Candida - Causes - Better Medicine

What causes Candida?

Although various species of Candida can cause infection, most infections are caused by Candida albicans. Candida infections are generally not considered contagious. Candida is present in the environment and can be carried by healthy people without causing symptoms.

People with weakened immune systems have the highest risk of developing candidal infections. Antibiotic and corticosteroid treatments can increase the risk of genital infections in women, as can pregnancy and diabetes.

What are the risk factors for Candida infection?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing cutaneous Candida infections. Not all people with risk factors will get Candida infections. Risk factors for cutaneous Candida infection include:

Diabetes
Diaper use
Obesity
Weakened immune system, such as occurs in people who have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), are undergoing cancer treatment, or have had an organ transplant

A number of factors increase the risk of developing oral candidiasis, or thrush, including:

Advanced age
Denture use
Infancy
Treatment with corticosteroids
Weakened immune status

A number of factors increase the risk of developing genital Candida infections including:

Antibiotics
Diabetes
Oral contraceptives
Pregnancy
Treatment with corticosteroids
Weakened immune status

Systemic Candida infections are uncommon, but certain people have a higher risk than others. Risk factors for systemic Candida infections include:

Kidney failure
Prolonged catheter use
Prolonged hospitalization
Prolonged mechanical ventilation
Prolonged treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids
Severe trauma or burns
Surgery
Very low birth weight and preterm babies
Weakened immune status

Reducing your risk of Candida

You can reduce your risk of developing a Candida infection by:

Avoiding the use of douches and feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, and powders
Changing baby diapers frequently
Eating yogurt with live cultures while taking antibiotics
Keeping your blood sugar levels under control
Keeping your skin clean and dry
Losing weight if you are overweight
Practicing good hygiene
Using a soft toothbrush
Using body powders to absorb moisture
Washing with warm water only and avoiding scented soaps or wipes
Wearing loose, airy clothing

INTRODUCTION

What is Candida?

Candida is the scientific name for a genus of fungi. Candida infections, also called candidiasis, are often referred to as yeast or fungal infections. When they occur in the mouth and throat, Candida infections are called thrush. The most common sites of infection include the mouth and throat, the genitals, a... Read more about candida introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of Candida?

Symptoms of Candida depend on the site of infection. Cutaneous Candida infections, on the skin surface, tend to appear as red, weepy, scaly areas. Candida infections can also cause pus-filled bumps. In the mouth and throat, the infection often forms thick, white patches. Genital Candida infections often produce a thick, white vaginal discharge. Some diaper rashes are caused by Candida.... Read more about candida symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is Candida treated?

Treatment for Candida typically involves the use of antifungal medications, although oral thrush in babies often goes away on its own. The type of antifungal therapy depends on the site and severity of the infection, and whether any past treatment was effective. Antifungal medications may be topical, oral or intravenous.... Read more about candida treatments