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What is Monilia?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Monilia is a less commonly used name for Candida. People may recognize the term Candida as the name of several yeasts that can either live on or in the human body without much problem, or that can cause a variety of infections if the body’s balance of bacteria and yeast are not at appropriate levels. It should be recognized that Monilia or Candida are the actual names of a group of yeasts, while moniliasis or candidiasis would be names for infections by the yeasts. This distinction isn’t always made.

One of the best-known forms of this yeast is Candida albicans, but there are other yeasts of the Candida group that may cause infection. As previously mentioned, most people have some yeast living on and in their body. It lives in the vagina, in the area around the groin, on the hands, in the mouth, and in places like the gut. Generally, this is of little issue, but impact can change due to a variety of factors.

People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections.
People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections.

When yeast infection occurs it may affect any one of the places just mentioned. It could result in conditions like vaginal yeast infection, thrush (yeast in the mouth), athletes’ foot, fungal infections of fingers or toenails, jock itch, and skin infection in between skin folds, particularly in those who are overweight. It’s not always known why this yeast can suddenly become so dominant, but there are certain factors that tend to increase risk for candidiasis.

Overweight individuals may be prone to yeast infections.
Overweight individuals may be prone to yeast infections.

These include lowered immune system due to illnesses like HIV or because of treatments for transplant or cancer. People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections. Taking antibiotics, which can unbalance natural skin flora, appears to create risk for conditions like thrush or vaginal yeast infection. Higher temperature areas may also cause more Monilia infections because yeast tends to thrive in warmer environments. People who are significantly overweight are particularly prone to yeast infections in the skin folds since these areas receive little air and may be moist fairly constantly.

Higher temperature areas may cause an increased rate of Monilia infections.
Higher temperature areas may cause an increased rate of Monilia infections.

Symptoms of a Monilia infection tend to include some itching and irritation of the skin, and skin could begin to take on an unusual white appearance. This is common with conditions like thrush in the mouth. Left unchecked, yeast infections in certain places, like on the fingers and toes, may begin to infect nails causing yellowing and nail thickening or degradation. Should people suspect Monilia is creating the problem, they should strongly consider treatment.

Symptoms of a Monilia infection may include itching and irritation of the skin.
Symptoms of a Monilia infection may include itching and irritation of the skin.

Early symptoms of yeast infection may be hard to tell from other skin irritation causes, and confirmation with a doctor is a good idea. Treatment in early stages, except for oral yeast, often consists of using over the counter creams that will kill the Candida organism. Should a yeast infection be very advanced, use of creams or lotions may be insufficient. In this case, doctors can prescribe oral antifungal medications.

Whether ingesting or applying medicine, it’s important to use it all. People often stop using medications as soon as they feel better. This tends to just cause the infection to come back in greater strength.

Antiretroviral drug cocktails may help to prevent chronic monilia from developing in those with HIV infections.
Antiretroviral drug cocktails may help to prevent chronic monilia from developing in those with HIV infections.

Monilia has a long relationship with the human body. It’s impossible to eradicate the body of all yeasts in the same way that it’s relatively impossible to remove bacteria from the body. Some people seem to be more prone to yeast infections of every type, and there are some natural health tips for those that are. These include avoiding things like harsh detergents, douching, and strong soaps on hands or feet. Other health tips include avoiding high sugar diets, eating plenty of yogurt, and keeping traditionally “wet” areas of the body, such as skin folds, clean and dry.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon290207

I can tell you I went on the diet and yes I was cured until I ate a few things off the diet and it came roaring back. Now even on the diet it doesn't go away.

rs4life

I’ve always been afraid to use the one day treatments for vaginal yeast infections. It makes me nervous to think about how powerful the drug must be to work that quickly. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel safer using the 5 day products, even if it is more of a hassle. I’ve never tried anything natural.

dagaZ

@Isay - I always try to treat naturally first. If I have a vaginal yeast infection (candida albicans) I use acidophilus suppositories, increase my yogurt intake, and eliminate refined sugar products (like soda) because I’ve heard they contribute to the yeast infection. Sometimes the natural method doesn’t work though. When that’s the case, I give in and go with one of the products at the drug store. I agree with the article, you have to use the product until it’s finished. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought the infection was cleared up and quit using the Monistat a few days early, only to have it come back.

Eli222

When my son was about a month old he developed thrush, the oral variety of candidiasis. It made him miserable. The only way to treat it was with a purple liquid called gentian violet. It’s an over-the-counter medicine that is painted (with a swab) on the lips, gums, tongue and inside the mouth. It can take a while to work so it has to be used judiciously.

And I will warn- gentian violet makes a tremendous mess because it stains. Everything that comes in contact with the baby’s painted mouth (or drool) becomes purple. That includes bibs, blankets, clothing, and the nursing mother herself. That was 22 years ago, but I've heard it's still being used to treat thrush.

ISay

I heard that natural treatments like the Candida Diet are better for treating Candida Albicans than the, so-called traditional treatments. Does anybody have an opinion about that?

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    • People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections.
      By: Monkey Business
      People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections.
    • Overweight individuals may be prone to yeast infections.
      By: Eugenio Marongiu
      Overweight individuals may be prone to yeast infections.
    • Higher temperature areas may cause an increased rate of Monilia infections.
      By: Digital Editor
      Higher temperature areas may cause an increased rate of Monilia infections.
    • Symptoms of a Monilia infection may include itching and irritation of the skin.
      By: Vadim Ponomarenko
      Symptoms of a Monilia infection may include itching and irritation of the skin.
    • Antiretroviral drug cocktails may help to prevent chronic monilia from developing in those with HIV infections.
      By: danilkorolev
      Antiretroviral drug cocktails may help to prevent chronic monilia from developing in those with HIV infections.