Health Information : Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

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What is candidiasis?

Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive system and vaginal area, it may cause an infection when the skin is damaged, when conditions are warm and humid, and/or when a person has a depressed immune system. Antibiotics can also cause yeast to grow, because the normal bacteria in tissues are killed, letting the yeast grow unhampered.

What are the causes of Candidiasis?

There are certain factors that are responsible for Candidiasis, such as:

• Antibiotic and steroid use
• Weak immune system
• Diabetes
• Use of implanted devices and tubes

Women suffer a lot from yeast infections especially when they are pregnant, on menopause and taking birth control pills.

What symptoms are seen in Candidiasis?

The symptoms of Candidiasis depend on your body location and can be recognised as :

• Rash
• Red or purple patches
• Scaling or shedding of skin with flakes
• Cracks in skin
• Soreness
• White, flaky substance over affected area
• Erythema
• Appearance of soft, white skin
• Red and white lesions in mouth