An overgrowth of yeast is what causes a yeast infection. The most common type of yeast infection is called candidiasis. It comes from these types of fungi named Candida Albicans and they grow on all surfaces of our body. When these fungi abnormally grow and outnumber the good bacteria in our body, particularly in our warm and moist areas, that’s when they cause infections such as vaginal or oral yeast infections. Other basic facts about candidiasis are as follows:
- Candidal infections are normally found in warm and moist areas in our body like the underarms, mouth, vagina and baby butts. Our skin usually blocks yeast effectively, but cuts or breakdown would allow these organisms to be able to penetrate
- Diaper areas and the mouth are the typical affected areas in infants
- Vaginal Candidiasis is another term for vaginal yeast infection and is also the most common form of vaginitis
- Oral yeast infections or thrush in adults become more common as they age. Adults are also prone to yeast infection around dentures, nail beds, and beneath the skin folds. Most of these infections, with the exception of nail beds, are superficial and can be cured easily with treatment. The nail beds, however, often undergo prolonged therapy.
- There is also a possibility that a normal yeast infection will spread throughout one’s body but it only happens rarely. This happens when the fungus gets to enter the bloodstream. Sadly, forty-five percent of these people may die, which is all the more reason for us to treat yeast infections seriously and undergo treatment as soon as we confirm we have it.