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Yeast infection medical name: Candidiasis | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases

by alexxlab

Yeast Infections, Thrush, Diaper Rash

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 20, 2021

  • Thrush (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis)
  • Genital Yeast Infection (Genital Candidiasis)
  • Diaper Rash From Yeast Infection
  • Invasive Candidiasis

There are many kinds of fungus that live in the human body. One type is called candida. It’s a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts in places like your mouth and belly, or on your skin without causing any problems. But when the environment is right, the yeast can multiply and grow out of control.

The infection it causes is called candidiasis. There are several different types of it. Most can be easily treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

When the candida yeast spreads in the mouth and throat, it can cause an infection called thrush. It’s most common in newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Also more likely to get it are adults who:

  • Are being treated for cancer
  • Take medications like corticosteroids and wide-spectrum antibiotics
  • Wear dentures
  • Have diabetes

The symptoms include:

  • White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of mouth, and inner cheeks
  • Redness or soreness in the mouth and throat
  • Cracking at the corners of the mouth
  • Pain when swallowing, if it spreads to the throat

Thrush is treated with antifungal medicines like nystatin, clotrimazole, and fluconazole. Rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash may help prevent infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Three out of four adult women will get at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. This happens when too much yeast grows in the vagina. (Men also can get a genital yeast infection, but it’s much less common).

A yeast infection typically happens when the balance in the vagina changes. This can be caused by:

  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Some medicines, including antibiotics and birth control pills
  • Use of some douches, vaginal sprays, lubricants, or spermicides
  • A weakened immune system
  • Wearing a wet bathing suit or workout clothes, or underwear that doesn’t breathe

Occasionally, the infection can be passed from person to person during sex.

The symptoms include:

  • Extreme itchiness in the vagina
  • Redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
  • Pain and burning when you pee
  • Discomfort during sex
  • A thick, white “cottage cheese” discharge from the vagina

A man with a yeast infection may have an itchy rash on their penis.

Because the symptoms in women can be similar to other infections like bacterial vaginosis (bacterial overgrowth in the vagina) and sexually transmitted diseases, it’s important to visit your doctor.

Most times, an over-the-counter antifungal suppository, tablet, or cream will knock out the infection. Your doctor might also prescribe a single dose of a prescription antifungal medicine like fluconazole. Tell your doctor if you get yeast infections more than four times a year. They may recommend regular doses of antifungal medication over several months to fight the repeated infections.

Though diaper rashes are usually caused by leaving a wet or soiled diaper on too long, once your baby’s skin is irritated, infection is more likely. If their diaper rash isn’t going away, check to see if their bottom is red and sensitive, and if there’s a raised red border around the sores. If so, have your pediatrician check for candidiasis. It can be treated with an antifungal cream.

Keeping your baby’s bottom clean and dry is a good start to help prevent diaper rash and candidiasis.

If candida yeast enters the bloodstream (usually through medical equipment or devices), it can travel to the heart, brain, blood, eyes, and bones. This can cause a serious, life-threatening infection.

This happens most often to people who have recently been admitted to a hospital or live in a health care facility, such as a nursing home. Like other types of yeast infections, if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, kidney failure, or are on antibiotics, your chances of getting it are greater.

The symptoms include fever and chills. Since it’s likely a person with this infection is already sick with another condition, it can be hard to diagnose.

Invasive candidiasis is treated with an oral or intravenous dose of antifungal medication. If you are having surgery and have higher odds of a yeast infection, your doctor might prescribe a series of antifungal medicines before the procedure.

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An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can cause a vaginal yeast infection. Treatment may depend on the type of infection and whether the infection is recurring.

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition. A healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply. This causes itching, swelling, and irritation.

Treating a vaginal yeast infection can relieve symptoms within a few days. In more severe cases, it may take longer.

Vaginal yeast infections aren’t considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), commonly known as sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexual contact can spread it, but women who aren’t sexually active can also get them.

Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms, such as:

  • vaginal itching
  • swelling around the vagina
  • burning during urination or sex
  • pain during sex
  • soreness
  • redness
  • rash

Whitish-yellow and clumpy vaginal discharge is another symptom. Some people describe the discharge as looking like cottage cheese. Sometimes the discharge may also be watery.

The yeast Candida is a naturally occurring microorganism in the vaginal area. Lactobacillus bacteria keeps its growth in check.

But if there’s an imbalance in your system, these bacteria won’t work effectively. This leads to an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Several factors can cause a yeast infection, including:

  • antibiotics, which decrease the amount of Lactobacillus (“good bacteria”) in the vagina
  • pregnancy
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • weak immune system
  • hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle
  • stress

A specific kind of yeast called Candida albicans causes most yeast infections. These infections are easily treatable.

If you’re having recurring yeast infections or problems getting rid of a yeast infection with conventional treatment, a different version of Candida might be the cause. A lab test can identify what type of Candida you have.

