What causes thrush on the leg. How to recognize the symptoms of candidiasis on the skin. What are the most effective treatments for skin thrush. How to prevent fungal skin infections naturally. When to seek medical help for candidiasis.

What is Candidiasis of the Skin?

Candidiasis of the skin, also known as cutaneous candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast on the skin. While small amounts of Candida naturally live on our skin without causing problems, certain conditions can lead to excessive growth and infection. This results in a characteristic red, itchy rash, often in skin folds and moist areas of the body.

Candida thrives in warm, humid environments, making areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts particularly susceptible. In some cases, it can also affect the nails, nail beds, and corners of the mouth. While uncomfortable, skin candidiasis is generally not contagious and can often be treated effectively with proper care and antifungal medications.

Common Causes of Skin Candidiasis

Several factors can contribute to the development of candidiasis on the skin:

• Warm, humid weather
• Tight-fitting clothing that traps moisture
• Poor hygiene practices
• Infrequent changing of undergarments
• Obesity, which creates more skin folds
• Use of antibiotics that disrupt the skin’s natural flora
• Corticosteroid use or other medications affecting immune function
• Weakened immune system due to conditions like diabetes or pregnancy
• Incomplete drying after bathing or swimming

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce their chances of developing a Candida skin infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Skin Candidiasis

Identifying candidiasis of the skin early can lead to faster treatment and relief. The primary symptoms include:

• A red, itchy rash, often in skin folds or moist areas
• Skin that may become cracked or sore
• Possible development of blisters or pustules
• Rash that can spread to other parts of the body
• In nail infections, discoloration or separation of the nail from the nail bed

It’s important to note that these symptoms can resemble other skin conditions such as ringworm, eczema, or psoriasis. If you’re unsure about the cause of your skin irritation, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

How is Candidiasis of the Skin Diagnosed?

Diagnosing skin candidiasis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider. They will inspect the affected areas, looking at the characteristics of the rash and its location. In some cases, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain, a skin culture may be performed. This involves gently swabbing the affected area and sending the sample to a laboratory to test for the presence of Candida fungi.

Effective Treatments for Skin Candidiasis

Treatment for candidiasis of the skin often involves a combination of antifungal medications and lifestyle changes. The approach may vary depending on the severity and location of the infection:

1. Topical antifungal creams or powders: These are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate infections. Common options include clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine.
2. Oral antifungal medications: For more severe or widespread infections, oral medications like fluconazole may be prescribed.
3. Improved hygiene practices: Keeping the affected areas clean and dry is crucial for treatment success.
4. Loose-fitting clothing: This helps reduce moisture and friction in susceptible areas.
5. Dietary changes: Reducing sugar intake and incorporating probiotics can help support overall health and potentially reduce Candida overgrowth.

Most cases of skin candidiasis respond well to treatment within a few weeks. However, it’s important to complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Candidiasis of the Skin

Prevention is key when it comes to skin candidiasis. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk:

• Maintain good hygiene: Wash regularly and dry thoroughly, especially in skin folds and after sweating.
• Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing when possible.
• Change out of damp clothes promptly: This includes swimwear and workout attire.
• Manage underlying conditions: Keep diabetes under control and address any immune system issues.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps: Harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin’s natural balance.
• Consider probiotics: These may help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms on the skin.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin candidiasis.

Candidiasis in Special Populations

Certain groups may be more susceptible to skin candidiasis or experience it differently:

Infants and Diaper Rash

Babies are particularly prone to candidiasis in the diaper area. The warm, moist environment created by diapers provides an ideal breeding ground for Candida. To prevent and manage diaper-related candidiasis:

• Change diapers frequently
• Clean the area thoroughly during changes
• Allow the skin to dry completely before putting on a new diaper
• Consider using a barrier cream to protect the skin

Individuals with Compromised Immune Systems

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk for more severe and widespread Candida infections. These individuals may require more aggressive treatment and should be monitored closely by healthcare providers.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of skin candidiasis can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and home care, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• The rash doesn’t improve after a week of home treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading or worsening
• You develop a fever or other signs of a more serious infection
• You have a weakened immune system
• The rash is accompanied by unusual discharge or severe pain

Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Natural Remedies and Complementary Approaches

While medical treatments are often necessary for skin candidiasis, some natural remedies and lifestyle changes may help support treatment or prevent recurrence:

Dietary Modifications

Some people find that adjusting their diet can help manage Candida overgrowth. Consider:

• Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can feed yeast growth
• Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
• Eating foods with antifungal properties, such as garlic and coconut oil

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils have antifungal properties that may help combat Candida. However, it’s crucial to use these properly and diluted to avoid skin irritation. Some potentially beneficial oils include:

• Tea tree oil
• Lavender oil
• Oregano oil

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have sensitive skin.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making you more susceptible to infections like candidiasis. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise may help support overall health and resilience against infections.

