In healthy ( immunocompetent) persons, candidiasis is usually a localized infection of the skin, fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis), or mucosal membranes, including the oral cavity and pharynx ( thrush), esophagus, and the genitalia ( vagina, penis, etc.) less commonly in healthy individuals, the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and respiratory tract are sites of candida infection. Most candidal infections result in minimal complications such as redness, itching, and discomfort, though complications may be severe or even fatal if left untreated in certain populations. Signs and symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area affected. Widespread disease is rare except in those who have risk factors. About three-quarters of women have at least one yeast infection at some time during their lives. About 20% of those receiving chemotherapy for cancer and 20% of those with AIDS also develop the disease. Infections of the mouth occur in about 6% of babies less than a month old. In certain groups at very high risk, antifungal medications may be used preventatively, and concomitantly with medications known to precipitate infections. A number of weeks of intravenous amphotericin B may be used as an alternative. In those with widespread disease, an echinocandin such as caspofungin or micafungin is used. A number of topical antifungal medications may be used for vaginal infections, including clotrimazole. Oral or intravenous fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B may be used if these do not work. For infections of the mouth, treatment with topical clotrimazole or nystatin is usually effective. Little evidence supports probiotics for either prevention or treatment, even among those with frequent vaginal infections. Įfforts to prevent infections of the mouth include the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash in those with poor immune function and washing out the mouth following the use of inhaled steroids. Individuals at risk for invasive candidiasis include low birth weight babies, people recovering from surgery, people admitted to intensive care units, and those with an otherwise compromised immune system. Vaginal infections occur more commonly during pregnancy, in those with weak immune systems, and following antibiotic therapy. Other risk factors include during breastfeeding, following antibiotic therapy, and the wearing of dentures. Conditions that result in a weak immune system include HIV/AIDS, the medications used after organ transplantation, diabetes, and the use of corticosteroids. Infections of the mouth are most common among children less than one month old, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. More than 20 types of Candida may cause infection with Candida albicans being the most common. This may result in fevers along with other symptoms depending on the parts involved. Very rarely, yeast infections may become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body. Yeast infections of the penis are less common and typically present with an itchy rash. Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white "cottage cheese-like" discharge from the vagina. When it affects the vagina, it may be referred to as a yeast infection or thrush. Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing. Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. When it affects the mouth, in some countries it is commonly called thrush. Immunosuppression ( HIV/AIDS), diabetes, corticosteroids, antibiotic therapy Ħ% of babies (mouth) 75% of women at some time (vaginal) Ĭandidiasis is a fungal infection due to any type of Candida (a type of yeast). White patches or vaginal discharge, itching
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