A host of fungi lives in the human body and Candida is amongst the significant ones. It is a genus of yeast and it lives in the intestines, mouth, and skin. A small amount of Candida is not problematic for health but if it grows abruptly, it will turn into an infection. This fungal infection is known as Candidiasis.
Now, this fungus-derived infection can lead to several health issues. Thus, everybody should be aware of this disease, and it is essential to understand the cause, symptoms, and the best treatment for Candida infection. So, read on to learn everything about the disease.
Understanding Candidiasis
Overgrowth of Candida fungus is the cause of Candidiasis and Candida albicans is the cause of this infection. Now, this infection is common and can occur in any region of the skin. Specifically, it can be seen on moist, warm, and creased areas like the groin and armpit.
Oral thrush is the common Candida infection found in the mouth. It happens due to the consumption of antibiotics, steroid therapy, and chemotherapy. Also, it can be seen as a sign of a weak immunity system or HIV infection. People with weak immunity are easily affected by this fungus.
For infants, it’s the common cause of diaper rash. This fungus grows well inside the moist and warm regions of the diaper. Furthermore, Candida causes various health issues like – joint pain, digestive disorders, and fatigue.
Moving on, affected people should improve their lifestyle and take antifungal medicines, including oral and topical. These are the suggested Candidiasis treatment. Good hygiene, breathable clothing, and avoiding irritants can help manage and prevent candidiasis. Addressing underlying conditions and boosting the immune system is also important.
Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for the effective management of candidiasis and for reducing its impact on quality of life.
Types of Candidiasis and Their Symptoms
Given that yeast commonly resides within the body, there are different types of candidiasis depending on the site of infection.
1. Oral Thrush
This type of candidiasis affects the mouth and throat, resulting in creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat. It is common in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms:
- White, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and throat.
- Soreness and difficulty swallowing.
- Loss of taste or altered taste sensation.
- Cracking or redness at the corners of the mouth.
2. Genital Yeast Infections
Candidiasis can occur in the genital area, leading to symptoms such as itching, burning, and abnormal discharge. In women, it is commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection, while in men, it can cause balanitis or inflammation of the glans penis.
Symptoms:
- Itching and irritation in the vaginal area in women, and on the penis in men.
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, white, and odourless.
- Swelling and redness in the genital area.
- Soreness and discomfort.
3. Cutaneous Candidiasis
This type affects the skin, typically occurring in warm, moist areas such as the armpits, groin, and beneath the breasts. It manifests as red, itchy rashes with satellite lesions.
Symptoms:
- Red, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Rash with defined borders and satellite lesions.
- Small pustules or blisters that may ooze.
- Peeling or cracking of the skin.
4. Nail Infections
Candida infection can invade the nails, resulting in a condition called onychomycosis. It causes thickened, discoloured nails that may become brittle or crumble.
Symptoms:
- The distorted shape of the nail
- Broken nails
- Nails becoming brown, white, or yellow
- Nails getting separated from the nail beds
- Discomfort or pain in nails
5. Invasive Candidiasis
Invasive Candidiasis is a severe Candida infection. It should be diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Otherwise, it may become life-threatening for the individual. The infection appears when the fungus comes into the bloodstream, and then it can spread to your eyes, kidneys, bones, heart valves, central nervous system, and brain. People having abdominal surgery, weak immunity system, diabetes, kidney failure or receiving chemotherapy are commonly affected by this type of Candidiasis. Moreover, patients staying in ICU for a long time or having any devices inserted in the body, like a central venous catheter, get affected by this disease.
Symptoms:
- Belly pain
- Aches in muscle
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Fever
- Rashes on skin
- Low pressure
- Also there are some specific symptoms like vision changes, blurriness, memory loss, etc.
The severity of this infection can vary from one person to another. Also, the severity depends upon the location of the infection, its symptoms, and its causes. However, proper diagnosis and treatment can aid in betterment.
