What is yeast infection – A yeast infection is caused by the “diploid fungus” additionally known as Candida Albicans. Yeast infections usually occur in warm, moist sections of the human body. Usual occurrences for yeast infection on the body is typical in the mouth, moist areas of skin and most commonly, infection in the genitals.

When yeast cause an infection in the vagina, it is referred to as Candidal vulvovaginitis or the more common expression vaginal thrush.

A yeast infection can spread along the body for numerous reasons. Stress, being pregnant, illnesses and medicine. These are well known factors to which affect the immune system enough to give the right conditions for a yeast infection, The medications usually involved consist of birth-control medicine, drugs and also steroid treatments.

If you are taking antibiotics, there is a chance that the antibiotics can kill “the wrong” bacteria which additionally lives in your body as well. The good bacteria dominates candida and helps to keep your body in balance. A Yeast infection is know to thrive in high blood sugar, and diabetics usually have a higher chance for getting infections.

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Picture of yeast infected arm
Picture of yeast infected toes
Picture of yeast infected mouth

A common question, “What is yeast infection, and do I have it.?” For women the most obvious yeast infection symptoms is that you have a fishy odor combined with a burning sensation and itchiness around the vagina. However, even if you are experiencing these symptoms it is worth consulting your doctor or health practice as this may relate to something else entirely. Se our chapter yeast infection in women for more information

 

Candida Albicans

Back to our main question “what is yeast infection”. On the picture to the right you can see a laboratory grown fungal colony of Candida Albicans.  A person with massive infection from Candida Albicans will  normally be recommended to make changes in their lifestyle. The focus will naturally be on their diet to help fight the candida growth naturally. As explained before, candida is microscopic yeast that lives on or in the moist and warm parts of our body. But once it overgrows, it can create complications from mild irritation, all the way through to severe health issues that can be life threatening. Those who are suffering from more severe symptoms of a yeast infection should seek medical help, as their problems may not in fact only be caused just by Candida Albicans and possibly rather be the result of some other other disease or condition that has not yet been diagnosed.

 

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