Yeast infection causes are something that many people do not know about. This is what this article will hopefully change. A yeast infection is caused by a bacterial organism called candida. It can affect the genital areas as well as orally, in creases of skin folds, the digestive system and the skin itself.
The reason most yeast infections happen is down to the PH in the body being thrown off its usual course. It can also be caused by some medications, this is because as well as killing off the bacteria they have been designed to do they also kill off the good bacteria that keeps the candida in balance. The candida not being in balance is what can cause the infection in the first place.
The most common occurrence of yeast infections is known as thrush of the genitalia, although what many people are not aware of is that it can happen on other parts of the body also, pretty much anywhere that can get damp for many different reasons. It happens commonly between areas such as the toes as well as the fingers. This is because such areas can be exposed to heat, and are not getting air through to them. Also soaps and other cleaning products can cause the same affect and discomfort.
Yeast infections of the vagina and penis are NOT an STD. The yeast infection however which is known mainly by the name thrush can be spread by sexual intercourse but it is not necessarily the cause of the infection. It can occur in anyone no matter what age sex or whether they are or are not sexually active.
Symptoms that you should be aware of can be one or more, or even all of them. You may feel an itching, or soreness when you use the bathroom. You could also have a discharge which has been resembled to a cottage cheese consistency.
Even newborn baby can be born with yeast infections. When they have the infections they can sometimes spread them to other people who kiss them, put their hands in their mouths and even to their mom if she is breast feeding. If the mother does get thrush of the breast they will have sore nipples and the area surrounding can be quite itchy too. In the case of an infant, or even adult who gets thrush in their mouth they may notice that food tastes different, and may also notice a white coating or white spots on the tongue. If the infection is allowed to spread to the throat it can become very painful and cause a lot of discomfort especially when eating.
It is not uncommon for someone who has suffered from thrush to have a bout that reoccurs. There is no reason for this – it is just one of those things and normally indicates a PH balance disruption in the affected areas. You can get medication which comes in different forms to apply to the affected area(s) and also there is medication that can be taken orally.
Rather than having to keep treating the yeast infection once it occurs there are ways to prevent it in the first place, although sometimes it just cannot be avoided.
Wearing underwear that is made from cotton will allow your skin to breathe more than other materials, and loose clothing will also give the same effect. Avoiding soaps and washing products will also help to keep the balance of the PH. You must ensure that when areas of the body become wet whether through washing, swimming or sweating that you dry the area as soon as possible. In those harder to get to body parts you may wish to use a cotton bud to dry the area thoroughly.
You would not want the infection to spread to loved ones so to prevent this it is important that towels and flannels are not shared and that they are washed after each use. This will also stop you re-infecting yourself after the infection has cleared. You also need to avoid douching as this can strip away natural defences within the vaginal area which can cause further imbalances.
If you are suffering from thrush in any area don’t feel embarrassed as you are not alone. It is important to get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms and you can get help from your GP or pharmacist. If you do suffer recurrently speak to your health specialist and they will be able to take swabs and give you information to keep any further infection a minimal risk.