Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans.

It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach, and urinary tract. About 75% of women will get a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, and 90% of all people with HIV/AIDS develop candida infections. Oral infections, called oral thrush, are most common in infants, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system. Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms of candidiasis may include: Creamy white patches in the mouth or on the throat (oral thrush) Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth (oral thrush) Skin rashes, patches, and blisters found most commonly in the groin, between fingers and toes, and under the breasts Vaginal itching and irritation with a white discharge resembling cottage cheese (vaginal yeast infection) Causes Candidiasis can be fatal if it reaches our vital organs or our bloodstream. Therefore, having knowledge of the factors that may lead to such a condition can be helpful. Following are some of the major causes of candidiasis: Constant and regular intake of antibiotics is one of the leading causes of candidiasis. Most antibiotics tend to kill the bacteria which are responsible for limiting the growth of fungi to a certain level. Hence the Candida fungi continue growing, thus infecting a person with candidiasis. Weakened immunity in people is also one of the important causes of candidiasis infection. This is because it is the weak immune system that aids the growth of Candida fungi in the human body, as there are lesser antibodies present to prevent and restrict the growth. This is precisely the reason why people with cancer or AIDS are more prone to this infection because they suffer from weaker immunity. Pregnant women are observed to be more prone to vaginal candidiasis than other women. It is due to the

increased production of glycogen by the vagina, owing to the higher level of estrogen, in pregnant women. This leads to the speedy growth of yeast in the vagina. Intake of steroids can also lead to the excessive growth of Candida on the human body. This happens because regular steroid consumption often leads to the increased level of glucose thus, in turn, triggering the growth of the fungus causing candidiasis. If diabetics fail to take proper medication or follow recommended diet, due fluctuating levels of glucose, they are more likely to develop a candidiasis infection. Lower levels of estrogen after menopause can be a cause for concern, leading to the spread of candidiasis. This happens because the lower levels of estrogen leads to even lesser production of glycogen, thus enabling the fungus to grow even more rapidly. Some studies state that the use of oral contraceptives may also lead to the enhanced growth of Candida on the body. However, there is little evidence to support this. Heavy metal toxicity is also one of the causes of the growth and spread of yeast in human body. While we breathe, we also inhale minute particles of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium. These particles accumulate in our cells and, when their proportion is high, it automatically reduces the ability of the cells to produce energy. This absence of energy enhances the toxicity of the metals which is extremely harmful to organs such as brain and liver. Our body then makes desperate attempts to save itself from the havoc these metals may cause and this leads to incessant growth of the fungus. Poor dietary habits is also an important cause for the overgrowth of Candida fungus. Diet rich in carbohydrates and sugar gives Candida all the energy it needs to grow and spread. On the contrary, organic foods, rich in minerals and vitamins, help to limit the growth of the fungus. Some other indirect causes of candidiasis include, stress and regular exposure to pesticides and herbicides. One can avoid candidiasis by simply keeping our surrounding environment dry, so that the fungal growth can be restricted. One should also avoid douche and other

sprays as well as wipes

Pathophisiology Candida is a unicellular yeast whose cells reproduce by budding. This organism can flourish in most environments. It frequently colonizes the oropharynx, skin, mucous membranes, lower respiratory, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Pathogenesis occurs with increased fungal burden and colonization, such as in the setting of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents; breakdown of normal mucosal and skin barriers, which can occur with indwelling intravascular devices, recent surgery/trauma or tissue damage secondary to chemotherapy or radiation; or immune dysfunction secondary to disease states or iatrogenic conditions. Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection. Disease manifestation of candidal infection can vary with type of host immunodeficiency. Lymphocytes and cell-mediated immunity are important in the prevention of mucosal candidiasis. Therefore, patients with T-cell deficiency, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have a propensity to develop recurrent and/or persistent mucocutaneous candidiasis. Patients with neutropenia are at risk for invasive candidiasis and candidemia as functioning monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells are responsible for killing pseudohyphae and blastospores. Complement and immunoglobulins are necessary for intracellular killing of the organisms and patients with deficiencies can have a more prolonged and complicated course of candidal infection. Treatment Options: Drug Therapies Many antifungal medications can treat candidiasis. Your doctor will prescribe a drug depending on your condition.

