Those frequent vaginal infections, skin troubles, and diaper rashes have a name: Candidiasis, aka fungal infections. Caused by the overgrowth of the Candida albicans yeast in the body, such fungal infections are a source of major discomfort, but are hardly ever a cause for concern as they usually remain skin deep.
Consult a dermatologist if you have any skin related concerns.
Table of Contents
The Candida yeasts naturally occur in various parts of the body and are even useful in defending against harmful bacteria. However, any change in their natural environment, like an acidic pH in the vagina, can cause candida to multiply uncontrollably, resulting in pain, inflammation, and eventually, an infection.
Candidiasis is not infectious and cannot be sexually transmitted, although some women may contract the infection from their male partners via sperm. Instead, candidiasis is generally the result of:
It can affect any part of the oral cavity, from the lips and mouth to the throat. While oral thrush is most common in newborns and infants under 6 months, it can also affect adults who have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or asthma and take corticosteroids (orally or inhaled), mouth-drying medications, wear dentures, or smoke.
This infection occurs when the lactobacillus bacteria present in the vagina is destroyed or reduced. High estrogen (the female hormone) levels during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of taking birth control medication are common causes of vaginal yeast infections.
Poor hygiene, infrequent undergarment changes, tight clothing, excess sweating during warm weather, and incomplete drying of damp skin are common causes of skin yeast infections. Obese people are also at high risk of candidiasis due to increased belly folds and a narrow thigh gap. Rashes commonly occur on the groin or between the breasts, fingers, toes, and buttocks.
Although candida infections usually remain skin-deep, in some cases the yeast enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. This can negatively affect, or stop the functioning of major organs like the heart, brain, eyes, and liver, altogether. It is a common side-effect.
Symptoms vary depending upon the area infected:
(Rashes may not be clearly visible on darker skin)
Candidiasis generally resolves within 1-2 weeks with, or longer without treatment. If you observe any of the signs stated above in yourself or your child, contact your doctor for prompt treatment.
You can also book an appointment with a top Dermatologist in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
Does your child throw a fit, start weeping, or shout every now and then? You…
Grapefruit, known as chakotra in Urdu, is a fruit that comes from the orange and lemon families.…
Stroke affects millions of people around the world, making it the leading cause of physical…
ایک ایسا ڈاکٹر ہے جو مریضوں میں مختلف نفسیاتی امراض کا علاج کرتا ہے۔ Psychiatrist…
Kidney pain can be caused by kidney infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or…
Male infertility is a condition that affects approximately 55 million men worldwide, a number that is…