Candida Infections

What is a Candida infection?

Candida infections, also known as candidiasis, happen when you have an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that naturally lives on and inside your body. Candida is normally harmless, but sometimes it can multiply and cause an infection. 

Candida infections are common. They usually affect warm, moist areas like the mouth, throat, genitals and skin folds and cause itching and irritation.

A Candida infection could range from mild to severe, depending on what part of the body it affects and how healthy you are overall. These infections are usually easy to treat, but it’s important to recognize the symptoms early to avoid complications.

Types of Candida infections

There are four main types of Candida infections.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) affects the mouth and throat. It often appears as white or creamy patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums or tonsils. These patches can be painful, may bleed when scraped, and can make swallowing difficult. It may also feel like cotton in your mouth. 

Oral thrush is more common in: 

• Infants 
• Older adults 
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS

Vaginal yeast infections

Vaginal yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis) are common in women. Symptoms include: 

• Itching and burning 
• Redness 
• Thick, white, odorless discharge resembling cottage cheese

Symptoms often worsen during urination or sexual intercourse.

Risk factors include:

• Antibiotic use
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes 

Cutaneous (skin) candidiasis

Cutaneous candidiasis affects areas where skin is warm and moist, such as: 

• Armpits 
• Groin 
• Under the breasts 
• Skin folds or between fingers and toes 

Symptoms include: 

• Red, itchy patches 
• Moist skin with a white, creamy residue 
• Scaling, soreness, cracking or blistering 

Risk factors include: 

• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Frequent sweating 

Good hygiene and breathable clothing can help prevent these infections. 

Invasive candidiasis (systemic candidiasis)

Invasive candidiasis is a severe infection that can happen when candida yeast enters the bloodstream and spreads to organs like the heart, brain, eyes, bones and joints. It is serious and can be life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immune systems, like those in intensive care units (ICUs), people who have received organ transplant or those having chemotherapy treatment. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Fever and chills 
• Signs of sepsis 

Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antifungal medications is critical. 

Candida infection causes and risk factors

Candida infections can happen to anyone.They occur when the balance of microorganisms in your body is disrupted. That could be due to:

• Imbalance in body flora: Normally, your body’s healthy bacteria keep Candida levels in check. However, if factors like poor diet or illness disrupt this balance, Candida can multiply and cause an infection.
• Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system from illness, medications like chemotherapy and medical conditions like HIV/AIDS lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections.
• Using antibiotics, steroids or hormones: Antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also destroy good bacteria and give Candida the chance to grow. Steroids and hormonal medications like birth control pills can also make Candida infections more likely.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels from diabetes that’s not well controlled can make it easier for Candida to grow, especially in the mouth and genitals.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can affect the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body, making it easier for Candida to grow in the vaginal area.
• Infancy: Babies and infants are prone to the candida infection that can cause diaper rash.
• Clothing choices: Wearing tight clothing or not drying off completely after bathing or showering can create the warm, moist environment where Candida can grow more easily.
• Wearing dentures: Dentures may make it easier for microorganisms to grow in your mouth.
• Using a catheter: Catheters also create an environment where microorganisms can grow.
• Stress: Stress can weaken your immune system and raise your blood sugar levels.
• Diet: Sugar, carbohydrates or yeast may cause Candida to grow or make infections worse.

How to treat a Candida infection

Mild Candida infections can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories, such as: 

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) 
• Miconazole (Monistat) 
• Terbinafine (Lamisil) 

Home remedies and lifestyle changes may also help:

• Diet changes: You may find that cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates helps slow Candida growth. A diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains may support a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
• Hygiene: It can help to keep the affected area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and avoid harsh soaps or douches.
• Probiotics: Probiotics may help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the body. You can get them through foods like yogurt and kefir or in supplements.

When to see a doctor

See a health care provider if:

• OTC products and home treatments aren’t helping.
• You get these infections often.
• You’re very uncomfortable or you have complications like skin cracking, trouble swallowing or unusual discharge.
• You have a lot of swelling, redness or pain or difficulty breathing.
• You have symptoms of invasive candidiasis like fever, chills or signs of sepsis such as rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure or confusion. Invasive candidiasis is serious and needs treatment right away.

Diagnosing and treating Candida infections

When you see a provider about your symptoms, they may:

• Inspect the area for signs of Candida infection.
• Ask you when your symptoms started, how severe they are and whether you’ve had them before.
• Ask about your medical history, including whether you’ve recently taken antibiotics or steroids.
• Assess whether things like diabetes, pregnancy or a weakened immune system may make you more likely to be infected.
• For oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections, swab the affected area and examine it under a microscope or culture it in a lab to check for Candida.
• For skin or nail infections, collect a small tissue sample to check for Candida.
• Take blood samples for suspected invasive candidiasis.

Other conditions with similar symptoms include:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Oral lichen planus
• Ringworm
• Fungal infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Treatment options may include: 

• Topical antifungals (applied directly to affected area): Butoconazole (Gynazole-1) or terconazole (Terazol) 
• Oral antifungals: Fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox) 
• Intravenous (IV) antifungals: Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin) or amphotericin B for invasive infections 

Most infections clear up in two or three days after you finish treatment. Even if you don’t have symptoms anymore, you should keep taking your medication if that’s what your provider recommends. Completing your treatment plan can help keep the infection from coming back.

Preventing Candida infections

To help prevent Candida infections:

• Keep your skin clean and dry, since Candida thrives in warm, moist environments. Wash areas like skin folds and the groin with mild soap and water. Dry these areas thoroughly with a clean towel before you get dressed. 
• Limit foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pastries, since yeast thrives on sugar. 
• Choose a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and probiotics to help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. 
• Manage stress.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. 
• Avoid wearing wet bathing suits or workout clothes for long periods of time.
• Maintain good oral health by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth especially after taking medications such as corticosteroids.
• Only use antibiotics when a health care provider prescribes them and take all of them as directed.
• If you have diabetes, work with your health care provider to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
• If you’re pregnant, practice good personal hygiene and avoid douches or harsh soaps. 

Get expert care for Candida infections

 If you think you might have a Candida infection or if your symptoms aren’t improving with over-the-counter treatments, don’t wait to get help. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent complications. 

At Banner Health, our experienced care team can diagnose your infection and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better — and stay better. 

Schedule an appointment today to get the expert care you need.