Yeast infections are simple to diagnose. Your doctor will ask about your medical history. This includes whether you’ve had yeast infections before. They may also ask if you’ve ever had an STI.

The next step is a pelvic exam. Your doctor will examine your vaginal walls and cervix. They’ll also look at the surrounding area for external signs of infection.

Depending on what your doctor sees, the next step may be to collect cells from your vagina. These cells go to a lab for examination. Lab tests are usually ordered for women who have yeast infections on a regular basis or for infections that won’t go away.

If you don’t already have a obgyn, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Each yeast infection is different, so your doctor will suggest a treatment that’s best for you. Treatments are generally determined based on the severity of your symptoms.

Simple infections

For simple yeast infections, your doctor will usually prescribe a 1-6 day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. These medications can be in prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) form.

Common medications include:

  • butoconazole (Gynazole)
  • clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
  • miconazole (Monistat)
  • terconazole (Terazol)
  • fluconazole (Diflucan)

If you have a simple yeast infection, follow up with your doctor to make sure the medicine has worked.

Schedule a follow-up visit if your symptoms return within 2 months.

If you recognize that you have a yeast infection, you can also treat yourself at home with OTC products.

Learn more about yeast infection pills and medications.

Complicated infections

Your doctor will more than likely treat your yeast infection as if it were a severe or complicated case, if you:

  • have severe redness, swelling, and itching that leads to sores or tears in your vaginal tissue
  • have had more than four yeast infections in a year
  • are pregnant
  • have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system from medication
  • have HIV

Possible treatments for severe or complicated yeast infections include:

  • 14-day cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository vaginal treatment
  • two or three doses of fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • long-term prescription of fluconazole taken once a week for 6 weeks, or long-term use of a topical antifungal medication

If your infection is recurring, you may want to see if your sexual partner has a yeast infection. Use barrier methods, such as condoms, when having sex if you suspect either of you has a yeast infection. Talk to your doctor about your yeast infection treatment options.

You can try to treat vaginal yeast infections with natural remedies if you’d like to avoid taking prescription medication, but these aren’t as effective or reliable as the indicated medications. Popular natural remedies include:

  • coconut oil
  • tea tree oil cream
  • garlic
  • boric acid vaginal suppositories
  • plain yogurt taken orally or inserted into the vagina

Make sure your hands are clean before applying creams or oils to your vagina.

You may also want to talk to a doctor before trying natural remedies. This is important because, if your symptoms are due to something other than a simple yeast infection, your doctor can help diagnose your condition.

Talk to your doctor about herbal remedies if you take OTC or prescription drugs. Some herbs can interact with medications you may be taking or can cause other unintended side effects.

While vaginal yeast infections are more common in women, it’s possible for men to get yeast infections, too. When it affects the penis, this is known as a penile yeast infection.

All bodies have Candida — not just the female body. When there’s an overgrowth of this fungus, it can lead to a yeast infection. The groin area is especially prone to Candida overgrowth because of skin folds and moisture.

Still, penile yeast infections are most commonly caused by having unprotected vaginal intercourse with a woman who has the infection, too. You can help prevent a yeast infection by wearing condoms during sex. Regular bathing can also help.

The symptoms of a yeast infection in men may not be as prominent, though you might see redness and white patches along the penis as well as burning and itchy sensations. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you think you have a penile yeast infection.

Yeast infections are common in women. It’s estimated that up to 75 out of 100 women will get a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Despite their prevalence, it’s important to treat vaginal yeast infections early.

Recurring yeast infections are common, especially if you are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system. Talk to your doctor if you have more than four yeast infections per year.

While yeast infections are commonly associated with vaginal infections, babies can also get them.

The most common yeast infection in a baby is a diaper rash. However, not all diaper rashes are the result yeast overgrowth.

You can tell if the condition is more than just a diaper rash if your baby’s skin is extremely red and has spots in the diaper/groin area, despite using diaper rash cream. Yeast infections may also be presented in other folds of the skin, such as under the armpits.

Your child’s pediatrician will likely prescribe a topical antifungal cream to treat yeast infections of the skin. An oral medication may be needed if your baby has oral thrush (yeast infection of the mouth). While yeast infections in babies are usually harmless, they can lead to more serious infections when left untreated.

Yeast infections aren’t considered STIs. In rare cases, you can pass a yeast infection from one partner to another.

It’s also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a vaginal yeast infection during delivery. You may also pass on a yeast infection to your baby’s mouth during breastfeeding if Candida overgrowth is present in the breast area.

While you can pass a yeast infection to another person, it’s not contagious in the same way as other infections are. You won’t “catch” the infection by air or by using the same shower as someone with the infection, for example. If you’re concerned about transmission, talk to your doctor about situations in which a yeast infection could be contagious.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy because of hormone fluctuations. See a doctor if you’re pregnant and suspect a yeast infection so you can get the right diagnosis.

