Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which most frequently affects the genital region, causing symptoms such as intense itching, redness or whitish discharge.
However, candidiasis can also appear in other parts of the body, such as the mouth (thrush), intestines, skin or nails, for example. This fungus lives naturally on the skin and mucous membranes and proliferates when the immune system is weakened.
The treatment of candidiasis must be guided by a doctor, depending on the type of candidiasis, but generally includes the use of antifungal remedies in the form of ointments or tablets.
Symptoms of candidiasis
The main symptoms of candidiasis are:
- Intense itching, swelling or irritation in the genital region or skin;
- White vaginal discharge;
- Pain or burning during intimate contact;
- Yellow or whitish plaques in the mouth;
- Redness or cracks in the corner of the mouth;
- Red spots and burning on the skin.
Furthermore, in the case of genital candidiasis in men, symptoms such as red or whitish plaques on the penis or dry skin may appear. See other symptoms of male candidiasis.
In cases of intestinal candidiasis, symptoms may appear, such as white spots in the stool and excess intestinal gas, for example. Learn more about the various types of candidiasis and their symptoms.
Read too: 5 symptoms that can be confused with candidiasis
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of candidiasis is normally made by a doctor by evaluating the symptoms, although tests such as laboratory analysis of genital discharge, urine analysis, secretion or skin biopsy can also be carried out to identify the fungus and rule out other diseases.
The specialist doctor to identify and treat genital candidiasis in women is the gynecologist, while in the case of men, it is the urologist. In the case of oral or intestinal candidiasis, the doctor who carries out the treatment is a gastroenterologist.
Don’t ignore your symptoms!
The main types of candidiasis are:
1. Vaginal candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis is a type of genital candidiasis that affects the vagina and vulva of women, generally due to a weakened immune system or some hormonal change.
This type of candidiasis is the most common gynecological infection, as the vagina is a warm and humid environment that favors the growth of the fungus. Know how to identify all the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.
To find out the chance of having vaginal candidiasis, select the symptoms presented in the test below:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gynecologist.
2. Penile candidiasis
Penile candidiasis, or male candidiasis, affects men, especially when intimate hygiene is not performed properly.
In addition to the penis, this type of candidiasis can affect the testicles or groin, for example. Learn more about male candidiasis.
Read too: 5 remedies for male candidiasis (and how to use)
3. Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis is more common in babies due to their still poorly developed immunity, and is popularly known as thrush. This type of candidiasis can affect the inside of the cheeks, tongue and lips. See how to identify and treat thrush in babies.
In rarer cases, oral candidiasis can also affect the throat and esophagus, but this is more common in adults who have a weakened immune system due to chronic diseases, cancer treatment or HIV infection, for example.
4. Cutaneous candidiasis
Cutaneous candidiasis affects the skin, being more common in areas of skin folds, such as the neck, groin, armpits, behind the knee and under the breasts, which are hotter areas that sweat a lot, favoring the development of the fungus.
This type of candidiasis can happen to anyone, however, it is more common in overweight people, the elderly or babies. Check out the main causes of cutaneous candidiasis.
5. Intestinal candidiasis
Intestinal candidiasis affects the intestines and can arise when there is an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota as a result of changes in the immune system, being more common in cases of Crohn’s disease, autoimmune diseases or AIDS.
This type of candidiasis should be treated as quickly as possible, as there is a greater risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. See how intestinal candidiasis is treated.
6. Disseminated candidiasis
Disseminated candidiasis is one in which infection by the fungus Candida albicans It reaches the bloodstream and can affect different organs, such as the lungs, liver, heart, bones or even the brain.
This type of candidiasis is serious and is generally caused by a weakening of the immune system, especially in cases of AIDS, organ transplants, malnutrition or cancer, for example.
7. Recurrent candidiasis
Recurrent or recurrent candidiasis is characterized by 4 or more episodes of candidiasis in a year, and may appear more frequently in people with a weakened immune system.
8. Breast candidiasis
Breast candidiasis appears in the nipple and occurs more frequently during breastfeeding, due to the normal hormonal changes during this phase and frequent contact with the baby’s saliva, which may favor the growth of the fungus. Candida albicans.
Read too: Candidiasis under the breast: symptoms and treatment
9. Candidiasis in pregnancy
Candidiasis during pregnancy is a type of genital candidiasis, quite common, which can arise due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially estrogen, which can lead to the multiplication of Candida albicans.
This type of candidiasis does not cause changes in the baby’s development, however, it must be treated by an obstetrician, as it can be transmitted to the newborn during vaginal birth, and cause candidiasis in the baby.
Possible causes
Candidiasis is caused by the excessive growth of fungi of the genus Candida sp., mainly Candida albicans. This type of fungus is naturally present on mucous membranes and skin, but can proliferate due to some situations, such as:
- Frequent use of antibiotics, contraceptives and corticosteroids;
- Pregnancy;
- Hormonal changes;
- Diseases such as diabetes, HPV and lupus;
- HIV infection or AIDS;
- Cancer or cancer treatment;
- Use of dentures;
- Smoking habit.
A person may also be infected with the fungus and not know it, as the disease normally manifests itself when the immune system is weakened.
Read too: 7 causes of candidiasis (and what to do)
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of candidiasis must be carried out under medical supervision, and antifungal medicines in the form of ointments or tablets are normally indicated.
In the case of genital candidiasis, ointments such as nystatin, clotrimazole, miconazole, isoconazole or fenticonazole, for example, are usually indicated. See the main ointments for genital candidiasis and how to use them.
Furthermore, some of these ointments may also be indicated for candidiasis on the skin.
Read too: Best Antifungal Remedies to Treat Candidiasis
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of antifungal tablets, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, for example, which help fight the infection from inside the body, achieving better results than with ointments alone. See more details on the treatment for candidiasis.
Furthermore, it is important to follow a diet for candidiasis, having a diet low in sugar as it also helps the body to combat the growth of fungi more easily, curing candidiasis faster.
Natural Treatment Options
Some natural treatment options for candidiasis, such as a sitz bath with chamomile or barbatimão, can help alleviate the symptoms of genital candidiasis, as it has a calming, anti-inflammatory and antifungal action.
Furthermore, a sitz bath with tea tree essential oil is also a good natural treatment option for genital candidiasis, due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. See how to prepare sitz baths for candidiasis.
It is important to note that natural treatment for candidiasis does not replace treatment recommended by a doctor, but can be used to complement the use of antifungal ointments or tablets and help relieve symptoms more quickly.
Read too: 11 tips to get rid of candidiasis quickly
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