Is candidiasis the same as a yeast infection?

Yeast infection is a common and very confusing term for a variety of fungal infections. They all fall under the technical name candidiasis, which is the cause of various diseases, including athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infection and oral thrush. Since it is responsible for a number of confusing infections, here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) as an answer to the most problematic questions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about yeast problems

1: What is a yeast infection? Yeast is a fungus (candida) and a yeast infection is any kind of inflammation caused by this organism. The responsible species is called Candida albicans or C. albicans.

2: What is thrush? Thrush or oral thrush is an infection of the oral cavity that causes a white substance "curdled milk" to appear in the lining of the mouth, tongue and throat (larynx). Vaginal thrush is also a common infection caused by this fungus.

3: Who gets yeast infections? Everyone can have a yeast problem. Babies often develop fungal infections of the mouth and scalp and become infected through the genital tract. In adults, yeast infections often occur in people with suppressed immune deficiencies such as diabetes mellitus and in chemotherapy patients. Other common diseases are dermatitis and athlete's foot.

4: How does it look? The yeast in the mouth, skin and reproductive organs has the appearance of a pearlescent, bluish white and milky color.

5: what are the symptoms? Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include burning, itching, and a cottage cheese-like discharge. Symptoms of oral thrush are white spots on an inflamed red inner surface and are accompanied by pain and sometimes fever.

6: how many people have it? Superficial fungal infections (vaginitis, thrush, athlete's foot) affect millions of people around the world. Although debilitating, most infections are treated effectively.

7: Why is he suddenly infected? Candidiasis is transmitted during sexual intercourse. Favorable conditions can cause multiplication. These include: antibiotics, antacids and steroids, showers, poor hygiene and dehydration.

8: What is conventional medical treatment? Treatments recommended by doctors include antifungals. For thrush: oral tablets (cheeks) made of nystatin (mycostation) and peroxide / saline solution in half concentration (salt water) generally relieve. Antifungal vaginal tablets or suppositories are also effective, and edible active ingredients prescribed by a doctor also work according to a systemic approach.

9: How do I treat it at home? Garlic / raw garlic puree extract would be a great topical solution for nail and skin infections. Tea tree oil is another popular remedy for pinworms and athlete feed. White vinegar is known to upset the pH balance of the skin, which disrupts the growth of fungi. 10: How can I prevent this? The main guarantees are: oral hygiene, hair care, protection against sexually transmitted diseases, the proper functioning of the immune system during nutrition and exercise, and the avoidance of very acidic foods (caffeinated drinks, pizza), alcohol and additives).

Getting the right information about candidiasis simplifies some of the confusing and interchangeable terms used to describe yeast infections. This list serves as a quick reference to the most common questions about fungal infections.

Treating toenail fungus - it is more important than many people think

Recent studies estimate that almost 10% of the population suffers from toenail fungus. This infection is particularly difficult to cure because it is extremely resistant to treatment and often tends to come and go. The condition leads to thickening of the nail and occurs when the nails are constantly exposed to hot and humid environments, e.g. B. when plastic shoes or synthetic socks are worn and the feet sweat.

The nail fungus is actually caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which are the most common fungal infections in humans. They are referred to as primary and non-opportunistic pathogens because they can infect perfectly healthy bodies without the need for an entry point such as a wound or reduced immunity to infection, such as after surgery or illness. They usually infect areas such as skin, hair and of course the nails because these parts of the body are rich in their main food source - keratin.

The nail fungus does not go away on its own, and toenail fungus treatment is almost always necessary to restore the nail to its previous condition. In fact, progressive infection causes pain and the nails lose shape, thicken, become brittle and prone to breakage, and the edges become jagged and irregular. Serious fungal infections can also be very painful and can even cause walking difficulties due to a toe infection. If the nail fungus is left untreated for a long time, it can easily cause permanent damage to the nail.

It should also be noted that our nails also say a lot about our general health. They can often be early indicators of diseases such as diabetes and immune deficiency, and have even been linked to more serious diseases such as leukemia and cancer. It is also common for lung diseases to cause characteristic changes in our nails.

While the treatment of toenail fungus is often considered trivial or even cosmetic, this shouldn't be the case. Nail fungus infections are not a particularly serious illness, but they can be uncomfortable and even lead to new health complications if they are not treated. More importantly, the fact that the health of our nails often reflects our underlying health and that the problems associated with the nail can sometimes be attributed to more serious underlying conditions. If you have a nail fungus, don't consider it a minor irritation. Take action as soon as possible and avoid potential problems.