Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection - Common Signs Of A Yeast Infection

Yeast, or Candida as it is known scientifically, are present on any normal human skin and on the mucus membranes such as the mouth, the gut and more specifically the vagina. Candida particularly breed in moist warm areas of the body so is found under the arms, in the groin, and in folds of skin. According to researches, most of the women carry yeast in their genital region. In fact it is said that about 80%-90% of women is carrying yeast in the vagina without it causing any symptoms.

One of the most common form of Candidiasis is called vaginal thrush. The symptoms of vaginal thrush include an odourless vaginal discharge which often has a whitish appearance similar to cottage cheese. Sometimes there are white patches with a red inflamed base on the mucous membranes. Vaginal thrush is intensely itchy and sore.

Candidiasis not only affect women but men are also affected. Males commonly get Candida in the groin (Jock Itch) which may spread to the genital area. Jock itch is associated with moist red itchy rash in the groin. Balanitis which is an infection of the penile shaft is often associated with white creamy patches on the outer surface especially in uncircumcised males.

Another type of Candida yeast infection is oral thrush where white patches form on the mucus membranes of the mouth and tongue. The under surface of the patches are red and sore which makes it painful to eat. It is also common in babies who refuse to suck and become irritated.

Babies often develop nappy rash and this symptom is sometimes caused by Candida. When a nappy rash is caused by a yeast infection baby gets a moist red painful rash around the buttocks and genitals.

Other warm moist areas of the body are also commonly infected with yeast, especially the moist areas under the arms and under the breasts, and in the folds of skin of obese people. On the skin yeast infections cause a moist rash which is inflamed, itchy and sore.

Candida albicans is the main cause of paronychia which is a Candidiasis infection around the nails. The nail beds become red and swollen and are very painful. The nail itself is not usually involved.

So, if Candida normally lives on the body, why do so many people get a yeast infection? The reason for this is that Candida which usually lives harmlessly on the body is kept in check by the body's immune responses. The immune response includes the resident normal flora of the body which prevent yeast from overgrowing and causing an infection.

As soon as the immune response is weakened, the conditions will become favorable for Candida to multiply and its overgrowth will leads to the Candidiasis symptoms described as above. There are few factors which can contribute to yeast overgrowth leading to Candidiasis.

These factors include the use of antibiotics and steroids; changes in hormonal balance which happens in menstruation or menopause; pregnancy, preexisting diseases such as diabetes, injury to the skin such as chaffing and small lesions; cancer or AIDS; poor diet and stress.

Sometimes the triggers are as simple as using certain detergents or douches which may cause an inflammation reaction. Even wearing tight jeans or synthetic underwear can trigger an attack of yeast infection.

It is very important to understand your own body and know what is the main source a Candidiasis attack in you. This way you can seek treatment for underlying diseases such as diabetes which may be the root cause of your condition, or avoid the triggers which cause you to have recurrent symptoms.

The best way to manage recurrent thrush and eliminate it's symptoms forever is to have a holistic approach to its management. It is good to seek medical treatment initially to ensure the range of symptoms you suffer are actually caused by Candida albicans. The doctor can easily recognize the symptoms of Candidiasis but may need to send some samples to the lab for testing. The doctor will probably prescribe medication to treat the various symptoms of the infection.

However most of the sufferers of recurrent Candidiasis symptoms often self diagnose and self treat with remedies that are more natural than the pharmaceuticals prescribed by the doctor. To get rid of yeast symptoms forever one's may require to do some changes in their own life style. These changes include a change in diet, an increase in exercise, more sleep, reduction of stress, and the use of some natural remedies which will help to reduce or to eliminate the symptoms of Candidiasis.

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