Candidiasis

Overview

Candidiasis refers to a fungal infection appearing on various parts of the human body, like the skin, mouth, vagina etc. The overgrowth of Candida albicans, a variant of yeast, that already lives in the body leads to the formation of this infection.

Usually, healthy bacteria are present in the body in well-balanced amounts, which prevents the overgrowth of this yeast. However, based on an individual’s dietary situation, stress levels and the general condition of their immunity system, the balance can get disrupted, resulting in the development of this condition.

What is Candidiasis?

Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida albicans yeast, otherwise naturally present in the human body in minimal amounts. Once developed, it can easily spread to other body parts if not actively treated, at the very stage post-diagnosis. Additionally, it can lead to the development of further infections if left unattended.

There are different types of candidiasis, including oral (thrush), vaginal, invasive and cutaneous infections. Each type affects different body parts and can be recognised through distinctive symptoms. Vaginal Candidiasis (yeast infection) is the most commonly diagnosed infection but its severity may differ from person to person depending on factors like hygiene standards, hormonal state, diet and other conditions.

Types of Candidiasis

Candidiasis infection can emerge across different parts of the body, including the mouth region, tongue, vulva, etc. The different types of candidiasis infection are as follows:

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal Candidiasis is popularly known as a yeast infection. The infection occurs in the tissues at the very opening of the vagina. Its typical symptoms include soreness, inflammation, continuous itching sensation and white, unusually thick discharge. While it’s not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease (STD), first-time or regular sexual encounters may boost the risk of development of vaginal yeast infections.

Oral Candidiasis

Oral Candidiasis is commonly diagnosed in babies. However, people with low immunity disorder are also at risk of developing the infection. Oral (thrush) Candidiasis shows up in the form of white lesions spread across the inner cheek or the tongue. In certain cases, the infection may spread to other parts of the mouth, including the gums or roof of the mouth; and in severe cases, to the backside of the throat or tonsils.

Cutaneous Candidiasis

Cutaneous Candidiasis may occur along the skin under the breasts, the armpits or the groin area. Creased places on the body are usually prone to moisture from sweating and are at a risk of developing this condition. Some recognisable symptoms include intense itching leading to rash formation and discolouration.

Nail Candidiasis

Nail Candidiasis occurs at the nail beds or edges of fingers/toenails, causing the nail to look brittle or ragged. While this can be a chronic condition, it hardly has any risky impact on affected individuals' lives. However, in special cases, the nails may appear distinguishably different from usual nails and also carry an odour.

Invasive/Systemic Candidiasis

Invasive or Systemic Candidiasis occurs in the bloodstream (fungemia) and is traced throughout the human body. Contrary to the other types of candidiasis, invasive candidiasis is considered to be serious and in most cases, fatal.

The infection may affect the eyes, kidneys, heart, bones and even the brain. Its typical symptoms include fevers and occasional chills. As this infection has life-threatening risks associated with it, medical professionals must be consulted immediately upon diagnosis.

Symptoms of Candidiasis

Symptoms of Candidiasis depend upon the part of the body they affect. However, some commonly noticed symptoms of candidiasis include continuous itching, a burning sensation and swelling. The skin may contain irregular red patches, featuring bumps. The table below lists the associated symptoms of each Candidiasis type:

Type of Candidiasis	Symptoms
Vaginal Candidiasis	Thick white or yellow discharge, discomfort during intercourse, pain during urinating
Oral Candidiasis	White patches, loss of taste, pain while swallowing food
Invasive Candidiasis	Fever, chills
Cutaneous Candidiasis	Red growing rash, burning sensation, itching, small red bumps
Nail Candidiasis	Discolouration, thickened, distorted nails, nails becoming brittle, lifted from nail beds, collection of debris underneath nails

Causes of Candidiasis

Candidiasis occurs when naturally existing yeast, Candida albicans, grows uncontrollably. This can be triggered in several ways, a major one being unregulated stress levels. With high levels of cortisol being produced by the body, the immune system is weakened. As a result, elevated blood sugar levels serve as fuel for rapid yeast growth.

Some of the common variants of this yeast that can cause candidiasis include Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.

Other than that, causes include regular intake of steroids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives and other drugs that negatively affect healthy bacteria, resulting in a dried-up mouth.

Additionally, a diet rich in refined sugars, carbs and yeast is also a major cause of this condition.

