of Candida in some cases.

However, this was a small study with mixed results. Also, the women had HIV, so their health responses may not reflect those of the general population.

Addressing the cause of the infection is important, especially if the infection keeps coming back. A person may benefit from:

• using a condom during sex
• avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
• switching to a different method of birth control
• better managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes

A person should talk to a doctor if they notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

It is important to receive the right treatment for any infection, and correctly identifying the type of infection is the first step.

Yeast infections often cause changes to genital discharge and patches to form in the mouth or in skin folds.

A doctor can confirm the infection and recommend the best treatment, depending on the severity and the part of the body involved.

What does a yeast infection look like? Examples and treatments

The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and changes in genital discharge, which may look like cottage cheese.

In this article, we describe how a yeast infection visibly affects the body. We also look at other symptoms, treatments, and more.

A yeast infection occurs when fungi grow excessively in the body. This is particularly common in moist areas with less exposure, such as the mouth, vagina, or feet.

Often, yeast infections are caused by fungi from the Candida species — and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida albicans is the type most likely to overgrow and cause an infection.

A vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, typically causes white discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.

Other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• painful urination
• soreness around the vagina
• inflammation and itchiness of the vagina and vulva
• pain during sex

These infections are common, with up to 75% of females having at least one diagnosed in their lifetimes.

Yeast infections can affect the penis, but this is less common. The symptoms tend to develop on the underside of the penis and include:

• scaling
• inflamed patches of skin
• a painful rash

A yeast infection can also cause inflammation near the head of the penis. This issue is called balanitis.

A person with balanitis may experience burning or itching and yellow or white discharge. In some people, the inflammation spreads to the shaft and the area under the foreskin.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it is possible for a person to develop a yeast infection after having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with someone who has the condition, especially if they are especially susceptible.

Around 15% of males who have unprotected sex with females experiencing yeast infections develop the infection themselves.

Oral thrush occurs when yeast grows excessively in the mouth or throat. Typically, a person develops white patches on the tongue, cheeks, back of the throat, or roof of the mouth.

Other symptoms of oral thrush include:

• soreness
• pain while eating or drinking
• a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
• a loss of taste

Most healthy adults do not develop oral thrush, but yeast infections in the mouth or esophagus are common in people with weakened immune systems.

Wearing dentures, smoking, and having dry mouth also elevate the risk of developing oral thrush.

The appearance of a yeast infection on the skin depends on the location, but this type of infection often causes patches of inflammation. These can vary in shape and size.

Sometimes, these patches itch, flake, or develop crusts, and pustules may appear around the edges.

A yeast infection can occur anywhere on the skin, but is most likely to develop in folds, such as:

• under the breasts
• under the arms
• in the groin
• under or in the buttocks
• in the navel
• on the scalp
• between the fingers and toes

If a yeast infection occurs on the scalp, it can cause crusty lesions that can lead to hair loss. Yeast infections can also cause diaper rash in babies.

Yeast infections can develop beneath the nails. An infected nail may turn white or yellow and start to separate from the nail bed.

When a yeast infection occurs under the nails, a person may experience:

• painful swelling
• pus
• nail loss

In small amounts, Candida fungi are not harmful. Many people have yeast on their skin and in their body. Other types of microbe, such as bacteria, help keep Candida from growing excessively.

However, certain factors can disrupt the body’s ability to keep Candida under control, such as:

• Antibiotics: Because antibiotics kill bacteria, the result may be that Candida fungi grow unchecked.
• Hormonal contraceptives: People who take hormonal birth control that contains estrogen are more likely to develop yeast infections.
• Pregnancy: Similarly, the hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the chances of developing yeast infections.
• A weak immune system: Young babies and people with immune disorders or conditions such as HIV may be more susceptible to yeast infections.
• Medications: Some medications and treatments, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy also weaken the immune system.
• Diabetes: Sugar helps yeast grow, so if a person frequently has high blood sugar levels, they are more likely to develop candidiasis.

