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.

What is a yeast infection?

Most healthy women have yeast in their vagina. But sometimes the yeast grows too strong and leads to infection. Yeast infections can be very annoying and unpleasant.

What causes yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infection, also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occurs when the healthy yeast that normally lives in the vagina gets out of control. This often results in itching and other annoying symptoms. The medical name for a yeast infection is “ candidiasis ” because they are usually caused by a type of yeast called candida.

When the immune system is reduced, the normal yeast that lives in the vagina can grow too large and lead to infection. Causes that may cause changes in your vaginal environment:

• normal changes in hormone levels (as during the menstrual cycle)
• antibiotics, cortisone and other drugs
• pregnancy
• diabetes mellitus
• weak immune system
• natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry

Yeast infections can also occur on the penises and scrotum, but not as often. They can cause redness and irritation on your penis or scrotum.

Yeast infections are not STDs (these are infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex). They are not contagious and cannot be passed on to another person during sex. But sexual contact sometimes leads to yeast infections—your body chemistry can react to the other person’s natural genital yeast and the bacteria that causes the yeast to grow.

People can also get a yeast infection in their mouth, throat, or tongue—this is called thrush.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections often cause a curdled, white, lumpy vaginal discharge that usually does not smell (or smells only slightly different than usual).

Most yeast infections result in itching, burning and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you may get cracks or sores on your vagina or vulva. If you have severe irritation, you may experience pain when urinating.

How to treat yeast infections?

Yeast infections can usually be easily treated in a few days with an antifungal medication. You can purchase medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections.

Be sure to follow instructions and take all medicines, even if your symptoms go away before you are done. You can also treat yeast infections with one tablet (diflucan or fluconazole). Need a prescription from a doctor to get a yeast infection pill.

Do not have vaginal or oral sex until you have completed treatment and the infection has gone. Friction from sex may cause more irritation or make treatment more difficult. Some medications you use inside your vagina contain oil, which can cause condoms to break.

Even though yeast infections can be very itchy, try not to scratch the itch. This can aggravate irritation or scratch the skin, through which germs can spread and lead to more infections. There are over-the-counter creams that can be used on the vulva to soothe irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips to relieve burning and itching.

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Today, when we hear almost every day about the disappearance of children, about the victims of pedophiles and other passions, I think that every parent should conduct explanatory work with their children. Good helpers for this will be the manual “What to do if …” Lyudmila Petranovskaya. I must say right away that this is not advertising – just a very good manual adapted for the conceptual apparatus of children of different ages. I found the chapter “A Stranger Sticks” on the Internet and bring it to your attention.

What to do if… A STRANGER COMES
There is probably not a single boy or girl in the world whom adults would not tell:

NEVER EVER GO WITH A STRANGER FOR ANYTHING!!!

And yet, from time to time it happens that a child is taken somewhere or taken away by a stranger, and then this child is never found or is found already crippled, or even killed.

These babies are not stolen from their cribs at night. And do not take away from parents by force. They are taken right off the street in broad daylight.

They are simply told: “Let’s go, I’ll show you a kitten” or “If you want, I’ll treat you to ice cream” – and the child SAM gives a hand to someone else’s uncle and goes with him. He thinks at this moment about the kitten and ice cream, and not at all about what his parents said about ANYWHERE, NEVER and FOR ANYTHING.

And it turns out to be in the complete power of the villain.

Yes, adults say a lot of things like that and don’t allow it. Sometimes, if you don’t really listen, then nothing terrible will happen. You don’t necessarily get sick if you run out into the street without a hat. Nothing will happen at all if you eat a couple of extra sweets. And even the eyes from the computer may very well be that they will not deteriorate.

But SOME of the rules you hear from adults are special. They need to be taken VERY SERIOUSLY.
And NEVER try to check what will happen if you do not obey.
About A STRANGER – just such a rule

If you are already old enough to walk in the yard or go to the store and school without adults, then you can understand: there are really bad people in the world. Rarely, but they do occur.

They love no one and pity no one. You won’t be able to persuade them not to offend you, you won’t be able to pity them with tears. They won’t change their minds and they won’t change. You just can’t be alone with them.

At the same time, such people look completely different from Barmaley or Freddy Krueger. They usually look.

THEY CAN SMILE. SPEAK IN A LOVELY VOICE. THEY CAN EXTEND THE CANDY. THEY CAN ASK FOR HELP.

You will never distinguish a villain from an ordinary person by appearance. Therefore, the rule sounds exactly like this:

NEVER ANYWHERE FOR ANYTHING.

Even with the nicest, very kind and safe-looking person. Even for a minute. Not even close. Even if it’s very interesting.

Once again: NO WHERE NEVER AND FOR NOTHING.

Villains can be very cunning. They may say:

“HELP ME FIND A HOSPITAL, LET YOU GET IN THE CAR AND SHOW ME THE WAY” BOY, BRING ME THE BAG TO THE CAR I AM VERY HARD”

“There’s a chick stuck in there, let me give you a lift and you’ll get it”

“LET’S GO TO THE STORE, YOU WILL HELP ME CHOOSE A TOY FOR MY SON”

“DO YOU WANT TO GO TO A MOVIE?”

“THE MOBILE IS BEHIND THE GARAGE, IS IT YOU LOST?”

And even:

“YOUR MOTHER IS ill, LETS GO ASAP!”

