Yeast infections can occur in any one, man, woman, child, the elderly. Anyone can get a yeast infection because the yeast that causes the infection, Candida, actually is found on our bodies, though they prefer warm and moist areas to grow. It is when certain conditions occur that Candida’s numbers become so great in certain areas that the individual will get a yeast infection. The most common types of yeast infections are nail bed infections, vaginal infections, skin infections, diaper rash and mouth and throat infections.
Yeast infections for women are most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections can be particularly painful and its symptoms are burning, itching and discharge. Vaginal yeast infections for women can be caused by anything that may cause the vaginal environmental to alter even slightly. Menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, sperm, steroids, and birth control can all cause vaginal yeast infections.
Individuals with weakened immune systems are also more likely to get a yeast infection. It is this type of yeast infection in which the body can’t fight that can cause death. When your immune system is weak form cancer treatment, steroids, AIDS and other diseases the yeast infection can occur anywhere in the body and infections that occur in the blood, brain, eye, kidney, heart, lungs, liver and spleen can be hard to overcome.
Systemic illness from yeast infections mainly develop in about 15% of those that have weakened immune systems. The yeast can access your blood stream from cuts and needle punctures from shots, catheters and IV drips. Candida can survive in your blood stream because your medical treatment would have killed the bacteria that would control Candida, so your body no longer has a natural defense to the yeast.
Thrush, otherwise know as an oral yeast infections is associated with have a thick, whit , lacy pattern on top of bright red patches. Scraping away the white patches may result in bleeding and quite a bit of pain. There is the danger of dehydration with thrush as it may become very painful to eat or drink.
Skin yeast infections are usually associated with diapers and skin folds. The skin environment changes from being dry and exposed to being covered and moist causing an ideal are for yeast to grow. Skin infections will have a red, flat rash with scalloped edges. It is important to use baby powder and other forms of treatment to prevent any skin infections to occur as they can be painful and very itchy.
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.