Vaginal douches and sprays may also increase the risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection.

The treatment for a yeast infection varies, depending on the infection’s location and severity.

For mild, occasional infections, a person can try over-the-counter options, such as topical creams, nail treatments, or vaginal suppositories.

However, it is important to speak with a pharmacist or doctor first, because the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and some STIs.

These issues do not respond to yeast infection treatments. They require different approaches and can cause serious health complications if a person does not receive the necessary care.

Also, frequently using antifungal medicine unnecessarily may reduce how effective it is in the future.

For more severe or reoccurring infections, a person may need prescription antifungal medication.

Pregnant women should not take the antifungal medicine fluconazole (Diflucan), as it may cause birth defects, the Office on Women’s Health report.

Some home care strategies may help reduce yeast infection symptoms or prevent the issue from coming back.

Probiotic yogurt may help reduce the amount of yeast in the body. A 2013 pilot study involving 24 women showed that eating 8 ounces of probiotic yogurt per day reduced the presence of Candida in some cases.

However, this was a small study with mixed results. Also, the women had HIV, so their health responses may not reflect those of the general population.

Addressing the cause of the infection is important, especially if the infection keeps coming back. A person may benefit from:

• using a condom during sex
• avoiding the overuse of antibiotics
• switching to a different method of birth control
• better managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes

A person should talk to a doctor if they notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

It is important to receive the right treatment for any infection, and correctly identifying the type of infection is the first step.

Yeast infections often cause changes to genital discharge and patches to form in the mouth or in skin folds.

A doctor can confirm the infection and recommend the best treatment, depending on the severity and the part of the body involved.

Men’s thrush: treatment of thrush in men, symptoms of candidiasis in men

Men, having found pronounced symptoms of candidiasis, often ask themselves the question: “Do men have thrush?” In fact, the fungi that cause thrush are present in the normal microflora of the colon and mouth. However, under a combination of adverse circumstances, these fungi begin to actively multiply, which, as a result, leads to the appearance of such an ailment as candidiasis in men.

General information about thrush in men

In the presence of such a disease as thrush in men, the symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease depend on how the disease progresses.

What is thrush?

Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by Candida albicans that can develop in the mouth and throat, skin, and genitals. Fungal infections of the genital organs are more common in women, but also occur in men. Mushrooms produce various enzymes (lipotic, protelytic, saccharolytic) that irritate sensitive nerve endings located on the mucosa. The effect of these enzymes on the body and explains the clinical signs of thrush in men.

Causes of thrush in men

Signs of thrush in men are less common, due to the fact that the Candida fungus does not linger in the body, but is washed out during urination.

Causes of thrush in men are of endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) origin.

Causes of thrush in men:

• weakened immune system;
• poor hygiene;
• sexually transmitted infection from a woman;
• prolonged or uncontrolled use of various antibiotics, drugs;
• frequent change of climatic zones;
• emotional upheavals: the presence of nervous breakdowns, stressful conditions;
• diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar contributes to the development of a yeast infection).

In addition, when candidiasis occurs in men, the cause of the disease can be “hidden” in the dysbacteriosis of the mucous membranes, various dysfunctions of the mucosal barrier that occur due to trauma, inflammation and maceration.

What do the symptoms of thrush look like in men?

Male thrush usually affects the glans penis, causing irritation, discharge and redness. The inside of the foreskin may swell. Candidiasis is more common in uncircumcised men. This is because the conditions under the foreskin are favorable for the development of the fungus. Also, when a disease such as thrush occurs in men, the symptoms have characteristic signs for all types of the disease – itching and a whitish coating on the mucous membrane. For self-visual diagnosis of candidiasis, it is enough to know what thrush looks like on shorts. It leaves characteristic traces – thick, white or slightly yellowish discharge.
Picture of thrush in men (initial stage)

Symptoms of thrush in men

The manifestation of thrush in men depends on what affects the disease. On the skin, candidiasis in men manifests itself in the form of redness and the appearance of vesicles on the skin, and on the mucous membranes – in the form of inflammation of the infectious nature of the oral cavity and urethra.