ANY suggestion to go somewhere with a stranger should be firmly answered with NO and immediately go to where other people are. If the person who called you is not a villain, he will not be offended by your refusal and will not insist.

NEVER:

GET IN A CAR WITH A UNKNOWN PERSON

GO WITH HIM INTO THE STAIRWAY

GO OUTSIDE GARAGES, INTO DARK CORNERS, INTO THE BASEMENT

Do not think that you will look impolite. A normal adult will understand you and will even be glad that you are so reasonable. Just say, “Mom won’t let me ride in an elevator with strangers. I’ll go separately.” Better yet, wait for one of the neighbors you know.

Sometimes the villain behaves very impudently, he grabs your hand or shoulder right on the street and pretends that he is your friend or even a parent.

He may shout: “Go home immediately, I said!” or it’s scary to hiss in your ear: “Follow me and don’t try to resist, otherwise it will be bad.” He may be trying to put you in his car.

At this moment it can be very scary, and this is where the main danger lies. From fear, some children lose their voices, their knees tremble, and they dutifully do whatever they are told.

DON’T LOSE YOUR HEAD!

REMEMBER: THIS IS A SPECIAL OCCASION!

ALL COURTESY RULES ARE AVOIDED! YOU NOT JUST CAN, YOU HAVE TO:

SCREAMING,

BITTING,

KICKING,

SCRATCHING

and in general

ATTENTION IN ANY WAY.

The villain needs everything to go quietly and unnoticed. If you resist, make a fuss, if other people see you, consider that you have already been saved. The villain will most likely just run away and leave you behind.

Or get confused, and you can break free and run away.

Of course, this is not easy. It is especially difficult for very obedient children, who cannot even imagine how it is not to do what an adult orders.

But you have to! No matter how scared you are, no matter how unusual and difficult it is to behave rudely with an adult. Get together and act!

Important!

You have to yell wisely.

If you just yell, “No, I don’t want to, leave me alone,” people around you might think that it’s really your dad who was angry that you didn’t come home on time.

You should shout like this:

“I DON’T KNOW YOU! I WON’T GO ANYWHERE WITH YOU!”…

If there are people nearby, ASK FOR HELP, contact them directly, shout:

“I DON’T KNOW HIM! HE WANTS TO TAKE ME away, HELP!”.

It is important to remember the same thing if they take away not you, but another child. Very often, after the disappearance of a boy or girl, it turns out that his friends saw a stranger take him away, but were frightened or, conversely, did not suspect anything. And they told the adults about everything only later, when a lot of time had already passed.

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

If at that moment there are no adults around at all, and someone has taken your friend somewhere, DO NOT FOLLOW THEM, but run as fast as you can to where there are adults: to the nearest store, to the yard where old women are sitting, to a playground where mothers walk, to a bus stop.

Don’t waste time looking for adults you know or your parents – grab ANYONE and quickly but clearly say what happened: “My friend was taken away by a stranger. They went there to the park. Call the police!” If it seemed to you that an adult does not know what to do, look for another. If your friend was put in a car, the main thing is to get yourself together and remember its color, brand, number. Say it constantly until you reach the adults, otherwise everything quickly flies out of your head from fear. Remember: if you act quickly, the child can ALWAYS be saved.

The worst cases are when no one is around. Then the villain can grab you by force, despite the screams, or even get a knife. There’s not much that can be done here.

THEREFORE, in such places where there is no one, it is better to JUST DO NOT BE.

DO NOT PLAY:

IN WASTE LOTS

OUTSIDE GARAGES

IN BASEMENTS

IN ATTIC

IN ABANDONED BUILDINGS

IN THE FUTURE CORNERS OF PARKS

IN CONSTRUCTION

If you are walking alone, without your parents, make sure at EVERY MOMENT there are people in sight, to whom, in which case, you can run or shout.

Don’t go out alone, keep company.

Villains always try to pick singles.

Recently, criminals often look for their victims on the Internet. Children communicate on forums, get acquainted. After all, you can’t check there whether the girl Katya of ten years old is really corresponding with you or is she an adult and a bad person. And some guys foolishly tell their interlocutors on the forums their phone number, their address, their last name, send photos, tell when and where they like to walk.

And when a stranger approaches them on the street, he calls them by name and says that he is an old friend of their parents. After all, he knows everything: what is your mother’s name, and in what house do you live. How can you not believe?

Or even just make an appointment in a deserted place: “I’m Katya, come and play together.” A child comes – and there is not Katya and not a girl at all …

THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

if you communicate on the forums, NEVER give your last name, phone number, address. Use a nickname. Don’t tell me where you usually go. Don’t post your photos unnecessarily. If you do this, emphasize that your parents allowed you (and actually ask them).

If a friend on the Internet offers to exchange phone numbers, answer: “Fine, but only if your mother allows you.” Remember: villains do not tolerate attention from adults. If they realize that their parents are in the know, they usually stop talking immediately.

And NEVER go to meetings with online acquaintances without your parents.

If someone offers you such a meeting, especially if after your refusal he persuades, insists, threatens, tries to tease you (“Are you afraid, little one?”),

Tell an adult IMMEDIATELY.

Perhaps a very dangerous person who could harm other children. He must be reported to the police.

This chapter is terrible, no doubt about it. Maybe after it it will seem to you that there are only villains around and they are just waiting to drag you away.

BUT IT’S NOT SO.

Villains are very rare. And it’s very easy not to fall into their clutches – you just need to firmly remember everything that is written here.