Candida albicans is a yeast fungus that is present on our skin and in the openings of our body (such as the vagina and mouth). Normally, the other bacteria present maintain a healthy balance between yeast and bacteria. In fact, this symbiosis (balance) keeps us healthy, occasionally the yeast overgrows and causes Candida symptoms. Other yeast fungi may be responsible for candida symptoms; however, the most common is caused by the yeast strain Candida albicans.

Yeast do not cause Candida symptoms without having the right conditions to allow them to reproduce at a rate that outstrips other cells and produces symptoms. Generally, a moist area, opening in the body, and a dark environment are required. The opening accessed by Candida is usually through cavities such as the mouth, vagina, and skin-on-skin areas, such as under the breasts, in the armpits, or between the toes.

The symptoms you will incur with an infection will include some type of irritation, redness, rash, and discharge or drainage. People with other health problems that compromise the immune system are more susceptible to this infection.

Candida Symptoms and Facts

When Candida overgrows in the vagina, the two most common symptoms produced are intense itching and a clumpy white discharge that looks like curdled milk. Thrush is the name given to Candida that occurs from an infection in the mouth. Predominantly infants and young children are affected by candidiasis; however, adults can also become infected. Symptoms include a white coating inside the mouth or the inside of the mouth becoming swollen and red; causing bread.

Adults who smoke drugs that irritate the lining of the mouth (meth, for example) have a higher incidence of Candida. Rarely, Candida symptoms can cause a serious internal infection. This occurs when the yeast enters the interior of the body, usually through the esophagus (throat) and enters the lungs or stomach.

Any area of ​​skin can be prone to Candida symptoms if the conditions are right and the integrity of a person’s skin is compromised. When areas like skin folds remain moist, yeast is likely to grow. A flat red rash will appear and the area will be itchy or irritated. Diaper rash in babies is often the result of Candida. Patients with diabetes have a high incidence of Candida symptoms due to the high blood sugar they have when symptoms are not controlled. Yeasts feed on sugars to reproduce.

Treatments for Candida include antifungal applications in the form of topical creams, mouthwashes, and oral medications. If symptoms are not treated, secondary bacterial infections (most often staph) can occur. Mild Candida symptoms can sometimes be treated with a vinegar solution (diluted with water). In general, most Candida symptoms are treated without further complications.

Recurring symptoms of Candida may indicate other serious illnesses, such as cancer (leukemia), diabetes, and autoimmune deficiency. Anyone who has repeated symptoms should see a health professional. Someone receiving oral antibiotics for other infections is prone to candidiasis; particularly vaginal infections in women and oral infections in children. The antibiotic can kill the good bacteria on and in the body; along with the bad bacteria. Consumption of yogurt cultures has been shown to help prevent Candida in people prone to yeast infection.