Risk Factors of Candidiasis

The risk of suffering from Candidiasis in certain individuals runs more than in others. For example, if a person has a weak immune system, they are at a higher risk of developing a fungal infection. If one takes antibiotics more often than not, the overall risk of candidiasis soars high.

Vaginal candidiasis is more common in pregnant women, often also triggered by birth control pills. Babies are at risk of developing oral candidiasis infection caused by prolonged periods of sucking during breastfeeding. People with AIDS/HIV are also prone to the risk of mouth, oesophagus and throat candidiasis due to their sacrificed immunity system.

Finally, invasive/systemic candidiasis is common in hospitalised individuals. Certain surgical equipment may be considered "invasive", like ventilators, central venous lines, catheters, and more. These instruments in close contact with the body open up the scope for the Candida to enter and spread in the bloodstream. Surgical wounds may also increase the risk of systemic candidiasis.

Diagnosis of Candidiasis

Each type of candidiasis is associated with its own set of diagnostic tests. A culture test is conducted initially and accordingly, treatment is prescribed.

The table below lists the types of Candidiasis and corresponding examinations necessary for accurate diagnosis:

Type of Candidiasis	Diagnosis
Vaginal Candidiasis	Sample of vaginal discharge is examined under microscope or sent to laboratories for fungal culture
Oral Candidiasis	Examining inside of the mouth, tongue, roof of the mouth and inner cheeks under a microscope
Invasive Candidiasis	Analysis of symptoms, physical exam, lab testing of blood samples
Cutaneous Candidiasis	Skin scrapings combined with calcofluor white stain; observed under the microscope
Nail Candidiasis	Examining nails, nail clippings or debris under the nail

Treatment for Candidiasis

The treatment of candidiasis depends on the type of infection, and its location of growth. However, most of the time medications of candidiasis serve as a common treatment option. These include antifungal medication in the form of cream/ointment or pills/liquid/lozenge.

However, the treatment plan varies from one person to another as well as with the type of candidiasis developed. So, affected individuals must make sure to abide by the comprehensive plan provided by the respective healthcare professionals.

Preventive Measures for Candidiasis

There are certain measures an individual can actively undertake to avoid the occurrence of candidiasis. For example, to avoid developing a yeast infection, some preventative measures include keeping the vaginal region clean and wearing cotton underwear. Wearing breathable clothing not too tightly clung to the body may also help.

Maintaining proper oral health allows individuals to avoid thrush or throat candidiasis. Some corticosteroids and antibiotics used in the treatment of certain diseases can also increase the risk of candidiasis.

Some preventative measures against invasive candidiasis include keeping the hospital authorities updated on any unusual reaction from being in contact with surgical instruments. Lastly, constantly keeping your hands sanitised or washed with soap water can also serve as a preventative measure against systemic candidiasis.

Myths and Facts Related to Candidiasis

Below, we shall bust some myths related to candidiasis with the relevant facts:

Myth 1: Garlic can cure Candidiasis

Fact: Garlic is often associated with a detoxifying essence. Based on this, a lot of women tend to think rubbing garlic on the yeast-infected area can help it heal. However, it's not true and has no scientific evidence to back the claim. Rather, it can cause the infection to worsen.

Myth 2: Going into a Swimming Pool can cause Candidiasis

Fact: While the overgrowth of the yeast can be triggered by damp or tight-fitted clothing, simply jumping into a swimming pool cannot cause an infection. If one makes sure to change out of the wet clothes after getting out of the pool, they’re good to go.

Myth 3: A "Candida diet" is the Ultimate Answer.

Fact: The candida diet usually involves a diet plan that avoids refined carbohydrates and sugars. It may also exclude other foods that fuel yeast overgrowth. However, it’s not possible for a diet to single-handedly cure the condition. It has to be combined with a proper treatment plan prescribed by the healthcare professionals.

Myth 4: Candidiasis can always be Treated at Home

Fact: While preventative measures can be undertaken, candidiasis infection cannot be fully treated at home. The expert opinion of professionals in the healthcare sector is a must for a quick and painless recovery.

Myth 5: Candidiasis is Caused Solely Because of Poor Hygiene

Fact: Proper hygiene can indeed help prevent developing a fungal infection. However, poor hygiene is not the sole reason for candidiasis. Hormonal changes, intake of steroids and antibiotics, high stress levels, etc. can all trigger the overgrowth of yeast.

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