Causes and risk factors
As the names suggest the infection is caused due to yeast infection. The yeast is a type of fungus called as Candida. Candida albicans is the most common causative organism. Yeast is mostly found in the small number in moist parts of the body e.g.: mouth, gut and vagina. Over growth of this fungi results in infection. Yeast infection can be caused due to side effects of antibiotics. Certain other medications like birth control pills and steroid medications can also lead to this infection. Stress, pregnancy, obesity and certain illness like those hampering the immune system (HIV, tuberculosis) triggers the infection. High levels of sugar in blood add up to the causation. Some women suffer from yeast infection prior to menstruation; the hormonal changes that take place during this period are supposed to trigger the infection. Use of tight inner wares or inner wares made up of nylon trap up heat and moisture which acts as favorable for the yeast to grow. Hence this infection is commonly seen in summer season. Use of substances like perfumes, scents or creams or douching can cause irritation and lead to development of infection. Oral candidiasis is commonly seen in people having unhygienic oral habits.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms can be mild to severe form. The infection is more commonly seen in areas where the skin comes in contact with skin, or in folds. The most commonly affected site is oral cavity, external genital organs (vagina and penis),nails, groin and buttock region. Itching and burning in and around the affected skin is the cardinal symptoms of candidiasis infection. In cases of the infection affecting the skin of the external genital organs it can lead to complaints of complaint of pain or burning during micturation and dyspareunia (painful coitus). On examination swelling and redness of the labia majora , labia minor (in females) and penis (in males) is seen. Offensive discharges which are cheeses like are also seen. The infection of the external genital organs in females is more commonly seen. The infection of penis is rare. Involvement of vulva leads to vulvovaginitis. Oral yeast infection is called as thrush it leads to cracking at the corners of the mouth; white spots appear on the mucus membrane of the cheek or on the tongue. Patient experiences difficulty in swallowing. The oral cavity becomes red. The infection can also affect the nails of the fingers. It is particularly seen in people who overwork in water. This infection is called as Candidal paronchyia. It leads to swelling and redness of the nails and nail bed. It bcomes painful. The nails become brittle and easily break off. Dry shredding of the surrounding skin occurs. Yellowish discoloration of the nails occurs.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination of the affected area. History regarding any uptake of medication or any other disease history is taken into consideration. Appearance of the infected area along with culture and microscopic examination of the scrapings or discharges is sufficient for diagnosis. Routine blood test, urine routine, Blood sugar levels etc can also be advised if required.
Treatment:
Antifungal creams, ointments or suppository are effective. Oral anti fungal medication can also be advised. Maintaining of good personal hygiene is necessary. During active infection unprotected sexual activity should be avoided. Use of mild soaps for cleaning the external genital area and proper drying should be done. The affected area must be clean from front to back. Moist and tight inner wares should be changed after exercises or swimming. Use of irritating agents, acidophilus agents specially douching at vaginal region must be avoided. The blood sugar levels must be kept under control.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Facts and Figures:
As per the issue published by JAMA, use of the antifungal medication fluconazole for six weeks for extremely low birth-weight infants did not significantly reduce the risk of death or invasive candidiasis.
In September 2014 the FDA gave marketing approval for the T2Candida Panel and T2Dx Instrument (T2Candida), the first direct blood test for detecting candidiasis infection.
