Yeast Infection

Overview

Yeast infections are characterized by a fungus that is scientifically known as Candida. The specific fungus that is most commonly responsible for vaginal yeast infections is known as Candida albicans. Generally you may find yeast in the areas of moisture and on normal human skin, especially in the mouth and on the vagina. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 50 percent of all healthy women normally carry yeast in their vaginal area without actually possessing a yeast infection.

Types

There are numerous different types of yeast infections that a person can be suffering from.

Some of the types of this infection are:

• Oral Candidiasis - An infection of yeast fungi on the mucous membranes inside your mouth
• Angular Cheilitis - An inflammatory lesion at the corner of your mouth
• Candidal Vulvovaginitis - An infection of the vaginal mucous membranes by Candida albicans
• Candidal Intertrigo - An infection of the skin that you may find in folds of adjacent skin
• Candidal Paronychia - An inflammation of the nail fold produced by Candida albicans

Symptoms

The symptoms of a yeast infection depend on the affected areas in your body. The most common vaginal yeast infection symptom is itching in the vaginal area, though there are other symptoms including burning, soreness and pain during urination and vaginal discharge. If you get a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese, then it's better to check with a doctor for confirming this disease.

Causes/Risk Factors

Vaginal yeast infections occur when a new form of yeast is introduced into your vaginal area, or when the quantity of yeast already present is increased relative to the normal amount of bacteria present there. Vaginal yeast infections are also caused following an injury to the inner area of the vagina, such as following chemotherapy, and it can occur if you have a suppressed immune system and are taking a medication like prednisone, which is a cortisone related medication. If you use douches or perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays, then you are in a risk of developing yeast infection.

Tests/Diagnosis

Vaginal yeast infections are most commonly diagnosed when a white discharge is noticed over the vaginal walls, but many of the symptoms associated with this disorder are non-specific and may be linked to other causes. Firmly establishing the diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection means ruling out other causes and then taking a specimen from the affected area and running a microscopic analysis in a laboratory, as yeast can be identified under a microscope. While fast and accurate, this is also the least expensive form of diagnosis for this disorder.

Treatment

A vaginal yeast infection can be treated using an antifungal medication, most of which are applied topically both on the inside and around the vagina. There are also antifungal medications that are taken by mouth. Sometimes treatments have to include two or more medications because mixed infections can occur with more than a single microbe. Some of the most common topically applied antifungal medications include Butoconazole or Femstat 3, clotrimazole or Lotramin, Miconazole or Monistat and Terconazole or Terazol 3.