Understanding the Impact of Medications on Skin Candidiasis

Certain medications can increase your risk of developing skin candidiasis or make existing infections more difficult to treat. It’s important to be aware of these potential interactions:

Antibiotics

While antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections, they can also disrupt the balance of microorganisms on your skin. This disruption can create an environment where Candida can thrive. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, consider taking probiotics simultaneously to help maintain a healthy balance of skin flora.

Corticosteroids

Topical or oral corticosteroids, often used to treat inflammatory conditions, can suppress the immune system and potentially allow Candida to overgrow. If you’re using corticosteroids and develop symptoms of a fungal infection, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your treatment plan.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Some hormonal birth control methods may increase susceptibility to Candida infections. If you notice recurrent candidiasis while using hormonal contraceptives, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider.

Understanding these medication-related risks can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment and prevention strategies.

Long-Term Management and Prognosis

For most people, skin candidiasis is a treatable condition with a good prognosis. However, some individuals may experience recurrent infections or have difficulty completely eradicating the fungus. In these cases, long-term management strategies may be necessary:

Maintenance Therapy

Some people benefit from using antifungal treatments on a regular, preventive basis. This might involve applying an antifungal cream to prone areas once or twice a week, even when no active infection is present.

Ongoing Lifestyle Modifications

Maintaining the preventive measures discussed earlier can be crucial for long-term management. This includes:

• Consistently practicing good hygiene
• Wearing appropriate clothing
• Managing underlying health conditions
• Maintaining a balanced diet

Regular Check-ups

For those prone to recurrent infections, regular check-ups with a dermatologist or primary care provider can help monitor the condition and adjust treatment plans as needed.

With proper care and management, most people can effectively control skin candidiasis and minimize its impact on their daily lives. Remember, each case is unique, and working closely with your healthcare provider is key to developing the most effective long-term strategy for your individual needs.

Candidiasis of the Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Candidiasis is a fungal skin infection. Home remedies and lifestyle changes often help, but antifungal cream or powder may be necessary.

Different types of bacteria and fungi live and grow on your skin. Most of them aren’t dangerous. Your body requires the majority of them to carry out normal functions. However, some can cause infections when they begin to multiply uncontrollably.

The Candida fungus is one of these potentially harmful organisms. When an overgrowth of Candida develops on the skin, an infection can occur. This condition is known as candidiasis of the skin, or cutaneous candidiasis.

Candidiasis of the skin often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the folds of the skin. This rash may also spread to other areas of the body. While the symptoms are often bothersome, they can usually be treated with improved hygiene and antifungal creams or powders.

The main symptom of candidiasis of the skin is a rash. The rash often causes redness and intense itching. In some cases, the infection can cause the skin to become cracked and sore. Blisters and pustules may also occur.

The rash can affect various parts the body, but it’s most likely to develop in the folds of the skin. This includes areas in the armpits, in the groin, between the fingers, and under the breasts. Candida can also cause infections in the nails, edges of the nails, and corners of the mouth.

Other conditions that may resemble candidiasis of the skin include:

• ringworm
• hives
• herpes
• diabetes-related skin conditions
• contact dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• eczema
• psoriasis

Candidiasis of the skin develops when the skin becomes infected with Candida. A small amount of Candida fungi naturally live on the skin. When this type of fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, however, it can cause an infection. This may occur because of:

• warm weather
• tight clothing
• poor hygiene
• infrequent undergarment changes
• obesity
• the use of antibiotics that kill harmless bacteria that keep Candida under control
• the use of corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system
• a weakened immune system as a result of diabetes, pregnancy, or another medical condition
• incomplete drying of damp or wet skin

Candida fungi thrive and grow in warm, moist areas. This is why the condition often affects areas where there are folds of skin.

