Verified By Apollo Doctors August 12, 2022
2724Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to a yeast (a type of fungus) known as candida. Certain species of candida cause the most common infection – Candida Albicans. Typically, Candida lives on the skin and inside the body, and in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. However, it may lead to infections when it grows out of control or enters deep into the body (for instance, in the bloodstream or internal organs such as the kidney, heart, or brain).
The various types of candidiasis are as follows:
Candida skin infections may occur anywhere in the body, but they are generally found in intertriginous (areas where two skin areas may touch or rub together) regions. Such sites include the groin, armpits, skin folds, and the space between the fingers and toes. The fungus grows in warm, moist, and sweaty conditions.
Generally, the skin acts as an important barrier against infection. Any incisions or breakdown in the superficial layers of the skin may cause fungal infection. Candida is capable of causing disease when conditions are favourable for it to grow. These conditions can include hot and humid weather and poor hygiene.
It is also prevalent in people working in wet conditions and pregnant women. Certain medications can increase the risk for candidiasis. Topical corticosteroid medications are the ones that lead to problems. However, birth control pills and antibiotics are other probable causes. People taking these medications should monitor their skin frequently for candida infection symptoms.
The symptoms are different depending on the body, and location, but common symptoms are:
The diagnosis of candidiasis initially relies on appearance and skin sampling. The doctor may take skin scrapings, nail clippings, or pluck hair from the affected area for examination. Once the candida infection is diagnosed, the primary step is to address the underlying cause of the infection. It may include lifestyle changes such as being hygienic, weight loss if people are overweight or managing diabetes.
It usually is advisable for people to see the doctor the first time they experience an infection so that the doctor can diagnose it properly and offer the best treatment options. Candida is often recurring; therefore, patients require follow-up visits.
The treatment is simple as candidiasis does not require hospitalisation unless the patient is immunocompromised or experiences sepsis. The doctor may prescribe drying agents with antifungal creams, ointments, or lotions applied to the skin.
In some cases, oral medications can also be prescribed to patients. People may also need over-the-counter drugs, such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole, and antifungal drugs called azoles. These medicines are available in various forms, such as ointments, tablets, and creams. They don’t have the same serious side effects as other antifungal agents such as nystatin or amphotericin B, an intravenous medication used in hospitals.
The doctor may prescribe different kinds of drugs based on the type of infection and the part of the body that is affected. They include:
Certain medications like miconazole and clotrimazole can be safely used to treat candidiasis in any trimester of pregnancy. Women must ask the doctor about the medicines that are safe for them to use.
All medications may have side effects. Side effects for antifungals typically include:
Intravenous antifungals are more to cause adverse side effects, including:
In rare cases, antifungals can lead to severe allergic or skin reactions, including peeling or blistered skin. Patients with liver damage should not use antifungal medicine without the doctor’s permission because it’s more likely to be severe in those with liver damage. However, antifungals can lead to liver damage in healthy patients.
Medications that a patient can mix with antifungals include:
Candidiasis can be prevented when the patient:
It is essential to keep in mind an obese patient must properly dry their skin folds to prevent infection.
In healthy adults, candidiasis can be treated easily. The infection can be more problematic in older adults, young children, and people with weaker immune systems. It may spread the infection to other parts of the body, mostly in cases of oral thrush. Preventive measures can help prevent candida growth. When candidiasis is treated early, the outcomes are better.
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July 7, 2023