Candidiasis, or thrush or moniliasis is a skin infection caused by a yeast (fungus) overgrowth. The yeast which is usually responsible is called Candida albicans, but others may give a similar infection.
Yeast infections may be more likely to occur at certain times, and under particular conditions. The conditions thrush seems to like best are where it is warm and moist, and it likes extra sugar and oestrogen (female sex hormone), not many white (infection-fighting) cells around, and not much competition. This might explain why thrush is more prevalent in:
• pregnant women
• women taking the combined oral contraceptive pill
• certain times in the menstrual cycle (related to the variation in natural hormone levels)
• diabetics
• people with altered immunity (difficulty fighting infections, for example leukaemia, AIDS, etc.)
• people taking medication which affects their immune system (for example steroids)
• people taking medication which affects the natural balance of microorganisms in the gut (for example antibiotics).
Many women will notice that if they wear tight, occlusive pants or underwear, especially in synthetic fabrics like lycra and nylon, they suffer more often from thrush.
Of course many of us will have thrush without identifying any of these extra reasons. We just seem to get it.
Symptoms. Although thrush can affect other parts of the body (under the breasts, in akin folds, nappy areas in babies). Women who have vaginal thrush may have no symptoms at all. More commonly they will be aware of an itch in the vaginal area, and some discomfort. It may progress to give a burning feeling and pain on passing urine or having sex. There is often a white/yellow discharge, and the skin of the vagina and vulvae (‘lips’ area outside the vagina) can become quite red and swollen. It is very important that a woman who has soreness, itch or discharge goes to a doctor and is properly examined. Although it may be a simple case of thrush, there are other conditions which can give similar symptoms.
Men who have thrush (yes, they get it too) in the genital region may have a reddened area of skin, which also may be itchy and sore. If the foreskin it involved, there may be some swelling. The rash can be anywhere, but it is often on the tip of the penis.
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