Babies can also develop candidiasis of the skin, especially on the buttocks. A diaper tends to provide an ideal environment for Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin usually isn’t contagious. However, people with weakened immune systems may develop the condition after touching the skin of an infected person. Those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to develop a severe infection as a result of candidiasis.

Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis simply by performing a physical examination. During the exam, they’ll inspect the location of your rash and the appearance of your skin.

Your doctor may also want to perform a skin culture before making a diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin. During a skin culture, your doctor will rub a cotton swab over the affected area and collect a skin sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory to be tested for the presence of Candida.

Candidiasis of the skin can usually be prevented with home remedies, the most important of which is proper hygiene. Washing the skin regularly and drying the skin thoroughly can prevent the skin from becoming too moist. This is vital to keeping Candida infections at bay.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to both prevent and treat a candidiasis infection.

Helpful tips

• Quickly change out of damp clothing, such as swimsuits or sweaty workout clothes.
• Change your socks and undergarments regularly.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Use gentle and scent-free soap on affected areas.
• Add probiotics to your diet.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

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Since abnormal blood sugar levels can contribute to the development of Candida infections, keeping your blood sugar under control may also help relieve symptoms. You may be able to lower your blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar in your diet and by exercising for 30 minutes at least three times per week. If you have diabetes, it’s important to continue following your doctor’s instructions as you may need to start receiving oral medications or an increased amount of insulin.

In severe or persistent cases of candidiasis, your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied to your skin. Over-the-counter antifungal creams that are often recommended include clotrimazole (Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat), and tioconazole (Vagistat). This type of treatment can kill Candida and reduce the spread of the infection.

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream such as nystatin or ketoconazole if the over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective. If the infection has already spread to areas inside your body, such as your throat or mouth, you may need to take an oral antifungal to get rid of it.

Cutaneous candidiasis (or candidiasis present on skin, nails, or hair) is a common occurrence in infants and babies.

Candidiasis-related diaper rash is one of the most frequently occurring candidiasis infections in babies. This rash is typically red with a well-defined border, and normally lasts more than three days. Treatment includes changing the infant’s diaper frequently and allowing them to wear loose-fitting clothes on top of the diaper. The antifungal nystatin may be prescribed.

Oral thrush is another common occurrence in newborns and infants under 6 months old. Symptoms can include cracked skin in the corners of the mouth and whitish patches on the lips, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication that’s applied to the infant’s mouth several times a day.

If candidiasis infection is left untreated, it can enter the bloodstream and spread. See your doctor if you believe your baby has candidiasis.

Learn more: Oral thrush »

Although healthy children have strong immune systems, a 2010 study found that the rate of topical fungal infections among children is increasing rapidly. Children sometimes develop candidiasis infections after receiving antibiotics that treat another condition. Children who suck their thumbs may be prone to developing candidiasis infections in or around their nail beds.

If your child is 9 months or older and has reoccurring thrush or skin infections, this could point to an underlying health concern, such as HIV or another problem with the immune system. Older children with frequent or severe skin infections should also be tested for diabetes.

Candidiasis of the skin usually goes away with treatment, and most people fully recover without complications. If treated, the candidiasis typically resolves within one to two weeks. Without prescription treatment, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.

Even with treatment, it is possible for the infection to return in the future. People with compromised immune systems, especially those undergoing chemotherapy and those with HIV or AIDS, are at a much higher risk of severe or life threatening Candida infections. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or you have HIV or AIDs and you develop severe throat pain, headache, or high fevers, you should see your doctor immediately.

A:

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Candida Fungus Skin Infection: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Candida Fungus Skin Infection: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Medically reviewed by Modern Weng, D. O. — By The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on June 11, 2019

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Overview

Candida is a strain of fungus that can cause an infection in your skin, among other locations. In normal conditions, your skin may host small amounts of this fungus. Problems arise when it begins to multiply and creates an overgrowth. More than 150 species of candida exist, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the majority of infections are caused by a species called Candida albicans.

Types of candida fungus skin infections include:

• athlete’s foot
• oral thrush
• vaginal yeast infection
• nail fungus
• jock itch
• diaper rash

Seventy-five percent of adult women will have a yeast infection at some point, according to the CDC. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses notes that 90 percent of all people with AIDS will develop oral thrush or candida overgrowth in the mouth. This rarely occurs in adults with healthy immune systems.

Invasive candidiasis occurs when candida enters the bloodstream. According to the CDC, there are about 46,000 cases in the United States each year.

