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What is Candida?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The genus Candida encompasses a number of individual yeast species. Many of the members of this genus live on and in the human body normally, but they can pose a risk to human health in the form of opportunistic infections. An infection can be irritating, but it is treatable with the use of an anti-fungal medication. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, a creamy discharge, and sometimes pain. If these symptoms are being experienced, you should seek medical attention so that the condition can be diagnosed and treated.

Under normal conditions, human skin and mucous membranes actually host a wide number of microscopic organisms include Candida yeasts and bacteria. Many of these organisms actually help the human body to function more efficiently, while others are benign parasites, taking advantage of the nutrition offered by the human body. When a person is immunocompromised or his or her physical health is otherwise disrupted, however, these organisms can begin to multiply, causing an infection.

Candidiasis may appear in the mouth.
Candidiasis may appear in the mouth.

Infections with Candida albicans are the most common type of yeast infection. Doctors sometimes call the condition Candidiasis or thrush, and they may culture scrapings from the site of infection to determine which individual species is causing the infection. The patient is given an anti-fungal cream or oral drug, and instructed to take it for a set period of time while avoiding trauma and stress at the infection site.

Clotrimazole creams can be used to kill fungus such as Candida.
Clotrimazole creams can be used to kill fungus such as Candida.

Candidiasis can appear in a number of places. Bodily orifices such as the mouth are common locations, as mucous membranes are notoriously prone to opportunistic infection. The infection can also appear in the folds of the skin. In all cases, itching and burning are common irritations, along with a thick creamy discharge which often smells unpleasant. Although there are home remedies for yeast, self treatment should not be undertaken, because the cause of the infection may not, in fact, be Candida.

Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.

In a healthy human being, an infection with Candida is not life threatening, although it can be inconvenient. However, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant and AIDS patients, are at serious risk of infections. In a hospital environment, staff attempt to keep the probability of infection low, and to diagnose the cause of an infection properly so that it can be quickly treated and eliminated. These patients are also carefully monitored at home to ensure that they are living in clean, healthy environments where opportunistic infections will be less likely to set in.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ErikParsons

Having a candida infection is not much fun, I can tell you that much. I switched over to a yeast free diet and was surprised by all the other side benefits I received such as weight loss and an increase in energy.

BabyBoomer67

Candida sounds like a gross and disgusting infection. Is it contagious and how can you give it to someone? I have never had a yeast infection, so I don’t know what symptoms to look for if I ever get them. How would someone know if they have a Candida infection? Should you wait to see if your body can fight it on your own or go to your doctor right away?

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    • Candidiasis may appear in the mouth.
      Candidiasis may appear in the mouth.
    • Clotrimazole creams can be used to kill fungus such as Candida.
      By: agephotography
      Clotrimazole creams can be used to kill fungus such as Candida.
    • Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
      By: brankatekic
      Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
    • It may be necessary to take prescription antifungal medications to cure oral candida.
      By: JackF
      It may be necessary to take prescription antifungal medications to cure oral candida.