Candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by over-multiplying Candida by yeast. It leads to infection and weakening of mucous membranes or nails. What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infection – symptoms
What are the symptoms of candidiasis? They can occur in three areas of the human body: nails, skin and mucous membranes. For nails, visible redness and swelling in the area are visible. In the worst cases, there may even be a purulent leak. In the case of mucous membranes, candidiasis is manifested by vaginal discharge (in the case of a fungal infection of the vagina), itching, burning and erosions. It is easy to recognize on the skin – there is a nagging itching, accompanied by a rash and erythematous spots.
A variety of factors can affect the onset of yeast infection, including:
- long-term antibiotic therapy,
- parenteral nutrition,
- cancer, decompensated diabetes, bacterial and viral infectious diseases, malnutrition,
- surgical procedures (transplantation, catheterization, implantation of prostheses),
- radiotherapy, chemotherapy
- pregnancy,
- immune disorders, e.g. in the course of AIDS,
- use of hormone and immunosuppressive therapy
- alcoholism, drug addiction,
- extensive traumatic and postoperative wounds.
Prevention
The diet can promote the multiplication of yeast and the treatment of already existing candidiasis. It is recommended to eat fruit – grapefruit, orange, apple, apricots, lemon, lime, blueberries, plums, peaches – as well as brown rice, oatmeal, groats, eggs and oatmeal.
During the treatment of candidiasis, avoid carbonated drinks, alcohols, white flour products, sugars, blue cheese and white rice. You should significantly reduce the consumption of mayonnaise and ketchup.
There are also a few rules to minimize the risk of skin infection with thrush:
- avoiding walking barefoot in swimming pools, public showers etc.
- avoiding skin contact with constantly moist objects
- avoiding sexual contact with potentially sick people
- using only personal toiletries
- undergoing regular examination for high risk factors
Diagnosis of yeast infection
If the above symptoms of skin disease are found, you should immediately report to a dermatologist. Symptoms will not go away on their own. During the visit to the dermatologist a mycological examination will be performed. After this, yeast treatment will begin.
Yeast infection treatment
Basic principles of treating yeast infection:
- the right choice of medicine for which Candida yeast is sensitive
- selection of the least toxic drug and the most appropriate depending on the coexisting diseases such as renal failure, liver damage
- adequate treatment time, usually not less than 4-6 weeks
- continuation of treatment despite resolution of symptoms
- adequate hygiene of occupied places in the case of superficial mycosis.
The treatment is based on taking high doses of B vitamins by the patient. Antibiotics and other drugs in the form of creams, ointments and tampons are also helpful in combating yeast infection.