The outlook for candida infection is often very good. Generally, the condition isn’t serious and can be easily treated. However, uncontrolled infections can lead to potentially life-threatening problems — especially in those with weakened immune systems. Quick treatment can help stop the spread of the fungus, while also improving, and potentially saving, your life.

Candida skin infections can occur on almost any area of the body, but they are more commonly found in intertriginous regions. This is where two skin areas touch or rub together. Such areas include the armpits, groin, and skin folds, as well as the area between your fingers and toes. The fungus thrives in warm, moist, and sweaty conditions.

Normally, your skin acts as an effective barrier against infection. However, any cuts or breakdown in the superficial layers of the skin may allow the fungus to cause infection. Candida becomes pathogenic, or capable of causing disease, when conditions are favorable for it to multiply. Hot and humid weather, poor hygiene, or restrictive clothing may produce these conditions.

These aren’t the only risk factors to consider. Candida infections also tend to be more prevalent in:

• infants
• people who are overweight
• people with diabetes
• people with an underactive thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism
• people with inflammatory disorders
• people with a weakened immune system
• people working in wet conditions
• pregnant women

Certain medications may also increase the risk for this type of fungal infection. Topical corticosteroid medications are the most problematic, but birth control pills and antibiotics are other possible causes. If you take these types of medications, you should monitor your skin regularly for signs of candida infection.

Symptoms vary depending on body location, but include the following:

• rashes
• red or purple patches (area with an altered surface)
• white, flaky substance over affected areas
• scaling, or shedding of the skin with flakes
• cracks in the skin
• soreness
• erythema, which results in areas of redness
• maceration, or the appearance of soft white skin
• creamy satellite pustules at margins of affected areas (pimples filled with pus)
• red and white lesions in your mouth, as seen in oral thrush

Diagnosis of candida infection primarily relies on appearance and skin sampling. Your doctor will take skin scrapings, nail clippings, or plucked hair from the affected area and mount them on a slide for examination. Once a candida infection is diagnosed, the first step is to address the underlying cause. This may include changing your lifestyle to be more clean, losing weight if you are overweight, or managing your diabetes.

It is typically recommended that you make an appointment with your doctor the first time that you experience an infection. This allows the doctor to diagnose it properly and to give you the best treatment options. Candida is often recurring. However, visiting a pharmacist and asking a few questions is typically all that’s needed at subsequent visits.

Treatment for candida skin infection is usually simple. You don’t need to be hospitalized unless you have problems with your immune system or the candida has spread to the bloodstream. Your doctor may prescribe drying agents with antifungal creams, ointments, or lotions that are applied to your skin. Suppositories and oral medications are also available.

You will probably be prescribed over-the-counter drugs, such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole, both of which are topical (you apply on top of the skin) and from a class of antifungal drugs known as azoles. They are available in forms like ointments, tablets, and creams. They don’t have the same serious side effects as other antifungal agents such as nystatin or amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an intravenous medication only used in the hospital setting.

Different kinds of drugs will be used based on the type of infection and the affected body part. For example:

• Vaginal gels or creams, such as miconazole, are often used for vaginal yeast infections.
• Thrush is often treated with antifungals in the form of lozenges, tablets, or liquid mouthwash that you swallow.
• Athlete’s foot is most often treated with sprays, powders, and ointments.
• Severe infections are most often treated with oral or even intravenous medications.

Most medications will be used once or twice a day.

Some medications, such as miconazole and clotrimazole, can be safely used to treat candida infection in any trimester of pregnancy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you to use.

All medications have potential side effects. Side effects for antifungals most often include:

• itching at the site of application
• redness or mild burning at the site of topical application
• headache
• indigestion or upset stomach
• rashes on the skin

Intravenous antifungals are more likely to cause negative side effects, which can include:

• loss of appetite
• feeling sick
• diarrhea
• muscle and joint pain
• rashes

In rare cases, antifungals may cause severe allergic reactions or severe skin reactions, including peeling or blistered skin.

Those with liver damage should not use antifungal medicine without a doctor’s oversight. Antifungals can result in liver damage in healthy patients, but it’s more likely to be severe in those who already have liver damage.

Medications that may interact with antifungals include:

• rifampin (also known as rifampicin), an antibiotic
• benzodiazepines, which are used to induce sleep and reduce anxiety
• estrogens and progestogens, which are found in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
• phenytoin, which is used to treat epilepsy

Children can more prone to candida fungus skin infections when compared to adults. Children are most likely to develop sinus infections, skin rashes (including diaper rash), oral thrush, and earaches from candida overgrowth.

