You've heard about it.
You have seen it on the telly commercials.
But what actually is a yeast infection? Yeast infection is a condition caused by a bunch of fungi under the genus, Candida; therefore, the proper term, Candidiasis.
There are twenty or so known species of this genus; [**] the most typical of which and is more frequently than not the causative agent for yeast infection cases is the infamous Candida albicans.
These fungi are found literally on all surfaces of the body but they have got a special affinity for damp and warm areas.
Their numbers are typically kept in check by all the other microbes which make up the body's standard flora.
[**] any disruption in this fragile balance would simply lead to an overgrowth and finally the manifestations of the disease.
Candidal infections are frequently seen as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and diaper rash.
there were reports , however , of infection occurring around dentures, nail beds, on the skin beneath the breast and lower stomach, and on other skin folds.
All these types, though, are solely shallow and can be handled easily.
Rarely does a yeast infection become widespread.
This only occurs when a person's immune system has been severely compromised.
Nonetheless, this may be taken very seriously because it can become deadly.
In fact, 3 out of four patients with endemic candidal illness may die.
The causes of yeast infection can be chopped down to two broad classes : factors that cause a direct change on the amount of ordinary flora or its environment and preexisting conditions that weaken an individual's immunological system.
With both scenarios, however, the end result is the same ' C.
albicans start to proliferate beyond control.
Examples of the first category would be the utilization of antibiotics, steroids or contraception pills, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.
The latter include cancer, HIV, or transplant patients, and those with diabetes.
Nearly 15% of immunocompromised patients develop a wide spread candidal infection ; with the brain, heart, kidney, blood, and eyes as the typically centered organs.
The fungus may become even more widespread and infiltrate the liver, spleen, and lungs.
The treatment for candidiasis would depend on both the location and severity of the infection.
For negligible ones, topical antifungal medicines, like clotrimazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole are usually enough.
Often, an one time oral dose of Flucanazole would be prescribed instead or vaginal suppositories and medicated douches.
For more widespread infections, stronger medicines are required.
Amphotericin B, voriconazole, and caspofungin are commonly ordered.
Yeast infection may appear like a relatively harmless illness but one should not be too careful.
It is your health that is at stake, after all.