Symptoms of thrush in men:

• there is itching, burning on the foreskin, as well as on the glans penis;
• white discharge appears from the site of the lesion, resembling cottage cheese;
• the penis becomes swollen;
• discharge has a pungent odor;
• during urination there is a white discharge that looks like semen;
• the process of sexual intercourse, as well as urination, is accompanied by pain in the genital area.

When candidiasis occurs in men, the symptoms and treatment of this disease depend on how quickly the incubation period has passed. Basically, this period takes 14-21 days, during which the fungi actively multiply in the body, but do not yet give visible symptoms.

How to treat thrush in men

After the first symptoms of thrush appear (listed above), a urologist and a dermatovenereologist know how to treat this disease.

If candidiasis is caused by endocrine disorders, treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist after consultation.

To establish the diagnosis, the patient will need to take a smear for bacterioscopic examination and bacteriological culture. Additionally, the following tests may be prescribed:

• for the presence of genital infections;
• blood sugar test;
• for the Wasserman reaction;
• general blood and urine analysis.

If the appearance of thrush has other causes (sugar, infection of the genital organs, etc. ), then appropriate treatment is carried out by narrow specialists. If only one thrush is found, symptomatic treatment with local preparations for thrush is prescribed.

Thrush in men is 4 times less common than in women. Therefore, among the variety of medicinal preparations for women (creams, gels, ointments, suppositories for thrush, vaginal tablets), only ointments and antifungal tablets are used to treat men.

Among the ointments, the following medicines are distinguished.

• Pimafucin.
• Ointment Levomekol.
• Candide b.
• Nystatin.
• Cream Ecodax.
• Clotrimazole.
• Metronidazole.

Thrush is a disease that requires timely treatment, because there is a risk of complications.

If the disease has developed as a result of infection from a sexual partner, then the treatment of thrush in men requires the use of drugs locally, and in some cases internally, by both partners.

If the disease has caused a number of complications, turned into a chronic form, complex treatment of thrush is required. So, in combination with local drugs, antifungal tablets are prescribed. This approach in therapy will allow you to get rid of the signs of candidiasis already for 2-3 days. Such tablets from thrush have proven themselves well:

• Pimafucin.
• Futsis.
• Diflucan.
• Nizoral.
• Medoflucon.
• Nistanin.

Before using any drug, be sure to consult your doctor!

Diet for thrush

If candidiasis occurs in men, treatment includes not only medication, but also diet.

How to treat thrush in men with diet?

What should be excluded from the diet?

• Sweet and starchy foods: sweets, chocolates, sweet fruits, dried fruits, jams, honey, ice cream and other “simple” carbohydrates.
• Starchy products such as sweet pastries, bread. Cut down on potatoes, corn, rice, and other similar foods.
• Marinades , canned foods, smoked products.
• Some fermented milk products – ryazhenka, milk, cottage cheese.
• Products of fermentation or which may cause fermentation and contain live yeast and live fungi. Among such products: grapes and other sweet fruits, blue cheeses, kvass, beer, wines, bread, and so on.
• Certain beverages such as caffeinated coffee and tea, sugary drinks and alcohol.
• Certain nuts including peanuts, pistachios and cashews.
• Tobacco.

What should be included in the diet?

• Non-starchy vegetables including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and tomatoes.
• Low sugar fruits such as citrus fruits, olives and berries, but only in moderation.
• Lean proteins including chicken, eggs and fish.
• Healthy fats such as avocado, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and linseed oil.
• Gluten-free grains such as quinoa, oat bran, buckwheat and rice.
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, coconut, linseed and sunflower seeds.
• Certain dairy products such as butter and ghee, and products containing live active cultures such as kefir and yogurt (natural).
• Probiotics.

