Eliminate Candida Infection

Candida Infection

Candida Infections or other Fungal infections are more common today than ever before. There are a number of reasons for this. People are living longer, and older people are more likely than younger people to have compromised immune systems, a major risk factor for fungal infection. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the growing infection rate (fungal infections are known to occur after antibiotic therapy, which has the effect of killing the beneficial bacteria that normally suppress fungi). Finally, the success in treating diseases like HIV/AIDS has created a subgroup of the population susceptible to fungal infections.

Candida infections is the most common organism implicated in fungal infections which is found in the human digestive tract, mouth, and genital region. Under normal circumstances, levels of Candida are controlled by beneficial bacteria. However, if the bacteria-fungus balance is upset, by the use of antibiotics for example, or if the immune system is compromised, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, resulting in a Candida infection.

Fungal overgrowth is encouraged by certain pH levels and the availability of sugar. People with the right conditions for Candida infection, such as a high sugar diet, are at higher risk. Also, candida infections can be spread to vulnerable people with depressed immune systems who are in the hospital, where the fungus is commonly found on the hands of caregivers and where indwelling catheters can allow an infection to take hold.

Several areas may be affected by Candida infection

Genitals: Vulvovaginal infections are among the most common infections caused by Candida albicans. Most women experience a vaginal candida infection at some point in their lifetimes; about 75 percent of cases occur during the reproductive years.

Symptoms of a vulvovaginal infection include itchiness, occasionally accompanied by irritation or burning. While Candida albicans is one of the most common causes of vulvovaginal infections, they can also be caused by bacteria. Additional symptoms may include painful intercourse or urination and redness of the vulva and inner thighs. Yeast infections, caused by Candida albicans, occur most often when pH changes occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations, such as prior to and after menstruation, during perimenopause, or while taking oral contraceptives.

Skin: Candida infection of the skin usually occurs between the fingers, toes, around the anus (Candida albicans is commonly found in feces), and on the penis. A rash on the inner thighs can accompany infection in the rectal and genital areas. A skin fungal infection generally occurs at the site of an abrasion or where skin is continuously moist. Dishwashers, for example, often develop fungal infections around or under their fingernails, resulting in painful swelling and secretion of pus from the nail beds. Infected nails may turn white or yellow and separate from the surrounding skin. Similarly, workers whose feet are submerged in water or who wear rubber boots every day may develop fungal infections around their toenails. Cutaneous infection also occurs under skin-folds (intertrigo), such as under pendulous breasts or genital skin folds. Mouth and throat. Oral candidiasis, or thrush, occurs in the mouth. It appears as white areas or patches on the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. These lesions are usually painless unless they occur at the corners of the mouth. Perlèche is a candida characterized by cracks and tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth, a condition often caused by ill-fitting dentures. Oral thrush occurs most commonly in neonates and immunocompromised individuals, especially people infected with HIV.

Systemic Candida infection

Under normal circumstances, trace amounts of Candida can be found in the gut and in various locations in the body. Among people with decreased immunity, however, occasionally candida infections can occur throughout the body. Systemic, or deep, candida infections are serious medical conditions that require immediate medical treatment. There is no such thing as a low-grade systemic candida infection with mild symptoms. Invasive candida infections are characterized by fever and shock, including low blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, respiratory distress, multiorgan distress, and sometimes a systemic rash or skin peeling. This is a dangerous, even potentially fatal, condition.

Systemic candida infection usually occurs in people with one or more of the following: skin and mucosal damage, long-term administration of corticosteroids, decreased immunity, organ or stem cell transplantation, or critical illness requiring hospitalization in intensive-care.

If candidiasis is associated with diabetes or malignancy, the underlying disease must be treated in order to discourage yeast growth. Invasive disease (deep candidiasis) may affect major organs, such as the kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs, eyes, brain, and heart. Organ involvement can lead to organ failure if infection is not treated quickly and effectively.