Yeast is a fungus of the candida genus that normally lives in our organism together with the "good" bacterial flora and its population is kept under control by the immune system. However, sometimes the balance between fungi and bacteria is broken and the yeast reproduces excessively. An excess of candida leads to an infection (or candidiasis) that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, throat and, most commonly, the vagina. Yeast infection does not have to be a cause for embarrassment, about 75% of women have suffered from it at least once. Candidiasis are really very irritating, so it is very important to diagnose them promptly and treat them immediately. To make a diagnosis, you need to know the symptoms to look for.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Check for red areas
Yeast infections can develop in the groin area, between the buttocks, under the breasts, in the mouth and digestive tract, as well as between the fingers and toes and the navel. Generally speaking, mushrooms thrive in more humid areas, where they find shelter and hiding.
- The red spots may be raised above the skin and resemble small red pimples. Try not to scratch them, as if you rub and break them, the infection could spread to other areas of the body.
- Remember that young children often suffer from candidiasis, which manifests itself as nappy urticaria with red pimples, exactly as described above. The folds of the skin, thighs and genital area are particularly prone to this ailment, due to the large amount of moisture that gets trapped in the dirty diaper (especially when it is not changed often).
Step 2. Take note of the itchiness
The area of the skin affected by the infection becomes itchy and very sensitive to touch. It also gets irritated by friction with clothes or other foreign bodies that come into contact with the vent.
You also protest experiencing a burning sensation on the injured area and the surrounding area
Step 3. Look for specific symptoms, which vary based on the type of fungal infection
There are three main types of candidiasis: vaginal, skin and throat. Each type generates a specific symptomatology, in addition to the generic signs described so far.
- Vaginal candidiasis: If you suffer from this type of infection, which most people refer to when it comes to candidiasis, you will notice some redness, swelling, itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva. You may experience pain or burning when urinating or having sex. Fungal vaginitis is accompanied, often but not always, by white, thick (cottage cheese-like) and odorless secretions. Remember that 75% of women suffer from vaginal candidiasis at least once in their life.
- Skin infection: If candidiasis develops on the hands or feet, then you will notice red, localized rashes and blisters between the fingers. You may also find white spots on your nails or affected body part.
- Thrush: Candidiasis of the throat is called thrush or thrush. You will notice that the throat becomes red, while the mucous membrane of the back of the mouth and the tongue will become filled with small white bladders like blisters or plaques. You may also experience cuts or cracks in the corners of your mouth (angular cheilitis) and have difficulty swallowing.
Step 4. Go to the doctor
If you exhibit the symptoms described above for any type of potential candidiasis, then you should immediately contact your doctor for a certain diagnosis. This is particularly important for cases of vaginitis, where the intervention of the gynecologist is essential. A sure diagnosis is crucial, because there are many types of vaginal infection and women often confuse the symptoms. Research has shown that only 35% of women are able to correctly recognize vaginal candidiasis based only on symptoms.
- Once you have had fungal vaginitis and this disease has been confirmed by your gynecologist, you can self-diagnose any future episodes and treat them with non-prescription products.
- Be aware that candidiasis could be a sign of far more serious systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, or even HIV / AIDS.
- You should call your doctor if your symptoms do not subside within three days, if you develop a fever or your clinical picture changes (for example, vaginal discharge increases or changes color, other rashes develop, etc.).
Step 5. Buy a pH test to do at home
If you suspect that you have vaginal candidiasis, the most common yeast infection, and have had it in the past, then you can purchase a pH check kit and attempt a self-diagnosis. The normal vaginal pH value is around 4, slightly acidic. Carefully follow the instructions attached to the kit you bought.
- To proceed, place the test paper against the wall of the vagina for a few seconds. Then compare the color of the paper with the table / legend supplied with the kit. The number on the legend that corresponds to the color of the test paper indicates the pH of your vagina.
- If the number is more than 4, go to the gynecologist. It doesn't necessarily mean there is a vaginal infection, but it could indicate other types of problems.
- If the pH is below 4, you probably have candidiasis.
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of a Complex Infection
Step 1. Check the shape of the rash
If you allow the infection to develop out of control, then it takes on a ring shape which may be red or no particular color. This happens for both cutaneous and vaginal mycoses.
Ring rash causes hair loss if the affected area is covered with it (scalp, groin or, for men, the face in the beard area)
Step 2. Check if mycosis has affected the fingernails
The skin infection also spreads to the nail bed if you don't treat it. If this happens, you will notice that the area around the nail becomes red, swollen and painful. In some cases the nail may come off, revealing a white or yellowish base.
Step 3. Determine your degree of risk
Some categories of people are more likely to develop complex mycosis including:
- Individuals who have had four or more infections in a year;
- Pregnant women;
- People with uncontrolled diabetes;
- People with a compromised immune system (due to medications or conditions such as HIV).
Step 4. Remember that mycoses that are not triggered by the Candida albicans fungus are considered complex
Sometimes the infection is caused by a different type of candida, and the reason it is considered more complex is that most over-the-counter drugs are only designed for the albicans species. In these cases, mycosis must be treated with a more aggressive approach.
The only way to arrive at a differential diagnosis is to take a sample (swab) of the fungus and analyze it
Part 3 of 3: Knowing the Risk Factors
Step 1. Antibiotic therapies can trigger a candida infection
Prolonged courses of antibiotics not only kill the pathogens found in the body, but also the good bacteria. This creates an imbalance of the bacterial flora of the mouth, skin and vagina, favoring the proliferation of fungi.
If you recently underwent antibiotic treatment and are now experiencing burning and itching, you may have a fungal infection
Step 2. Remember that pregnant women have a higher risk of candidiasis
Pregnancy increases the concentration of sugar in vaginal secretions (due to progesterone and estrogen), favoring the proliferation of yeast. As the candida population increases, the balance of the vaginal bacterial flora is disrupted and infection develops.
Step 3. Reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes
Certain diseases, obesity, poor sleep habits and stress increase the chances of suffering from candidiasis.
- Obesity, in particular, is a potential risk, because heavily overweight people have large skin folds that are warmer and more humid than normal ones. These areas are ideal for the development and proliferation of yeasts.
- Obesity is also related to diabetes, which in turn doubles a woman's chances of suffering from candidiasis.
Step 4. Remember that the contraceptive pill is also a risk factor
This drug, together with the so-called "morning after pill", causes hormonal changes, especially in the estrogen level, which could trigger the fungal infection.
The high dosage of estrogen in contraceptives increases the chance of candidiasis
Step 5. The menstrual cycle also plays an important role
A woman is more likely to suffer from fungal vaginitis during menstruation. In fact, during this period, estrogen deposits glycogen (a type of sugar found in cells) in the vaginal lining. When the progestin surge occurs, the cells break down, thus making the sugar available for the yeasts to grow and multiply.
Step 6. Too many douches can trigger an infection
These products are mostly used to wash the vaginal canal after menstruation, but it is a useless and potentially harmful practice. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who regularly undergo vaginal douches alter the balance of bacterial flora and the natural acidity of the vaginal environment until they destroy the good bacteria. All this favors the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Step 7. Systemic diseases can be a risk factor
Some diseases or disorders are related to candidiasis.
- If your immune system is weakened due to the HIV virus or a recent organ transplant, then yeast infection is more likely.
- Thyroid or endocrine disorders in general, as well as uncontrolled diabetes, make the body a favorable environment for the development of candida.