Sexual contact during thrush

Although it is possible for a man with candidiasis to have sex, most doctors do not recommend it until the infection has cleared. In addition, men may abstain from sexual activity during thrush to minimize pain and itching. Sex during this period is not only uncomfortable, but can cause candidiasis in men to last longer, cause symptoms to return if they have recently cleared up after treatment, and increase the partner’s risk of developing the disease.

For a more detailed answer to this question, see our article “Is it possible to have sex with thrush?”

Complications of male candidiasis and consequences

If left untreated, advanced thrush in men can turn into a chronic form, and periodic exacerbations will greatly impair the quality of life. With untimely treatment, the structure of the urethral mucosa may be disturbed, which makes it difficult to urinate, the inflammatory process can rise to the prostate gland and bladder. It also reduces the sensitivity of the nerve endings of the penis. With advanced candidiasis, there may be a complete lack of libido and a manifestation of sexual dysfunction. That is why it is necessary to diagnose and begin treatment of thrush in a timely manner, without waiting for complications.

Prevention of thrush

Prevention of thrush in men includes the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen your immunity and health, get enough sleep and try to avoid stress. In addition, it is better to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
2. Maintain personal hygiene.
3. Avoid casual sex and unprotected sex.
4. Do regular self-examination of the genitals for various changes.
5. Do not use deodorants, talcum powder, perfumed soaps or shower gels on the genitals. They can cause irritation.
6. Wear loose cotton underwear to avoid creating a damp environment for Candida to grow.
7. Avoid tight underwear and pants/shorts.
8. Be sure to visit your urologist twice a year. Such visits help diagnose diseases at an early stage and start timely treatment.

Candidiasis (thrush) of the oral cavity – symptoms and treatment

Oral candidiasis is an inflammatory disease that develops against the background of damage to the mucous membranes by fungi of the genus Candida. This is usually associated with a deterioration in local and general immunity. According to studies, up to 90% of the adult population is carriers of this fungus, but the disease most often does not develop, since under normal conditions the pathogen does not act aggressively.

Causes of candidiasis

Adult thrush is a mucosal lesion that may indicate serious health problems. For the reproduction of the fungus, special conditions are necessary. Most often, the disease occurs in patients who neglect oral hygiene. The presence of caries, inflammatory gum disease increases the chances of developing fungal inflammation. This is due to the fact that a large number of pathogenic microorganisms depletes the defense mechanisms.

The second group of reasons is the weakening of the immune system due to a number of diseases and conditions:

• HIV, diabetes mellitus;

• oncological diseases;

• dystrophy, deficiency of vitamins, minerals;

• surgeries, severe infections, etc.

There are also specific reasons for the development of thrush. It may appear after prolonged and powerful antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics leads to the destruction of beneficial flora and imbalance. This causes active reproduction of Candida.

Oral candidiasis also develops against the background of inhaled corticosteroids. Usually the lesion has the appearance of erythema and appears in areas where the drug has come into contact with the mucosa: in the palate, tongue.

Dietary habits affect the likelihood of developing candidiasis. So, the predominance of carbohydrates predisposes to the activity of the fungus. The growth of Candida and its attachment to the mucosa are enhanced in the presence of sugars.

Bad habits increase the chances of developing leukoplakia, lichen planus and other diseases. Especially when it comes to smoking. Candidiasis often develops in patients with tongue piercings.

The presence of removable dentures is also a risk factor if the patient does not follow the rules of hygiene. In the absence of high-quality cleansing, the prosthesis is covered with a biofilm, which contains a lot of fungi. Disinfection is the main measure for the prevention of the disease and part of the complex treatment for progressive oral candidiasis. If the patient does not remove the structure at night, this also increases the likelihood of developing the disease. The mucous membrane remains without oxygen for a long time, is not washed by saliva – these conditions are suitable for the development of fungi and anaerobic microorganisms. The prosthesis can injure the mucous membranes if it does not fit. Microtraumas weaken local defenses and contribute to the onset of the development of a fungal infection. Injuries can also be associated with sharp chipped teeth and fillings, chemical and thermal burns.

