Prab at 21:37, 29 August 2023

2023-08-29T21:37:32Z

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[[File:Oral thrush Aphthae Candida albicans. PHIL 1217 lores.jpg|Oral thrush Aphthae Candida albicans|thumb]] [[File:CandidiasisFromCDCinJPEG03-18-06.JPG|thumb|Candidiasis]]
==Candidiasis (Yeast Infection or Thrush)==
* '''Candidiasis''', frequently referred to as '''yeast infection''' or '''thrush''', is a [[fungal infection]] brought about by the ''[[Candida (genus)|Candida]]'' species. Among these, ''[[Candida albicans]]'' is perhaps the most prevalent.

===Locations===
Candidiasis primarily manifests in specific areas, especially in [[immunocompetent]] individuals. These areas are generally exposed and moist, such as:
* The [[oral cavity]] ([[oral thrush]])
* The [[vagina]] (termed as vaginal candidiasis or simply thrush)
* Skin folds in the [[diaper]] region ([[diaper rash]])

For men, candidiasis can also appear on the [[male genitals]], especially among uncircumcised individuals. Among its presentations, candidiasis ranks as the second predominant cause of [[vagina|vaginal]] irritation or [[vaginitis]]. In [[immunocompromised]] individuals, the ''Candida'' infection can extend to the [[esophageal candidiasis|esophagus]] and even become systemic, leading to a critical condition known as [[fungemia]].

Notably, children aged between 3 and 9 years may experience recurrent oral yeast infections, though these are rare. Typically, this manifests as white patches around the mouth.

===Causes===
The yeast organisms responsible for candidiasis exist naturally in all humans but are generally held in check by other naturally occurring [[microorganism]]s. A shift in this balance can lead to an "overgrowth" or unregulated multiplication of yeast, resulting in noticeable symptoms.

A vast majority of women—around three-quarters—will experience candidiasis at some point in their lives. Although ''Candida albicans'' is a natural resident of most women's vaginas and usually doesn't cause any issue, certain conditions can disturb the balance with other "normal flora", such as [[lactobacilli]]. Factors like pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, certain [[antibiotics]], and conditions like [[diabetes mellitus]] can elevate the risk of yeast infections.

===Symptoms===
Candidiasis symptoms encompass severe [[itching]], [[burning]], soreness, and irritation in the [[vagina]] and/or [[vulva]]. A distinctive whitish or whitish-gray discharge might also be present, which may emanate a "yeasty" odor akin to beer or baking bread. This discharge, termed ''garria'', can resemble the consistency of [[cottage cheese]].

A notable concern is the frequent misdiagnosis of candidiasis. Many women, misconceiving their symptoms, erroneously treat themselves for yeast infections when, in reality, they might be dealing with [[bacterial vaginosis]] or a mixed-type infection. Current methodologies require a physician to diagnose bacterial vaginosis.

===Diagnosis===
Diagnosing candidiasis involves a [[Potassium hydroxide|KOH]] (potassium hydroxide) preparation. In this method, a sample from the affected area is placed on a microscope slide and treated with a 10% KOH solution. This solution dissolves skin cells, leaving only the ''Candida'' visible under a microscope.

Swab and culture is another diagnostic method where a sterile swab is used to collect a sample from the infection. This sample is cultured, and after a few days of incubation, yeast and/or bacterial colonies are observed, aiding in a presumptive diagnosis.

===Treatment===
While some individuals report success with [[home remedy|home remedies]] for treating candidiasis, severe infections usually necessitate [[over the counter]] or [[prescription]] [[antifungal medication]]s. Home remedies include applying or consuming [[yogurt]] (rich in yeast-killing [[lactobacillus]]), [[acidophilus]] salves or tablets, and even crushed [[garlic]] for its antifungal property [[allicin]]. [[Boric acid]] and [[bicarbonate of soda]] are other potential home treatments.

However, it's crucial for individuals to recognize the severity of their infection. Often, the best course of action is to consult a medical professional. Commonly prescribed [[antifungal drug]]s include [[clotrimazole]], [[nystatin]], [[fluconazole]], and [[ketoconazole]]. For more acute cases, drugs like [[amphotericin B]], [[caspofungin]], or [[voriconazole]] may be prescribed.

Furthermore, any underlying causes should be identified and addressed. For instance, oral candidiasis might be linked to inhaled [[corticosteroids]] used in [[asthma medication]]. Persistent yeast infections might hint at other concerns like high sugar intake or extended [[antibiotic]] treatments.

===Prevention===
Ensuring optimal [[vulvovaginal health]] can be instrumental in preventing vaginal candidiasis. Proactive steps can include utilizing vaginal [[suppository|suppositories]] or medicated [[douche]]s.

==External Links==
* [http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/31092.html#treat InteliHealth page on candidiasis] - Reviewed by [[Harvard Medical School]]
* [http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdvag.htm National Institute of Allergies and Infections fact sheet on vaginitis/vaginal infections]
* [http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/ The yeast infection homepage]
* [http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/yeastinfection.html Links to pictures of Yeast Infection (Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa)]
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{{Oral pathology}}
{{Mycoses}}
[[Category:Animal fungal diseases]]
[[Category:Mycosis-related cutaneous conditions]]
[[Category:Oral mucosal pathology]]

Thrush - Revision history

Prab at 21:37, 29 August 2023