What Is Candidiasis?

An infection with a fungus of the genus Candida.

It is usually a superficial infection of the moist cutaneous areas of the body and is generally caused by Candida albicans, it most commonly involves the skin (dermatocandidiasis), oral mucous membranes (oral candidiasis), respiratory tract (bronchocandidiasis) and vagina (vaginal candidiasis or thrush). Rarely there is a systemic infection or endocarditis.

Oral candidiasis: describes a fungal (yeast) infection of the oral cavity due to Candida. It is common in infants, diabetics or those on chemotherapy and is well recognised in patients with HIV infection and AIDS. Thrush is the common name for a yeast infection in the mouth.

Thrush is not contagious. This form of yeast is normally present on your skin and only occasionally grows to the extent we recognize as thrush. Hospitalized infants who have thrush are not normally placed in isolation.

Thrush responds well to treatment which usually includes the use of oral nystatin drops. It is important to remember that many infants with oral thrush will develop a yeast diaper rash requiring medicated creams.

Oesophageal candidiasis: Infection of the oesophagus by the yeast-like fungus Candidal albicans. Usually occurs in the immunocompromised individual (AIDS or following chemotherapy). Oral candidiasis is a predisposing factor but oesophageal involvement can occur without evidence of infection in the oral cavity. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, pain on swallowing and oral lesions. Diagnosis is made using endoscopy.

Treatment is with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or fluconazole.

Synonym: moniliasis, candidosis, oidiomycosis, blastodendriosis.

Antibiotic treatment for some other condition, such as bronchitis">bronchitis, kills many of the bacteria normally present on the skin and in the intestine. This allows the fungus to grow, thus causing the infection. Altered hormone levels in the body, such as those that occur during pregnancy and while taking contraceptive pills, also make it easier for the fungi to grow. The infection may accompany other disorders, such as AIDS, diabetes mellitus, leukemia, or conditions that require treatment with corticosteroid drugs, all of which lower the body's immunity to Candida albicans.

To be most effective in the treatment of thrush, nutritional supplements work better in combination. It may be more beneficial to take a variety of Herbs or Nutrients for more rapid and complete healing.

Vitamins : A, B Complex, Nicotinamide, C (large doses)
Minerals : Potassium Chloride 6X, Iron Phosphate 6X, Zinc
Amino Acids : L-Lysine
Food Supplements : Acidophilus (orally & topically), Nutritional Yeast
Herbs : Garlic, Echinacea

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