What is candidiasis?

This is not what I'm searching for. Written on 09-06-2010 by VMusic

Candidiasis is a fungal infection. This fungus is usually found in almost every human being as a regular lodger. We can find the fungus in the mouth, the intestines, the skin and in the vagina. Normally, this fungus is in balance with the bacteria of the body. But when the fungi have the overhand(so there are more fungi than bacteria present) and therefore the biological balance is disturbed, there will occur an opportunistic infection. This will have some nasty consiquences...

What is candidiasis?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection (mycosis), also called candidiasis or candida. The fungal infection is caused by yeast-like fungi, and in particular Candida albicans. This fungus is usually found in almost every human being as a regular lodger. We can find the fungus in the mouth, the intestines, the skin and in the vagina. Normally, this fungus is in balance with the bacteria of the body. But when the fungi have the overhand (so there are more fungi than bacteria present) and therefore the biological balance is disturbed, there will occur an opportunistic infection.

Candidiasis in the mouth

When candidiasis occurs in the mouth, we usually speak of 'thrush'. The fungus (Candida albicans), can be detected with many people in the saliva, without effecting the oral mucosa. When the oral mucosa is not affected, we don't speak of candidiasis yet. Complaints may be caused by an ill-fitting prothese (false teeth), but also by the use of antibiotics. The most common cause of candidiasis in the mouth has to be the use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids. These medications are usually inhaled by patients with asthma. Part of that corticosteroids will precipitate in the oral cavity. At this point the resistance of the mucosa will be suppressed.

Candidiasis infection of the gentals

GPs regularly see a candida infection of the vagina. The fungus has gained that much strenght over the bacteria that severe complaints like itching, burning, redness arise. This sometimes happens without a clear cause. Candida infections are seen more frequently during pregnancies, at people with diabetes (diabetic) and after the use of antibiotics. This type of candidiasis infection is often seen in hospitalized patients with a weak resistance, including cancer (by treating antimitotica), transplant patients and people with HIV / AIDS. The infection also appears during treatment with corticosteroids.

Candidiasis infection of the skin

There's also a chance that a candida infection of the skin occurs. When this occurs, it's usually near moist skin folds. For example under the breasts or under a potbelly. This often happens with diabetic patients. The candidiasis of the skin can be successfully treated with Miconazole and good hygiene.

Treatment of candidiasis

Often candidiasis (especially of the mouth, skin folds and / or vagina) is treated with an antifungal medication. This may include the use of miconazole, terbinafine and nystatin. When a local treatment (as with the medicines described above) does not work, the doctor may decide to start treatment with tablets. These tablets are usually made of fluconazole.

Sources: www.todio.nl

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