Yeast infections can occur in any one including, man, woman, child, and the elderly. Anyone can get a yeast infection because the yeast that causes the infection, Candida albicans, actually is found on our bodies, though mostly they prefer warm and moist areas to grow. It is when certain conditions occur that the Candida albican'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, referred to commonly as thrush.
For women, yeast infections are most usually associated with the vaginal area as this area has ideal conditions for yeast growth. A vaginal yeast infection is associated with burning, itching and discharge. There are many causes of vaginal yeast infections for women that can be traced to menstruation, antibiotics, pregnancy, sperm, diabetes, steroids and birth control. All of these factors cause your vaginal area to change which in turn can promote Candida growth resulting in a yeast infection.
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 the Candida albicans and can ultimately cause death. When your immune system is weak from 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 illnesses that develop from yeast infections due to a weakened immune system occur in about 15% of those infections. The yeast accesses the blood stream from cuts or breakdowns in your cell membranes and enters the bloodstream. It then thrives because the treatment you are having kills the bacteria that would normally control Candida. Catheters and IV ports can also allow the yeast to enter the body and blood stream.
An oral yeast infection, also called thrush, develop thick, white lacy patterns on the tongue, palate and anywhere else in the mouth. Most times these white patchy areas have a red base and if you scrape away the patch it may cause bleeding. Thrush can be quite painful and make it difficult to eat; it is easy for a person to become dehydrated when they have thrush. Thrush can occur at any age but is usually associated only with infants.
Diaper rash and skin yeast infections occur because the outer layer of your skin is breaking down. Most of the time we do not get yeast infections on the skin because it is kept exposed and dry. However when some areas of the skin are moist, like diaper areas and in skin folds, yeast infections can occur. Skin yeast infections are red and have sharp scalloped edges and are associated with itching and pain. A dermatitis may be mistakenly confused with a yeast infection.
If you try a treatment for your yeast infection and it does not go away then you should consult your doctor immediately. For women suffering a vaginal yeast infection you should see your doctor if the yeast infection is recurring or if you notice discharge that lasts for more than a week. Oral thrush may need a prescription and if you or your child can't take any liquid for 12 hours or have a fever, you should see a doctor immediately.
Diaper rash and skin yeast infections can be treated with over the counter medication. However if the rash doesn't clear in a week or two you should see your doctor.
If you have a weakened immune system then you should always visit your doctor. If you currently have treatment for a yeast infection but nothing is happening or if the rash worsens or you start vomiting, get a fever or the chills then you need to visit your doctor immediately. These types of yeast infections can be deadly and should be taken very seriously.
Kelly J. Kopke authors topics related to health issues and alternative treatments for the same. You can see her latest work on Yeast Infections at Kelly's Health Blog.
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