Symptoms in babies and toddlers can include:

• persistent and heavy diaper rash
• skin rashes that resemble eczema
• white or yellow patches on the tongue or inside of the mouth or cheeks
• being colicky for longer than three months
• recurrent ear problems
• symptoms that worsen in damp environments or in damp weather

Symptoms in older children include:

• constantly craving sweets
• learning disabilities
• often being irritable or unhappy
• recurrent ear problems
• symptoms that worsen in damp environments or in damp weather

Treatment will depend on the specific type of candida infection. It may be topical medication for skin infections or antifungal medications, which are sometimes oral.

Treatment can take up to two weeks, though recurrence is fairly common.

There are simple steps you may take to reduce your risk of developing candida infections. For example:

Prevention tips

• Wear “dri-fit” clothing that helps wick away moisture from your skin.
• Keep your armpits, groin area, and other areas that are prone to infection clean and dry.
• Always shower and dry yourself thoroughly after activities where you sweat.
• If you are overweight or obese, properly dry your skin folds.
• Wear sandals or other open-toe footwear when it’s warm.
• Change your socks and underwear regularly.

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In healthy adults, candidiasis is often minor and is easily treated. The infection can be more problematic in older adults and young children, as well as other groups that have weaker immune systems. This can cause a spread of the infection to other parts of the body, especially in cases of oral thrush. The areas it can spread to include the:

• esophagus
• heart valves
• intestines
• liver
• lungs

Preventive measures as well as early treatment can go a long way in preventing candida growth. The sooner you seek treatment for suspected candidiasis, the better the outcome. Seek emergency care if your rash is accompanied by abdominal pain or a high fever.

Q:

Are there any natural remedies or home treatments that are effective against candida infections?

Anonymous patient

A:

The best, most effective and proven treatment against candida is an antifungal medication. There are in fact no proven home remedies to cure a fungal infection once it is present. Treatments such as dipping a tampon in yogurt or tea tree oil and placing it in your vagina to treat a yeast infection are not proven and can be dangerous. As mentioned above, there are things that you can do to prevent a fungal infection. Other things you can do for a healthy immune system: get a solid eight hours of sleep nightly, exercise, and have a healthy, balanced diet.

Modern Weng, D.O.Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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• Aaron, D. M. (2015, November). Candidiasis (Mucocutaneous). Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic_disorders/fungal_skin_infections/candidiasis_mucocutaneous.html
• Antifungal medicines – side effects and interactions with other drugs. (2014, August 18). Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Antifungal-drugs/Pages/Side-effects.aspx
• Candidiasis. (2015, June 12). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/
• Cutaneous candidiasis. (2013, March 11). Retrieved from https://www. swchildrens.org/Pages/health-safety/health-library/library-detail.aspx?docId=%7BB0C5B77A-DCCD-4BA8-9993-C92287CF1C65%7D
• Invasive candidiasis. (2015, June 12). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/invasive/statistics.html
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, August 12). Oral thrush: Definition. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/basics/definition/con-20022381
• Merenstein, D., Hu, H., Wang, C., Hamilton, P., Blackmon, M., Chen, H., … Li, D. (2013, January). Colonization by Candida Species of the Oral and Vaginal Mucosa in HIV-Infected and Noninfected Women. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 29(1), 30-347. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3537294/
• Steckelberg, J. M. (2015, August 22). Male yeast infection: How can I tell if I have one? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/male-yeast-infection/expert-answers/faq-20058464

Last medically reviewed on September 1, 2016

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Medically reviewed by Modern Weng, D. O. — By The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on June 11, 2019

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effective treatment of candidiasis in women at the GMC clinic in St. Petersburg

Thrush or candidiasis is a common disease of the genital area. She has been asymptomatic for a long time. It can be both an independent disease and accompany other, more severe ones. The General Medical Center clinic will conduct a comprehensive examination and treatment of patients with thrush and other diseases of the urogenital area. We have at our disposal a modern laboratory, the latest equipment, comfortable examination and treatment rooms.

Thrush is a disease not only of the female, but also of the male genital area. In men, it is quite rare, but women have a direct predisposition to it – the fungus Candida Albicans lives in the vagina and is part of the normal microflora of the female genital organs. Normally, it is small in number. The disease begins when candida begins to multiply uncontrollably due to certain reasons.

