Yeast infections, known medically as candidiasis, are common fungal infections caused by an overgrowth of a yeast species called Candida. Although there are over 20 species of Candida that can cause infections, Candida albicans is the most prevalent. Historically, yeast infections have been recognized for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the underlying fungal causes were identified. Today, they are among the most common infections, affecting both genders and all age groups, though some individuals are more prone to developing them.
An infection occurs when a microorganism, or pathogen, such as bacteria, fungi or virus, enters a person’s body and causes harm. The symptoms we experience are the effects of our immune system’s attempt to eliminate the invading organism. In many cases, the immune system successfully prevents these pathogens from multiplying within the body. However, if left unchecked, serious damage can occur.
Very simply put, a yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the yeast fungi. Until the infection becomes serious, the symptoms and discomforts we experience are from the immune system fighting the infection.
Unlike some other diseases, there is only one direct cause of yeast infection, which is the overgrowth of yeast, or Candida.
To understand the risk factors, we need to first ask the question, “What causes yeast to overgrow?”. Candida, or yeast, naturally exists in small amounts within our bodies and is kept in check by the good bacteria. When the population of yeast grows excessively and tips the healthy balance, the immune system will rush to attack the yeast, resulting in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.
- Reduced population of beneficial bacteria: Beneficial bacteria do a lot to keep the population of yeast and harmful bacteria in check. When the population of beneficial bacteria is reduced, the balance in the microbiome is disrupted, and harmful bacteria and fungi, like yeast, will multiply much more quickly.
- Sugar: Yeast feeds on sugar and uses the sugar to produce energy to increase the metabolic rate, which in turn promotes yeast growth. When blood sugar levels are elevated due to diabetes, the yeast population will be increased as well.
- Warm, moist environments with limited airflow: Yeast flourishes in warm, moist environments. Limited airflow will trap heat and cause sweating, creating conditions for yeast to thrive in. Armpits, groins, genital areas, skin folds and parts of our bodies with mucous membranes are particularly susceptible to yeast infections, especially when we are sweating.
- High acidity: Yeast thrives in environments with higher acidity (lower pH levels).
- Weakened immune system: Our immune system works to maintain the healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. When the immune system is weakened or damaged, yeast will find it easier to grow out of proportion.
- When the population of yeast has grown out of proportion and threatens the health of the person, a healthy immune system can also act to destroy the excess yeast to achieve a healthy balance of microorganisms. A weakened immune system may not be able to fight off yeast as effectively, and thus not be able to control the population.
- In a healthy body, the integrity of the skin and the mucous membranes (barriers) will prevent yeast from causing damage to the body. When the immune system is weakened, and skin and/or mucous membranes are damaged, yeast may penetrate human cells and tissues, and in extreme cases, the bloodstream, from which they can spread to other organs and cause very serious infections, even death.
What are the Risk Factors for Yeast Infection?
If our body’s conditions or our lifestyle choices, such as the ones below, create conditions that cause or allow yeast to grow, our risk of developing yeast infection will increase.
- Antibiotics: Doctors use antibiotics to kill the bacteria when we have bacterial infections, but, unfortunately, the antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria together with the harmful bacteria. Without the beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria and fungi will multiply more rapidly.
- Hormonal changes: Estrogen stimulates the production of glycogen, a form of sugar, in the vagina. When the levels of estrogen are elevated due to pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, breastfeeding, hormonal birth control usage, or hormone replacement therapy, the risk of yeast overgrowth will also be increased.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes allows blood sugar to increase, giving yeast an abundant food supply.
- Weakened immune system: Those with weakened immune systems, due to surgery, conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, medications like corticosteroids, or even sare more susceptible to yeast infections.
- Tight clothing: Tight, synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal setting for yeast proliferation.
- Changes in pH levels: Yeast thrives in environments with higher acidity (lower pH). Certain factors, such as taking antibiotics, douching, or having unprotected sex, can alter the pH level of the vagina, leading to yeast overgrowth.
- Poor hygiene: Neglecting to keep the skin clean and dry can raise the risk of yeast infections.
- You are a woman. Roughly three-quarters of all women experience vaginal yeast infections at least once in their lives. Statistically, simply being a woman puts you at risk of developing infections.
- You are pregnant, menstruating, or breastfeeding, or if you have gone through menopause, hormonal birth control or hormone replacement.
- You often wear tight clothing.
- You are taking or have just taken antibiotics.
- You have uncontrolled diabetes.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You have been douching.
- You have had unprotected sex with somebody who has genital yeast infection.
- You have poor hygiene habits.
Yeast infections are classified based on the part of the body that they affect.
Genital yeast infection can affect both men and women, although it is significantly more common in women.
Genital yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, vaginitis or vulvovaginal candidiasis, is the most common type of yeast infection. Approximately 75% of women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime.
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- Thick white odourless discharge resembling cottage cheese
- Pain or burning during urination or intercourse
- Redness and swelling of the vulva.
Yeast infection in men is also known as penile yeast infection or Candida balanitis. The term Candida balanitis is derived from “Candida”, the type of yeast that causes the infection, and “balanitis”, which is the inflammation of the head of the penis due to an infection.
- Itching, redness, and discomfort in the penis.
- Foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin.
Oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, is an infection that causes white sores in your mouth, throat, oesophagus, or tongue. It’s prevalent among babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
- White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and throat
- Redness or soreness on the tongue or the back of the throat
- Pain while eating or swallowing
- Cracking at the mouth’s corners
Skin yeast infection is an infection on the surface of the skin that creates a raised, red patch with small, itchy bumps. It often forms in folds of your skin, especially in warm, moist areas like your armpits, under your breasts, and near your buttocks (diaper rash) or groin.
