Yeast Infection

Yeast is a fungus that grows freely throughout the world. Several strains grow in cooperation with the human body, and several are considered pathogenic. Typically when we are talking about yeast infections, we are discussing Candida Albicans, and the technical name for the infection is candidiasis.

Candidiasis is an infection of the skin and/or mucous membrane. It is usually located in the skin, nails, mouth, intestines, genitalia, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream as well. It is thought to occur primarily a secondary infection, associated with a compromised immune system. However, according to many theories in alternative medicine, Candida is seen as the primary infection resulting in the immune system dysfunction. In this theory, such diseases as Lupus, Eczema, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Arthritis may actually be caused by a systemic yeast infection. This is not to say that all of these diseases are caused by candidiasis, but tests should be conducted to determine if this infectious disease is involved.

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on what we traditionally think of when we discuss yeast infections, and will narrow the symptoms discussed to those traditionally associated with candidiasis.

yeast infection symptoms may include:

• Thrush: oral lesions consisting of painless, discrete white plaques that adhere on the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
• Skin infections are:
  • red
  • macerated: appearing moist
  • usually occur in areas where skin folds upon itself.
• Invasive systemic infections may present in any organ including the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes.
  • symptoms produced in systemic infections depend on the extent of the infection and the organs affected.