Candida Albicans Stir Up Yeast Infections in Men and Women.
By Kelly J. Kopke | November 11, 2008
Men, women, children, the elderly, almost anyone can contract a yeast infection. Most times yeast infections are only associated with women but yeast, particularly Candida yeast, are found on the skin of every human being. When conditions on or in your body change to Candida's ideal growing environment, the population of Candida increases in that area and you get a yeast infection. Yeast particularly like warm and moist areas to live, so areas like the mouth and inside your body are ideal yeast environments. Vaginal yeast infections, nail bed infections, skin infections, diaper rash and mouth and throat infections are the most common types of yeast infections.
For women, yeast infections are associated with the vaginal area as this area has ideal conditions for yeast growth. A vaginal yeast infection is associated with burning, itching and discharge. There are many causes of vaginal yeast infections for women that can be traced to menstruation, antibiotics, pregnancy, sperm, diabetes, steroids and birth control. All of these factors cause your vaginal are to change which in turn can promote Candida growth resulting in a yeast infection.
If your immune system is compromised or weak then you may be more prone to yeast infections. Yeast infections with a weak immune system are particularly dangerous as if they are left untreated can result in death. The yeast infection can occur in any part of your body but is easily contracted in your blood, kidneys, eyes and heart. You can also get a yeast infection in your liver, spleen and brain. If you have undergone treatment for cancer, or AIDS then you should be careful of getting a yeast infection as the possibility of getting one greatly increases.
Up to 15% of all individuals with a weakened immune system get a systemic illness from yeast infections. In this case the yeast has somehow managed to access your blood stream, wither through cell breakdown, cuts, needle punctures, catheters or IV drips. The bacteria that normally would control or kill the yeast are not present as your current medical treatment, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore your body has lost its natural defense against the yeast.
An oral yeast infection, also called thrush, develop thick, white lacy patterns on the tongue, palate and anywhere else in the mouth. Most times these white patchy areas have a red base and if you scrape away the patch it may cause bleeding. Thrush can be quite painful and make it difficult to eat; it is easy for a person to become dehydrated when they have thrush.
Diaper rash and skin yeast infections occur because the outer layer of your skin is breaking down. Most of the time we do not get yeast infections on the skin because it is kept exposed and dry. However when some areas of the skin are moist, like diaper areas and in skin folds, yeast infections can occur. Skin yeast infections are red and sometimes have sharp scalloped edges and are usually associated with itching and pain.
There are many forms of treatments for yeast infections some over the counter and others prescription medication. If you use over the counter medication and the yeast infection does not go away or if it is reoccurring then you should see your doctor. Oral thrush may need a prescription medication to treat so if you notice any white, painful patches you should visit your doctor. Diaper rash and skin infections can be treated with over the counter medication. There are also many treatments available which are holistic in nature, can be done privately at home, and usually work as well as other treatments more costly.
Those with weakened immune systems need to keep close watch of any symptoms particularly if they are already undergoing treatment for a yeast infection. You need to be vigilant and frequently consult your doctor to monitor your progress and stop any major issues from occurring.
Topics: Acne |
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