Dryness of the oral cavity due to decreased salivation, changes in the viscosity of saliva, its composition is one of the causes of candidiasis. This may be due to other diseases, so it is important to find out the causes of dryness in order to effectively deal with the consequences.

Oral candidiasis is more common in children. The immaturity of the immune system, the colonization of the oral cavity by Candida from the vaginal canal of the mother during natural childbirth lead to the fact that the disease develops in early infancy. However, older children can also suffer from an illness, which is associated with a weakening of the immune forces.

Types of oral candidiasis and symptoms

Manifestations of oral candidiasis may vary from patient to patient. This is due to the degree of damage to the mucous membranes, as well as the specific type of disease. There are four forms:

• acute pseudomembranous;

• acute atrophic;

• chronic atrophic;

• chronic hyperplastic.

Although the treatment regimen for all forms is almost the same, symptoms can vary significantly. Let’s consider them in more detail.

Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis

This form of oral candidiasis may be asymptomatic. There is slight discomfort due to a white film or small plaques rising above the mucosa. With a mild course, one or more plaques appear, they are easily removed by scraping, and the mucosal area under them has a bright red color. In severe cases, large plaques appear in large numbers. They can merge, forming large areas of damage. Sometimes the symptoms cover the entire mucous membrane. When the plaques thicken, their removal becomes problematic. A severe course is more typical for infants, as well as in adult patients after antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.

Acute and chronic atrophic candidiasis

Acute atrophic candidiasis is accompanied by severe burning. There may be no white plaque, and the mucous membrane becomes bright red. Many patients report a metallic, sour, salty, or bitter taste in their mouths. A characteristic manifestation of the disease is dry mouth. This form of the disease is often associated with drug therapy.

In chronic atrophic candidiasis, redness and burning are less pronounced. Usually the disease develops against the background of the installation and wearing of prostheses.

Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis

This form of the disease is typical for adults. Oral thrush can spread to the mucous membranes of the cheeks, the corners of the mouth and lips, the back of the tongue, and the soft palate. One of the symptoms is the appearance of white plaques that tend to merge with each other. As the disease progresses, their surface becomes rough, rough. Over time, the elements may turn yellow. Formations merge with mucous membranes and it is impossible to remove them.

Diagnostic methods

Dental therapist is in charge of the treatment. Diagnosis begins with an examination and a detailed survey: the doctor will find out what drugs you have taken recently, whether there are chronic and infectious diseases. A cytological examination of plaque taken from the mucosa is mandatory. This is important because the accumulation of non-fungal flora can be easily confused with a fungal infection.

Scraping is performed in the morning on an empty stomach, it is not necessary to brush your teeth before the procedure. On the eve, it is important to refuse to eat foods rich in carbohydrates so as not to provoke the growth of pathogenic flora. Studies allow not only to accurately determine the pathogen and type of Candida fungus, but also to find out the sensitivity of fungi to the main antifungal drugs. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will determine the fungus in the oral cavity and prescribe medication.

Features of treatment

The basis of treatment is systemic and local antifungal drugs. Today they are widely represented on the pharmaceutical market, but it is important to know that the level of Candida fungus resistance to fixed assets is growing every year. For example, resistance to drugs such as Fluconazole is almost complete. Previously, this remedy was used in almost all cases of the disease, but today doctors are forced to revise standard treatment regimens.

Treatment of thrush in the mouth in adults is selected individually. The choice of a systemic antifungal agent is based on the type of pathogen, the patient’s condition and the individual characteristics of his health. There are agents to which the infection has minimal resistance. The doctor may prescribe drugs based on nystatin, imidazole derivatives, etc.