Candidiasis Treatment and Management
The healthcare provider will suggest the course of treatment depending on the type of candida infection. Here is an overview of different treatment options:
1. Antifungal Medications
Antifungal medication is the best solution for Candida infection. The doctors inject these medicines directly into the bloodstream. Moreover, they come in other forms, such as – ointments, topical creams, intravenous formulations, or oral tablets. The type of medication depends upon several factors, such as age, severity of Candidiasis, location of the disease, and immunity of the patient.
Generally, doctors prescribe some commonly used antifungal medicines. For example, they can recommend Caspofungin, Micafungin, Anidulafungin, or Fluconazole. The treatment of Candidiasis usually takes two weeks. But a long-time treatment is needed in severe cases.
2. Natural Remedies and Home Care
- Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for candida infection. Organic and pure coconut oil gives an effective result against this infection. According to the researchers, it has a strong combat against C. Albicans.
- Boric acid is considered to be a good antiseptic for fungal infections. It can be used with other medications. But people with damaged or sensitive skin should avoid it.
- The antimicrobial feature of tea tree oil is a good natural remedy for Candida infection. It should be used with other essential oils like coconut or jojoba oil.
- Vitamin C has natural antimicrobial components. Thus, it protects the human body from candida overgrowth. Moreover, it empowers the immune system and improves overall skin health.
- Probiotic food like Greek yoghurt is good for microbiome balancing in the body. It contains beneficial bacteria – Lactobacillus acidophilus. This bacteria protects against candida overgrowth.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
- Yeast grows in sugar-medium. Thus, avoid eating too much sugar and processed foods and include vegetables, fruits, and probiotic-rich foods in your diet.
- Wear breathable and loose-fitting clothes. Clothes made with cotton are the best. Also, cleaning the clothes in hot water and drying them properly is mandatory.
- Moreover, avoiding harsh soaps, skin products, and scented products is essential.
Preventing Candidiasis
By following the prevention tips given below, you can avert candida infection to some extent:
● Eat foods which are rich in antifungal components.
● Taking probiotic supplements is also good for health. But ask the doctor before consuming it.
● Avoid re-wearing a wet bathing suit multiple times. Also, let the suit dry completely.
● Use cleaned and cotton underwear every day.
● Taking protection during sexual activity is necessary. So, use condoms to practise safe sex. It helps maintain genital hygiene.
● Taking antibiotics as per the doctor’s recommendation is a good solution. Discuss the treatments and medications with the doctor.
Diagnosis of Candidiasis
The diagnosis process evolves with several laboratory tests and medical reports. The doctor or healthcare provider asks for a physical examination to analyse the symptoms and characteristics of the disease.
They may also inquire about risk factors or recent antibiotic use. Laboratory tests may include microscopic examination of skin scrapings or swabs, the culture of the sample to isolate the Candida species, and possibly molecular tests for species identification. Blood tests may be ordered in severe or systemic cases. A definitive diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment for candidiasis.
Potential Complications of Candidiasis
Complications of candidiasis can arise with other complexities in the health. Some potential complications include:
- Invasive Candidiasis: It is one of the major complications of Candida infections. It affects multiple organs of the body, such as the brain, heart, bones, blood, eyes, etc. It leads to serious health injuries and even causes death if not treated properly.
- Recurrent infections: Another common complication of candida infection is its recurring nature. Many people get infected by more than one fungal infection within a year. They cause disturbance to a person’s hygiene and well-being.
- Complications during pregnancy: Pregnant women with candida infection suffer from preterm rupture of membrane, preterm labour, and other issues.
- Systemic candida infections: This type of infection causes serious disorders of health. Mainly, it’s seen in people with weak immune systems.
- Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis: Recurring fungal infection causes skin damage and chronic inflammation.
Conclusion
Candidiasis is a common disease in humans. Now, home remedies can resolve this issue but in serious cases, consulting a doctor is important. Especially people with diabetes, weak immune system, pregnancy, and HIV must visit a doctor, get diagnosed and start the treatment early to avoid the further spreading of this fungus.