- Red, itchy rash, small red bumps or pustules
- Moist and weeping skin patches and cracked or peeling skin.
- Itching, burning, and discomfort.
Yeast diaper rash from yeast infection, or Candida Diaper Dermatitis, is a form of skin yeast infection. It usually begins in the creases or folds of the thighs and in the diaper area. The rash is often a deep red, shiny rash with red, satellite lesions. This type of rash may be associated with thrush, a yeast infection in the baby’s mouth.
- The skin appears bumpy (like pimples), shiny, cracked or oozy with a deep red or purple tone.
- The rash often appears in the folds near the groin, legs, and genitals.
- The rash could be in several, smaller spots along the diaper region.
Candida granuloma is a rare but severe and chronic fungal infection that targets your skin, scalp, mouth, or fingernails. It is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is a common type of yeast that lives in the mouth, throat, and intestines of healthy people. Although both cutaneous candida (skin yeast infection) and candida granuloma affect the skin, cutaneous candida mainly affects the epidermis, or the surface of the skin, while candida granuloma is more severe and primarily affects the dermis or the 2nd layer of the skin.
- The symptoms of Candida granuloma vary depending on the affected organ.
- In the lungs, it can cause coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
- In the skin, it can cause red, swollen, and painful lesions.
- In other organs, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
Invasive candidiasis, also known as candidemia and candida sepsis, is a serious infection that occurs when Candida yeast enters the bloodstream and spreads to other parts of your body, such as the bone, brain and central nervous system, eyes, heart valves, kidney, liver, and spleen. It can cause extended hospital stays and even death if not diagnosed and managed appropriately.
Invasive candidiasis can cause a range of symptoms, such as:
- Fever and chills, which are the most common symptoms
- Belly pain, if the infection spreads to the organs in the abdomen
- Low blood pressure, if the infection spreads and causes systemic issues
- Muscle aches, as a general symptom of the infection
- Skin rash, if the infection affects the skin
- Weakness or fatigue, as the body fights off the infection
- Blurriness, sensitivity to light, and vision changes, if the infection spreads to the eyes
If you suspect a yeast infection, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. They may inquire about symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam.
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history and physical examination.
- Laboratory tests: Cultures and microscopic examination of samples from the infection site may be.
- For vaginal yeast infections, a sample of vaginal discharge might be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the Candida bacteria.
Treatment depends on the infection’s location and severity:
- Vaginal yeast infections: Antifungal creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories, available over the counter or by prescription, kill excess Candida. In some cases, a single-dose oral antifungal medication may be prescribed.
- Oral thrush: Antifungal mouthwash or lozenges eliminate Candida in the mouth and throat. Severe cases may require oral antifungal medication.
- Skin yeast infections: Antifungal creams or ointments applied to the affected area, or oral antifungal medication for some cases.
For those who prefer natural remedies, here are some suggestions.
- Greek Yogurt: Probiotics can be effective against Candida albicans, and yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus12. You can eat the yogurt or apply it to the affected area.
- Boric Acid: Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic that some people claim can help clear up yeast infections resistant to other remedies. However, boric acid is toxic in large amounts and should be used with caution.
- Oil of Oregano: A 2017 study suggests oregano essential oil may prove effective for altering the growth of Candida albicans. To use, mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil.
- Probiotics: Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus species, may help prevent and treat yeast infections by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body.
- Coconut Oil: Known for its antifungal properties, coconut oil can be applied topically to help treat yeast infections.
- Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil may help with yeast infections but should be diluted before application.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people find relief by adding it to a bath or diluted and applied to the skin.
- Garlic: Garlic has antifungal properties that can help fight a yeast infection.
- Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, Vitamin C can help to combat yeast infections.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: It can help to kill yeast on the skin but should be used with caution.
Refer to our article on home and natural articles for yeast infection.
To reduce yeast infection risk:
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting,breathable clothing.
- Avoid douching, which can disrupt vaginal bacteria balance.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
- Change out of wet clothes, like swimsuits, promptly.
- Manage blood sugar levels if diabetic.
- Eat healthily and get sufficient sleep to bolster the immune system.
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Dietary changes and probiotics: To support a healthy gut flora.
- Avoid risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection.
Untreated yeast infections can lead to:
- Severe Symptoms: The infection can cause extensive redness, swelling, and itching that leads to tears, cracks, or sores.
- Recurrent Infections: If you have four or more yeast infections in a year, you may need a longer treatment course and a maintenance plan.
- Spread of Infection: In severe cases, the yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to a potentially deadly bloodstream infection.
- Painful Sores: Untreated yeast infections can lead to painful sores.
- Infertility: In some cases, untreated yeast infections can lead to infertility.
- Lowered Immune System: Chronic yeast infections can weaken the immune system.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Some people may experience gastrointestinal problems as a result of a yeast infection.
- Headaches, Mood Swings, Fatigue: Some rare side effects of an untreated yeast infection include headaches, mood swings, mouth problems (thrush), fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Change in pH Level: Yeast infections can change the pH level in your vagina, which can lead to difficulty conceiving.
Yeast infections, while common, can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options can empower individuals to manage and prevent these infections effectively. By being aware of the risk factors, practising good hygiene and seeking medical assistance when necessary, most individuals can successfully navigate and overcome the challenges posed by yeast infections.
