Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the body alongside probiotics, normally still controlled by the immune system. However, sometimes the balance between yeasts and bacteria is broken, resulting in yeast overgrowth. Too high a yeast count can lead to a condition called a yeast infection, which can occur in many parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, throat, and most commonly the vagina. Yeast infections aren't a shame; up to 75% of women get a yeast infection at least once in their life. The disease is often very uncomfortable, so it's important to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible. To diagnose a yeast infection, you need to be aware of the symptoms of the disease.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Recognize the symptoms

1. 

   
   
   Look for red spots. Yeast infections can appear in areas like the groin, the folds of the buttocks, between the breasts, in the mouth and digestive tract, near the fingers and toes, in the navel. In general, yeasts thrive in more humid areas and have more grooves or nooks than other parts of the body.
   • Red spots may appear and look like small red bumps. Don't scratch: if the red spots break, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
   • Note that babies often have a yeast infection that causes them to develop diaper rash, which manifests itself as small red spots as described above. This usually occurs in the folds of the skin, thighs, and genital area and is often caused by moisture that builds up in dirty diapers when left on for too long.

2. 

   
   
   Watch for itching. Areas of skin and parts of the body that are infected with the yeast will feel itchy and are extremely sensitive to the touch. Areas of infected skin can also be irritated by rubbing against clothing or other foreign objects.
   • You may also experience a burning sensation in and around the yeast-infected skin.

3. 

   
   
   Consider the typical symptoms of yeast infections. There are three types of yeast infections: vaginal yeast infections, yeast infections, and strep throat infections. Each type of yeast infection has characteristic symptoms in addition to the symptoms listed above.
   • Vaginal yeast infection: When you have a yeast infection, which is often alluded to when it comes to a yeast infection, your vagina and vagina are red, itchy, and irritated. The patient also feels burning or pain when urinating or having sex. Vaginal yeast infections are also often (but not always) accompanied by a thick, white, and odorless discharge inside the vagina. Note that 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
   • Fungal skin infections: A fungal skin infection on the hands or feet can cause a rash, patches, and blisters between the toes or fingers. You may also notice white spots on an infected nail.
   • Oral yeast infection: A yeast infection in the throat is also called oral thrush. You will notice a reddened throat and may be accompanied by blisters or patches that form deep in the mouth near the throat and on the tongue. You may also experience chapped cracks at the corner of your mouth (cheilitis) and a feeling of difficulty swallowing.

4. 

   Buy a pH test kit at home. If you suspect that you have a vaginal yeast infection (the most common type of yeast infection) and have had a yeast infection in the past, you can purchase a pH test kit and diagnose yourself at home. A normal pH in the vagina is about 4, which is slightly acidic. Use according to the instructions provided with the product.
   • When testing your vaginal pH, you will need to hold the test piece against the vaginal wall for a few seconds. Compare the color of the piece of paper with the chart provided with the test kit. The number on the chart corresponds to the color that most closely matches the color on the piece of paper, which is the pH in your vagina.
   • If the result is above 4, see your doctor. This result is not a symptom of a yeast infection, but it could be a sign of another infection.
   • If the test shows less than 4, you may have a yeast infection.
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Part 2 of 4: Identify the symptoms and complications of a yeast infection

1. 

   Keep track of the shape of the rash. If left untreated, a yeast infection can develop into rings that look like rings, be red in color, or without a discernible discoloration. This can occur in both vaginal yeast infections and fungal skin infections.
   • The ringworm can cause hair loss if it occurs on areas of hair on the body (such as male beard, scalp, or genitals).

2. 

   Check your nails for fungal infections. Fungal skin infections can spread to nail beds if left unchecked. If the fungal skin infection affects the nail, the surrounding nail will begin to become swollen, red, and painful. The nail may eventually come off, revealing the bed of the nail that has turned white or pale yellow.

3. 

   Determine if you are in a risk group. Some groups at risk of developing a complicated yeast infection include:
   • People with a yeast infection 4 or more times a year
   • Pregnant women
   • Diabetes is not controlled
   • People with weakened immune systems (caused by medications or medical conditions such as HIV)

4. 

   Note that the infection is not caused by a fungus Candida albicans is classified as complication. Most yeast infections are due to their namesake candida Candida albicans cause. However, sometimes other strains of candidiasis can also cause an infection. This complicates the situation, as most prescription or over-the-counter medications have formulas for fungal infections. Candida albicans. Therefore, the infection is not caused by a fungus Candida albicans often requires more aggressive treatments.
   • Note that the only way to diagnose different strains of candida is to take a test sample.
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Part 3 of 4: Knowing about risk factors

1. 

