What is it
Candidiasis, in general, means an infection caused by Candida, of which the best known species is Candida albicans, a fungus normally present in the oral cavity, vagina, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.
Under particular conditions, candida multiplies in excess and gives rise to a series of discomforts.
Common symptoms
Under the name of Candida hides a group of 20 different species of absolutely benign fungi. In some cases, however, candida manages to take over and, growing compared to other microorganisms, breaks that subtle protective balance by becoming an enemy.
At the genital level, women are more affected as the female sexual organ is a closed environment, where it is easier for fungi to nest and develop. In addition, the mucous membrane that lines the walls of the vagina is made up of delicate tissue and it takes little for it to become infected. The external male genital organs, on the other hand, are covered with a more resistant skin than the female genitalia so the man runs less risk of infections.
The most frequent symptoms of candidiasis are:
– itching of variable intensity
-burning
-pain.
Generally, the area is reddened and irritated with small cracks or erosions. In some cases, whitish patches appear surrounded by a red halo.
Among the areas “preferred” by candidiasis there are also the spaces between the fingers and toes, the corners of the mouth and its mucous membranes, the folds of the skin in general, the tissue around the nails. With regard to the nails in particular, onychomycosis from Candida albicans develops at the level of the lunula (ie the whitish crescent) and causes a small ulceration of the nail.
If, on the other hand, the mycosis concerns the skin, red patches may appear covered with a whitish patina, similar to dust, which can be associated with vesicles or pustules and other symptoms such as itching, slight swelling, burning or pain.
Do you have severe itching at the genital level? Listen to the opinion and advice of our pharmacist by clicking the Video Response of the pharmacist on the symptoms of Candidiasis
Candida infection is widespread in nature and is also very contagious so those who have candidiasis have a high probability of transmitting it to their partner during sexual intercourse or to family members if the hygienic conditions of the environment are not more than optimal.Candidiasis, however, develops only if there are certain conditions that favor it, such as a weakening of the immune system or an imbalance of the normal protective bacterial flora.
The disruption of the balance of the vaginal flora and the onset of candida, moreover, are facilitated by some particular situations:
| Pregnancy | While waiting, hormone levels increase in the female body (especially estrogen and progesterone) and, consequently, those of a sugar present in the epithelium of the vagina, glycogen. The everything creates an environment conducive to the growth of Candida, which finds sugar as a source for its development |
| Taking antibiotics | Although they are the only drugs that can cure certain infections bacterial, antibiotics alter the balance of vaginal flora. These drugs annihilate some of the bacteria present and give way to the Candida to prevail |
| Diabetes | Especially if not well compensated, this metabolic disorder, which prevents the body from using sugars as it should, facilitates Life of the fungus causing the infection |
| Use of intimate cleansers that are too aggressive | Intimate hygiene made with too strong products can alter the normal balance of the vaginal ecosystem creating a situation that facilitates the proliferation of Candida. Wear undergarments made from synthetic fibers or trousers too tight, which can create a humid environment capable of change vaginal pH |
| Constipation | Even a too sluggish bowel can pave the way for infection. The Candida is also part of the intestinal flora, but if you suffer from constipation the intestinal fungus can increase greatly and, once expelled with feces, can go back to the vagina |
| Stress | Even people who are going through a difficult time must Be careful, as stress, which lowers the natural defenses of the organism, can be one of the factors that facilitate the “awakening” of candida |
Attention also to the high consumption of alcoholic beverages, coffee and chocolate, as well as dyes and preservatives, and not to exceed with a diet rich in yeasts and simple sugars.
When to consult your doctor
In case of symptoms of candida infection, such as erythema, white patches, itching or abnormal vaginal discharge, which do not improve after a few days of local therapy, it is good to contact the doctor or gynecologist, who will be able to make the diagnosis of Candida infection very easily, both on the basis of the symptoms reported by the patient, or by taking material using a vaginal swab.
In the most serious cases, the disorder can also be diagnosed through a particular test, called TASC, able to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies against the different species of Candida.
Complications
Candidiasis tend to become chronic, in the sense that with the passage of time they can recur and relapses, as the episodes that follow one another are called, are frequent and difficult to treat.
In severe cases and in the presence of pathologies of the immune system, the spread of the fungus in the blood can lead to serious diseases such as lung abscesses, endocarditis, meningitis.
Treatment
Like any infection, Candida infection should be treated as soon as possible.
There are antifungal products for local treatments, to be taken in the form of candles, eggs or ointments, which are active on candida infections and may be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Useful active ingredients are those of the class of azoles.
To learn more about antifungal drugs read this sheet.
In case of recurrent infections or those that are struggling to heal, the doctor may also prescribe oral antifungals. Only in particularly serious cases, systemic therapies are used to treat candida, but they must be administered with great caution during pregnancy.
Natural cures
Alongside antifungal therapies, there are also natural remedies against candida, but even today there is insufficient evidence to prove their effectiveness and safety.
These are, for example, homeopathic calendula and hidrastis ova, external vaginal douches with a tablespoon of baking soda or with a few drops of tea tree essential oil, local applications of plain yogurt or mother tincture of calendula officinalis.
Useful tips
The warm climate and humidity favor candidiasis. Change the wet swimsuit, avoid the use of panty liners and synthetic linen, which prevents perspiration and creates a humid environment, favoring the proliferation of fungi, are useful tips, as well as the use of detergents suitable for skin protection, follow a correct diet, reducing the consumption of fermented products and carbohydrates and do not take antibiotics unless strictly necessary , since they can help modify the vaginal microflora.
Finally, against infection, probiotics based on lactic acid bacteria are useful, such as lactobacilli, “friendly” bacteria able to restore the correct balance of the vaginal mucosa.
Prevention
To prevent candida from recurring, it is not enough to carry out a treatment with specific drugs, but it is also necessary to eliminate risk factors.
It is very important to follow some simple hygiene rules to counteract the appearance of candidiasis. Among the most important are:
– the use of a specific soap to cleanse the intimate parts
– use precautions during sexual intercourse, especially if with casual partners
– do not resort to intimate douches that can interfere with the pH, so as not to favor the engraftment of infections.
It is also good to remember that the infection can be passed to the partner during sexual intercourse, although in men candida does not give the same female disorders. Often, indeed, it does not cause any discomfort and only sometimes reddens the glans. In some cases, however, it can cause inflammation of the glans penis (balanitis) or even of the foreskin (balanoposthitis). But the most important problem is that the partner is able to pass the infection back to the woman, in a continuous cycle of contagion that doctors call the “ping-pong effect”.
And if it occurs in pregnancy?
If contracted during pregnancy, it is good that the Candida infection is treated promptly, because the disorders can become annoying for the woman and above all because the risk of premature birth increases.
In addition, when the expectant mother has a Candida infection, during childbirth there is a possibility that she will transmit the disease to the baby. In other words, there is a risk that the baby catches the infection by contact and develops candidiasis of the oral mucosa, which in the infant is called thrush.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.