Antifungal medications -- these include oral rinses and tablets, vaginal tablets and suppositories, and creams. For vaginal yeast infections, medications that are available over the counter include creams and suppositories such as miconazole (Monistat), ticonazole (Vagistat), and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). Your doctor may prescribe a pill, fluconazole (Diflucan). Side effects vary. Creams combined with low-strength corticosteroids -reduce inflammation and itching. Most treatments last from 2 - 3 days to 2 weeks. Be sure to take all medicine exactly as prescribed. If you do not, the same infection could come back, or you could become infected with a new strain of candida. For severe candidiasis that could be life threatening to someone with a weak immune system, your doctor may prescribe an intravenous (IV) medication, amphotericin B. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Some studies suggest that reducing sugar in the diet may help prevent yeast infections. Other foods that some practitioners believe may contribute to candidiasis include high amounts of milk, dairy products, and foods with high concentrations of yeast (cheese, peanuts, alcohol). The "candida diet" allows no alcohol, no simple sugars, no yeast, and very limited amounts of processed foods. It isn' t clear whether the diet actually gets rid of candida or helps people feel better because it is a healthful diet. Alternative therapies use natural antifungals or probiotics ("friendly" bacteria) as well as immune-strengthening therapies to improve the body's ability to keep candida in check. There is conflicting evidence about whether eating yogurt with live probiotic cultures every day can help prevent yeast infections, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Adding more garlic (fungicidal), nuts (essential fatty acids), whole grains (B vitamins), oregano, cinnamon, sage, and cloves (antifungal spices) to your diet may help avoid yeast infections.

Probiotics -- Lactobacillus acidophilus (1 - 10 billion live organisms per day) or bifidobacterium (10 billion colony-forming units per day) to help restore normal balance of bacteria in the bowel and mucous membranes. Taking probiotics or "friendly bacteria" at the same time that you take antibiotics may help prevent a buildup of candida, although the evidence is mixed. If you take drugs to suppress your immune system, ask your doctor before taking probiotics. Vitamin C (500 - 1,000 mg per day), vitamin E (200 400 IU per day), and selenium (200 mcg per day) -help reduce inflammation and keep your immune system strong. Essential fatty acids -- help reduce inflammation. A mix of omega-6 (evening primrose) and omega-3 (fish oil) may be best (2 tbs. oil per day or 1,000 1,500 mg twice a day). It also helps to reduce animal fats in your diet and increase fish and nuts. Some essential fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood-thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), or aspirin. B-complex: B1 (50 - 100 mg), B2 (50 mg), B3 (25 mg), B5 (100 mg), B6 (50 - 100 mg), B12 (100 1,000 mcg), folate (400 mcg per day). Caprylic acid (1 g with meals) is another type of fatty acid that may have antifungal properties. Propolis, a natural substance created by bees from pine resin, has antifungal properties in test tube studies. One study in humans showed that a special propolis preparation got rid of oral thrush in people who had denture stomatitis (mouth sores). People who are allergic to honey or who have asthma should ask their doctor before taking propolis. Avoid overuse of antibiotics that kill off the friendly bacteria that normally keep candida in check. Talk to your doctor about the proper use of antibiotics, when they are needed, and when it may be safe to try alternatives first.

Prevention wipe from front to back after going to the toilet - the rectal

area is full of yeast take baths not showers - sitting in the bath can clear yeast from the vaginal area dry yourself thoroughly afterwards, especially the pubic hair - use a hair dryer on low setting if you have to don't use soap around the vagina - soap kills the bacteria you want to keep, and has no effect on yeast sterilize or throw away underwear that you wore during your last infection - the washing machine isn't hot enough, you must boil them if you want to keep them. You must also replace any diaphragms or caps. avoid chemicals like deodorant tampons and especially vaginal douches, which serve no purpose and may cause infection