Candidiasis: symptoms, causes and medical treatment
Did you know that the one known as candidiasis Is it really part of that group of diseases that most often affect people? Even some authors indicate according to their statistics and scientific research that practically all people will suffer from candidiasis at some time. Although anyone can suffer, the truth is that candidiasis tends to be better known as a woman's disease, when the reality is that It is caused by a fungus that is generated naturally in the mouth and on the skin, in addition to the vagina and the digestive tract
It is an infection caused by several varieties of a fungus known by the name of Candida albicans, which is generated and found completely naturally in the vagina, in the mouth and on the skin, as indicated above. This fungus is similar to yeast, which in most cases does not cause infection or symptoms. However, when the amount of this fungus increases, what is known as candidiasis occurs.
Why does candidiasis appear?
Candidiasis appears when the fungus Candida albicans has multiplied by more than normal. We must bear in mind that this fungus is present naturally and in small quantities in the mouth, skin, digestive tract and vagina, places where it does not cause problems, symptoms or discomfort until it multiplies in amounts greater.
Causes of candidiasis
The reality is that although candidiasis is more common in diabetics or AIDS patients because they have a weakened immune system, infection of the mucous membranes also occurs frequently among people with a normal immune system. In fact, pregnant women also tend to suffer it more often.
Actually There are many factors that predispose to a person suffering from a yeast infection, so that while some factors depend exclusively on the individual, others depend on environmental conditions.
For example, people who take certain medications (such as antibiotics, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants) often suffer from candidiasis. The same applies to patients with debilitating diseases, diabetes, various types of cancer (such as lymphomas or leukemias), or Down syndrome.
On the other hand, to suffer from candidiasis is not necessary to be sick or take medication, since it is also commonly suffered by newborns, pregnant women and women with premenstrual periods.
We must bear in mind that cases of vaginal candidiasis increase in summer, since at this time of year it is common for many people to have wet bath clothes for many hours. In this sense, humidity is a risk that favors the multiplication of the candida fungus.
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
Depending on the location where the fungus has multiplied, the symptoms vary. Highlights the mucosal candidiasis, where we find the muguet, which manifests as whitish creamy flat, appearing in the gingival mucosa, on the palate or on the back of the tongue. When it comes off, they expose a reddish mucous membrane. Red, shiny, smooth and painful tongue may also appear.
When it comes to a vaginal candidiasis his symptoms are: redness and edema of the labia minora, accompanied by priuritus and a burning sensation and itching. It can also affect the male external genitalia.
Medical treatment for candidiasis
At the slightest symptom it is essential to go to the medical specialist. Thus, for example, if you suspect that it is a vaginal candidiasis you should go to the gynecologist, who will take a sample and send it to analysis to diagnose the possible presence of candidiasis.
About the most used medical treatments, depending on the extension and the general state of the person can be decided by a topical medical treatment or for a systemic medical treatment. Topically, 1% cotrimazole, naphthyline, ketoconazole or sertonocazole are usually used. While the systemic treatments are usually fluconazole or itraconazole.
Images | Kat Masback / Iqbal Osman / Partha S. Sahana This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesFungal infections