A yeast infection during pregnancy isn’t always treated in the same way as nonpregnant women are treated. You won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications due to possible birth defects. Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, though.

While yeast infections won’t hurt your baby, it’s possible to pass the Candida fungus to them during delivery. This can lead to diaper rash and oral thrush in your baby. It’s important to treat yeast infection early, especially if you’re pregnant, so that you can prevent such complications.

Another common infection in women is a urinary tract infection (UTI). While it’s possible to have one or the other, or even both infections at the same time, UTIs and yeast infections are two different conditions.

A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. This complex system includes your urethra, as well as your bladder and kidneys. Sex, STIs, and failure to urinate regularly can all lead to UTIs.

The symptoms of a UTI are also different from a yeast infection. There’s no noticeable discharge, but you might see a small amount of blood in your urine. A UTI can also cause frequent urination along with pelvic and abdominal pain.

Without treatment, a UTI can lead to more serious complications of the kidneys. See a doctor to get antibiotics. Ask your doctor for more information regarding the differences between a yeast infection and a UTI.

If this is your first suspected yeast infection, you’ll want to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. This ensures that your symptoms are related to Candida overgrowth and not a more serious condition.

Your doctor will first conduct a pelvic exam, noting any visible discharge, redness, and swelling. They will ask you about other symptoms such as burning and painful urination.

If needed, your doctor might order a vaginal fluid test. They will first collect a sample of vaginal discharge with a cotton swab, which will then be sent to a lab for study under a microscope. Once your doctor has determined it’s a fungal infection — or another type of infection — they will then be able to prescribe the correct treatment.

While it’s possible to develop a yeast infection after sex, a yeast infection itself is not an STI. Instead, there are other factors at play that can throw off Candida balance in the vaginal area. Vaginal intercourse, as well as penetration via sex toys and fingers, can introduce bacteria.

Another possibility is having vaginal intercourse with a man who has a penile yeast infection. The opposite can happen too, where a man might develop a penile yeast infection from a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection. Oral sex may also disrupt bacteria in the mouth, vagina, and penile areas.

It’s also possible that the yeast infection is purely coincidental. There are many underlying risk factors of a yeast infection, with sexual intercourse being just one of them.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Its primary causes are bacterial imbalances from douching and sex — it’s not a fungal infection like a typical yeast infection. BV is said to have a strong fishy odor, too.

BV has similar symptoms as a yeast infection, including discharge, burning, and itching. This can make distinguishing between the two infections difficult. But while a vaginal yeast infection doesn’t cause long-term complications, untreated BV can.

Among the complications include fertility issues and premature delivery (if you get infected while pregnant), and a higher risk of contracting STIs.

Unlike a yeast infection, you’ll need a prescription antibiotic to clear up BV. Your doctor will help you distinguish between a yeast infection and BV.

Chances are that you know exactly what led to your yeast infection. For example, some women experience these infections every time they take antibiotics. Whether you know the exact cause, here are tips to avoid recurring infections.

Try:

  • eating a well-balanced diet
  • eating yogurt or taking supplements with lactobacillus
  • wearing natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk
  • washing underwear in hot water
  • replacing feminine products frequently

Avoid:

  • wearing tight pants, pantyhose, tights, or leggings
  • using feminine deodorant or scented tampons or pads
  • wearing wet clothing, especially bathing suits
  • sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot baths
  • douching

Essential oils have gained attention in recent years as “natural” remedies to common medical ailments. These plant-based products can be powerful, but so far, no research has shown that essential oils work better for yeast infections than conventional methods.

One issue with essential oils is that some people might be allergic to them. Do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying them to larger areas of the body. This is especially important when considering sensitive areas such as the vagina.

It’s also important to dilute oils properly before use. Confirm with a doctor that your symptoms are indeed caused by a yeast infection before trying essential oils as treatment. You can also ask about safer oils, such as coconut oil, for your yeast infection.

Having both a yeast infection and your period can feel like a double whammy. However, this isn’t uncommon. Yeast infections are most likely to occur in women during the final days leading up to their period.

Fluctuations in hormones are thought to be a cause of yeast infections before your period, causing imbalances in healthy bacteria in the vagina.

If you experience white to yellow discharge in the week before your period, this isn’t automatically a yeast infection unless you have other hallmark symptoms, too, such as redness, burning, and itchiness.

While a nuisance, early treatment can help clear up your yeast infection before your period starts. See your doctor if your yeast infection symptoms don’t improve after your period ends. Also see a doctor if you continue to get yeast infections before your period every month.

Yeast infections are common occurrences, but prompt treatment can help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms within a few days. By recognizing your own risk factors, you can prevent future infections.

Talk to your doctor if you have recurring yeast infections that last longer than 2 months.

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