Causes of Candidiasis:

There are many causes of this unpleasant disease:

• eating fast food, a small amount of vegetables and fruits in the diet;

• reduced immunity;

• long-term antibiotic treatment;

• hormonal failures;

• stress, overwork;

• poor hygiene of the genitals, wearing tight synthetic underwear.

Symptoms of thrush:

Candidiasis can accompany many gynecological diseases, or it may not manifest itself at all. In other cases, the symptoms are quite characteristic, so it is difficult to confuse thrush with something else:

• Burning and itching in the vagina (also on the glans penis in men).

The woman can do the following test – sit down and cross her legs. In this position, burning and itching intensify.

• White cheesy discharge, odorless or with a sour smell.

Their number increases at night, after bathing or sexual intercourse.

• Redness and swelling of the labia minora, labia majora down to the anus.

• Pain during intercourse and urination.

• The onset of menstruation with a mild course of the disease destroys the fungus due to the fact that the environment in the vagina becomes more alkaline, unsuitable for their reproduction.

The chronic course of the disease is characterized by multiple exacerbations during the year. Nearby organs are involved in the process – the bladder, intestines and others.

Symptoms of thrush can accompany infectious and sexually transmitted diseases – ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea and others.

Diagnosis and treatment of thrush:

Diagnosis of the disease begins with a detailed questioning of the doctor. The patient should describe to him all the symptoms that disturb him. Next, the cervix is ​​examined, a smear is taken. Be sure to do bakposev to identify the environments where fungi live. According to these analyzes, further antifungal therapy is prescribed.

Since thrush in most cases accompanies infectious and venereal diseases, it is necessary to pass:

• PCR for STIs;

• Blood by RIF and ELISA rapid tests;

• Blood sugar test;

• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;

• Tests for possible intestinal dysbacteriosis;

• Feces for coprogram.

If there are problems with the urinary tract, a urinalysis according to Zemnitsky, a smear from the urethra, an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is given.

After receiving the results of all tests, the gynecologist will make a complete picture of the disease and select a treatment program. Preparations can be either vaginal (cream, suppositories/tablets) or oral (capsules/tablets). For men, creams are applied that are applied to the glans penis and foreskin twice a day.

Specific treatment can be supplemented with immune boosting drugs, vitamins and physiotherapy.

Our clinic accepts:

Doctor of the highest category, Ph.D. ologist

All types of gynecological operations, management of pregnant women, overcoming female infertility. Owns all methods of instrumental diagnostics.

Cost of admission 3200 rubles

Muzychenko Anna Yuryevna aginosis, vaginitis, selection of contraception, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, colposcopy, treatment of cervical erosion , endometritis, ovarian cysts, fibroids. Plasmolifting of intimate zones

Admission fee – 1500 rubles0010

Make an appointment

Thrush: in women, in men, symptoms, causes, treatment

Contents

• Thrush symptoms
• Provoking factors
• Forms of thrush
• Diagnosis and treatment: how to treat thrush correctly

A rare woman can boast that she has never suffered from the symptoms of thrush in her life. What is the reason for this prevalence, how serious is it, and how to treat thrush?

Symptoms of thrush

¹

“Thrush” is a popular name for vulvovaginal candidiasis, an inflammatory disease of the external genitalia and vagina caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Although thrush is not always accompanied by pronounced symptoms, and often occurs in a latent form, the onset of the disease can be recognized by characteristic signs:

• Curd-like discharge from the genital tract with or without sour smell
• Swelling and redness of the mucous membrane of the vagina and labia
• Itching and burning of the vulva
• Fissures of the mucous membranes of the vagina and vulva (female external genitalia)
• Irritation of the skin in the groin

The volume of secretions often increases during sleep, after sexual intercourse and hygiene procedures. Itching and burning become more intense in the cross-legged position. Thrush can cause painful urination and discomfort during intercourse.

The disease in women often disappears during menstruation, when the acidity of the vagina decreases. The disappearance of the symptoms of thrush does not mean at all that you can refuse the prescribed treatment, since there is a possibility of a latent course of the disease.

In some women, thrush becomes chronic, which makes treatment difficult and leads to complications. The pathological process extends to nearby organs (bladder, intestines). Most often, relapses of candidiasis occur before menstruation.

