A Closer Look at Yeast Infection

You have heard about it. You have seen it on TV commercials. But what really is yeast infection? Yeast infection is a condition caused by a group of fungi under the genus, Candida; hence, the medical term, Candidiasis. There are twenty or so known species of this genus; however, the most common of which and is more often than not the causative agent for yeast infection cases is the infamous Candida albicans.
These fungi are found literally on all surfaces of the body but they have a special affinity for moist and warm areas. Their numbers are usually kept in check by all the other microorganisms that make up the body�s normal flora. However, any disruption in this delicate balance would easily lead to an overgrowth and eventually the manifestations of the disease.

Candidal infections are commonly seen as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and diaper rash. There have been reports, however, of infection occurring around dentures, nail beds, on the skin beneath the breast and lower abdomen, and on other skin folds. All of these types, though, are purely superficial and can be treated easily.

Rarely does a yeast infection become systemic. This only happens when a person’s immune system has been severely compromised. Nevertheless, this should be taken very seriously because it can become fatal. In fact, three out of four patients with systemic candidal disease may die.

The causes of yeast infection can be narrowed down to two broad categories: factors that cause a direct change on the number of normal flora or its environment and preexisting conditions that weaken a person�s immune system. With both scenarios, however, the end result is the same C.albicans begin to proliferate beyond control.

Examples of the first category would be the use of antibiotics, steroids or birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. The latter include cancer, HIV, or transplant patients, and those with diabetes. Nearly 15% of immunocompromised patients develop a systemic candidal infection; with the brain, heart, kidney, blood, and eyes as the commonly targeted organs. The fungus may become even more widespread and infiltrate the liver, spleen, and lungs.

The treatment for candidiasis would depend on both the location and severity of the infection. For superficial ones, topical antifungal medications, like clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole are generally enough. Sometimes, a one time oral dose of Flucanazole would be prescribed instead or vaginal suppositories and medicated douches. For more widespread infections, stronger medications are needed. Amphotericin B, voriconazole, and caspofungin are commonly ordered.

Yeast infection may sound like a relatively harmless disease but one should never be too careful. It is your health that is at stake, after all.