   Know that antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection. Prolonged use of antibiotics not only kills pathogenic bacteria, but also kills "good bacteria" in the body. This can lead to an imbalance of the flora in the mouth, on the skin, and the vagina, causing yeast to overgrow.
   • You may have a yeast infection if you get itching and burning while taking the antibiotic.

2. 

   Understand that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing a yeast infection. Pregnancy increases the amount of sugar in vaginal secretions (due to the action of estrogen and progesterone) and allows yeast to multiply. Yeast growth causes an imbalance in the normal flora in the vagina, leading to a yeast infection.

3. 

   Minimize your risk factors with some lifestyle changes. Illness, obesity, poor sleep habits, and stress can increase the risk of a yeast infection.
   • In particular, obesity is a risk factor because obese people have wide folds in their skin that are warmer and wetter than normal skin folds. The wide folds in the skin create the ideal environment for yeast to multiply.
   • Obesity is also linked to the development of diabetes, and this puts women at twice the risk of yeast infections.

4. 

   Note that birth control pills are also a risk factor. Daily birth control pills and "emergency" birth control pills can cause hormonal changes - mainly estrogen levels, leading to a yeast infection.
   • The higher the estrogen content in the birth control pill, the greater the risk of developing a yeast.

5. 

   Understand that your menstrual cycle can affect your risk of a yeast infection. Women are more likely to get a yeast infection when they reach their period. During menstruation, estrogen produces glycogen (a sugar present in cells) in the vaginal lining. When progesterone levels skyrocket, cells in the vagina shed, providing sugar for the yeast to multiply and grow.

6. 

   Remember that douching too much can cause a yeast infection of the vagina. Douching is the most commonly used method of cleaning the vagina after a period, but it is often unnecessary and even harmful. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, regular douching can change the balance of flora and acidity in the vagina, thereby disrupting the balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. . A microbial balance helps maintain an acidic environment, and when the environment is destroyed, harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to a yeast infection.

7. 

   Know that health problems are also a risk factor. Certain medical conditions or conditions have been linked to yeast infections.
   • For example, a weakened immune system caused by HIV or an organ transplant can also cause a yeast infection.
   • Thyroid or endocrine disorders and uncontrolled diabetes also create a favorable environment for the growth of candida in the body.
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Part 4 of 4: Know when to seek medical attention

1. Consult your doctor if this is the first time you have a yeast infection. If you have never had a yeast infection in the past, talk to your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. Your doctor can accurately diagnose the problem and give you advice or a prescription to help you treat your yeast infection.
   • Yeast infections sometimes have symptoms like some sexually transmitted infections, so it's a good idea to see your doctor to see if you actually have a yeast infection.
   • A urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted disease may present similar symptoms to a yeast infection.
2. Seek medical attention if you have a fever. If you have a yeast infection with a fever, it could be a sign of a more complicated problem that you need to talk to your doctor about. Your doctor may prescribe a number of tests and prescribe medications to treat a yeast infection.
   • If you have chills and body aches, you should also let your doctor know.
3. Consult your doctor if you have persistent yeast infections. Having an occasional yeast infection isn't a big deal, as long as you recover from the illness. However, recurrent infections can be a sign of a deeper problem. Tell your doctor about your condition. Your doctor may prescribe a number of tests and prescribe medication.
   • Recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of diabetes or cancer.
   • If you suspect you are at risk for HIV or AIDS and recurrent yeast infections, talk to your doctor.
4. See your doctor if the yeast infection doesn't go away after 3 days. Most yeast infections go away after about 1 day of treatment. If the illness lasts more than 3 days, let your doctor know. Your doctor can re-examine or prescribe medicine for you.
   • A prolonged yeast infection can be a sign of a more complex problem. It is safe to talk to your doctor.
5. Call your doctor if you got a yeast infection during pregnancy. Yeast infections are common in pregnant women and are usually not dangerous. However, some medications for a yeast infection can harm an unborn baby. You should talk to your doctor about options before self-medicating.
   • Do not use any over the counter cream without first consulting your doctor.
6. Seek medical treatment if you have a yeast infection while you have diabetes. Yeast infections can lead to complications when you have diabetes. Before self-treating or diagnosing a yeast infection, you should speak with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend several options or prescribe medications to help you with your treatment.
   • Recurrent yeast infections may indicate that the diabetes treatment regimen needs to be changed.
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Advice

• To prevent yeast infections, you should try to keep your skin folds as dry as possible.

Warning

• It is important to remember that a woman with a yeast infection for the first time needs to be examined and diagnosed by a doctor. Some vaginal infections have different treatments, but they are often confused. Once the initial diagnosis is made, a yeast infection can be treated at home (if not serious or complicated).