The high prevalence of thrush is explained by the fact that yeast fungi of the genus Candida are inhabitants of the normal flora of most healthy people. They pass into the category of harmful ones with a decrease in immunity and the development of an infection in the vagina. The increased colonization of the vagina by microorganisms causes discomfort and discharge.

Although thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, its danger to women’s health is great: during pregnancy, it increases the risk of miscarriage and complications, so the treatment of thrush should not be postponed until later.

Triggers

¹

Representatives of pathogenic microflora, present in the body in small quantities, get the opportunity to multiply when there is a decrease in general or local immunity. Therefore, the cause of thrush, in fact, is not the fungi themselves, but the state of the body in which it loses the ability to resist their attack.

Symptoms of candidiasis in women often appear after hypothermia, alcohol abuse, prolonged wearing of synthetic underwear. Thrush can occur against the background of stress and when changing intimate hygiene products.

Among the reasons that cause the growth of fungi, several groups can be distinguished:

1. Mechanical, that is, traumatic. These include wearing synthetic underwear, first sexual contact, trauma to the tissues of the vagina.
2. Conditions accompanied by a decrease in immunity: oncological diseases, infections, poisoning, blood diseases.
3. Hormonal, including disorders of the sex glands, adrenal glands, thyroid problems and diabetes mellitus.
4. Physiological – pregnancy, menstruation, menopause.
5. Antibiotics, corticosteroids (human hormone-based anti-inflammatory drugs), radiation and chemotherapy, birth control pills.

Pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, sexual infections, malnutrition with vitamin deficiency also contribute to the development of thrush. In some women, the disease appears after visiting the pool, using local contraceptives and eating a lot of sweets. Thrush can be triggered by a change in sexual partner and climate zone.

Thrush forms

¹

Before wondering how to treat thrush, it is necessary to take tests to accurately determine the form of the disease. There are three forms in total:

• Candidacy, when a person is a carrier of fungi, but the body suppresses their activity. It proceeds without symptoms, the number of fungi does not exceed the norm, lactic acid (beneficial) bacteria predominate in the composition of the microflora.
• True candidiasis, characterized by a high number of yeast-like fungi and lactobacilli (lactic bacteria) in the absence of other pathogens.
• Combination of thrush and bacterial vaginosis (violations of the vaginal microflora): yeast-like fungi act as the causative agent of infection in the presence of other pathogens and a small number of lactobacilli (lactic bacteria).

The carriage of fungi is not a pathology and does not require treatment. In other cases, the decision to take drugs should be made by the doctor, based on the results of the tests and the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.

Diagnosis and treatment: how to treat thrush correctly

²

To diagnose thrush, a swab is taken from the vagina. Its study under a microscope allows you to determine the number of microorganisms and the composition of the flora. The type of fungus is determined by bakposev smear in a nutrient medium. These studies are a prerequisite for the choice of drug and treatment strategy for thrush.

How to treat thrush is not an idle question and requires specialist advice. Some popular drugs can be ineffective because certain strains (microorganisms of the same species, isolated from the same source) of fungi are resistant to common drugs. In the worst case, self-treatment of thrush will aggravate the situation, which is especially critical for the combination of candidiasis with a bacterial infection of the vagina.

With a mild course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe local preparations (suppositories, creams, vaginal tablets). In especially serious cases, the treatment of thrush may require systemic therapy.

If there is no problem in how to treat thrush, then the number of courses of treatment is not so unambiguous. Some women have recurrent, that is, repeated several times a year, candidiasis. In this situation, research plays an important role in identifying the resistance of fungi to certain types of drugs and choosing the most effective treatment.

In chronic thrush, antimycotic drugs for internal use are prescribed. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and can last several months. The final stage of antifungal therapy is the restoration of the normal microflora of the vagina. For the period of treatment of thrush, it is necessary to abandon sexual intercourse and perfumed intimate hygiene products.

You should not rely on materials in the spirit of “we treat thrush with folk remedies”, trying to eliminate the symptoms of thrush on your own, using a spoonful of soda dissolved in a liter of water for douching, or drugs widely advertised in the media (candles, tablets).

Such methods of treatment can lead to undesirable consequences and provoke a chronic course of thrush. Entrust your health to a specialist in order to cure candidiasis in the most gentle way, as well as to avoid a recurrence of the disease.

• Tyutyunnik VL, Karapetyan TE, Balushkina AA Modern principles of diagnosis and therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis // Russian Medical Journal.