In addition, local funds must be used:

• mouth rinses;

• gels and suspensions for application to affected areas;

• topical lozenges and lozenges;

• irrigation solutions and aerosols;

• ointments for laying in the oral cavity on a cotton-gauze swab, etc.

The specialist may prescribe pharmacy antiseptics or weak saline rinses. Usually, solutions based on iodine, chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate, gentian violet, sodium tetraborate in glycerin are used. Some pills the doctor may recommend laying on the cheek.

Conditions for effective treatment

Effective treatment of oral thrush involves addressing the underlying cause. It is very important to sanitize the oral cavity: to cure teeth destroyed by caries, to remove non-viable teeth and roots that can no longer be restored. These are chronic foci of inflammation, so simultaneous sanitation will shorten the treatment time. Tartar and plaque should also be removed. This is especially true in cases of candidal stomatitis associated with trauma to the gums with sharp edges of hard dental deposits.

Patients with removable dentures should be retrained in hygiene and disinfection of orthopedic structures. If the time of using the prosthesis comes to an end, it is important to replace it in a timely manner. Treatment of candidiasis will be useless if a person uses the prosthesis incorrectly and again creates conditions for the reproduction of fungi in the oral cavity.

Unsuitable crowns, bridges and other structures are also subject to replacement. It is also important to eliminate enamel chips, which become a source of injury to the gums, mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue.

Smokers should, if possible, reduce their smoking episodes or give up smoking habits. If the disease developed while taking corticosteroids, it is important to explain the rules of treatment: you should rinse your mouth with plenty of warm water after spraying the drug.

In the treatment of oral candidiasis that has developed against the background of antibiotic therapy, measures should be taken to restore the normal microflora of the intestine and oral cavity. It may be necessary to consult another narrow specialist or therapist: you will need to take probiotics and prebiotics.

For all patients treated for candidiasis, a few general guidelines apply:

• maintaining oral hygiene;

• refusal of food rich in carbohydrates;

• Refusal of sugary drinks.

It is necessary to exclude from the diet food that can irritate the mucous membranes: dishes prepared with vinegar, marinades, spicy, peppery foods, smoked meats, sour fruits and berries. Also, you can not eat confectionery, pastries with yeast, sugar. It is better to give preference to warm dishes. It is necessary to observe such a diet for another 1.5-2 months after recovery.

In some cases, it is advisable to use toothpastes with glucose oxidase, lysozyme, lactoferrin. They improve the protective forces of the oral mucosa and can be part of a comprehensive prevention of inflammation. The choice of toothpaste must be agreed with the doctor, he will recommend the best remedy, and also tell you which brush is suitable.

Possible complications

If treatment is started late or incorrectly selected, acute oral candidiasis can be transformed into chronic or complicated by the transition to an invasive process that is difficult to treat.

Prevention of candidiasis

Specific prophylaxis of oral candidiasis is carried out only in the presence of HIV infection, the patient undergoing radiation therapy, immunosuppressive or antibiotic therapy. In the absence of these risk factors, the doctor will make recommendations for a specific case.

Prevention of fungal diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, chronic systemic diseases involves control of the underlying pathology. It is important to be regularly observed by a doctor of your profile, to take prescribed medications.

If antibiotic therapy is necessary, the following rules must be followed:

• take antibiotics only as directed by your doctor;

• observe a sufficient duration of the course of treatment – do not cancel self-prescribed drugs when relief occurs;

• if a long course of treatment is needed or in case of repeated antibiotic therapy, take the prescribed antifungal agents for prophylaxis.

When treating asthma, ask your doctor about using nebulizers. After inhalation, it is important to rinse the mouth in order to prevent the negative effects of the drug components on the mucous membranes.

If oral candidiasis often recurs, it is better to undergo a comprehensive examination: a standard medical examination or use specific diagnostic methods that the doctor will select. Fungal infections of the mucous membranes can be a manifestation of an underlying disease that you do not know about. Consult a therapist to find out the exact causes and take action in time.