subject: A Candid Look That Offers A Better Understanding Of Yeast Infections [print this page] Yeast infections affect both men and women of all ages. The most common type in women is vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis. This article provides a candid look that offers a better understanding of yeast infections.
A yeast infection is an infection that is primarily confined to the skin or the mucus membrane that is caused by the fungi known as candida. This fungi is shown in laboratories as large, white, cream or grayish round colonies of which candida albicans is the primary species though not the only, that leads to candidiasis.
In many cases, candida albicans and other fungi do not lead to infections because their growth is kept in check by other "good bacteria" in the body. Candida albicans love warm, moist and dark areas of the body which is why their excessive growth is prevalent in areas such as the mouth, ears, armpits, skin folds, genitalia, etc.
Candidiasis is also known as a yeast infection primarily because the normal form of Candida albicans is usually in the form of a single oval yeast cell. As the yeast starts to form, the single cell simply creates duplicates of itself through budding creating genetic clones which attach to the parent before breaking off.
A candidaisis free body is one that maintains a specific body temperature with balanced pH levels. When the pH levels as well as the body temperature changes, the good bacteria that keep candida albicans growth levels in check may die which will leave the candida albicans free to grow excessively as fungi and lead to an infection.
The symptoms of a yeast infection are usually but not limited to itching, burning, soreness, tingling, etc. A vaginal yeast infection may also produce an excessive vaginal discharge. Scratching or rubbing the infected area is usually not advised as it may aggravate the infection and lead to more excessive growth of the fungi.
Other symptoms of candidiasis may include muscle aches, fatigue, swelling or pain in the joints, retention of fluid, not being able to maintain your balance, a lack of coordination, mood swings, depression, anxiety, sugar or carbohydrate cravings, alcohol cravings, etc. All the symptoms of a yeast infection may also be ascribed to other illnesses and only a doctor will be able to determine whether you are suffering from a yeast infection and not some other illness.
Yeast or candidiasis infections though not a health risk, may lead to other unpleasant side effects such as whitish colored patches in the mouth, diaper rash, digestion problems, in addition to the difficulty of bowel movements in some cases. In the few cases that the penis is afflicted, it will usually cause patchy sores on the foreskin or the head of the penis. Other side effects of yeast infections include excessive discharge from the vagina, bowels, ears, etc.
The presence of candidiasis can lead to other serious health conditions that may prove fatal in a few cases especially if the person afflicted with a yeast infection has a weak or undeveloped immune system, diabetes or other serious health problems.
Traditional treatments for yeast infections include antibiotics that may be in the form of topical creams or oral medications. These may be expensive and come with their own side effects. Traditional treatment options do not provide a long term solution and the candidiasis may return over and over after traditional treatment.
It is important to note when seeking to treat yeast infections that natural remedies may provide the best solution for these infections. They not only seek to treat the current infection but they also seek to get to the root of the cause of the infection in order to prevent future recurrence.
Most natural or holistic remedies require the adoption of a proper diet and implementing a lifestyle change in addition to the various vitamins and herbs that are used in the treatment in order to provide long term results. These remedies are usually easily available in your home or at local health and drug stores.
