Firstly lets clear up a very common incorrect belief about yeast infections. They are not just a female infection, men can get yeast infections too. Nor does age make any difference, as babies can get it and so can the elderly, and then anywhere in between! This is because the fungus that causes a yeast infection actually lives on all of us in small numbers already. It is not a problem and does not hurt our health, as long as the good bacteria are there to keep it at small numbers and not allow an overgrowth.
Candida Albicans: The most common form of yeast infection is vaginal which is why some still think it is a female problem only. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be confused with other problems such as bacterial vaginosis and STDs. These include an itch, a rash, swelling and redness. However the discharge between them does look different, the odor if there is one is also different. It is best to have a doctor check it out to get a proper diagnosis.
Moniliasis – also a vaginal yeast infection though this one can be more painful for those that get it. Note here that women more likely to suffer are those going through hormonal changes such as in pregnancy and those taking prolonged courses of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor.
Balanitis: A male yeast infection of the penis. The symptoms are quite like those of a vaginal yeast infections including itching, redness, irritation and so on.
Thrush: Thrush is the term more commonly used for an oral yeast infections. Young babies often get Thrush as their immune system is not yet strong enough and it is recognizable by the white patches in the mouth that when scraped do not come away as milk residue does. However in babies it is less painful than the adult version. Adults also will find lesions that easily bleed beneath the white spots.
Intertrigo – The skin can also get a yeast infection of it is in a warm and damp place. Intertrigo therefore tends to happen in the armpits or int he obese between folds of skin, where the skin is rubbing causing irritation and chaffing.
There are means to prevent all of these forms of yeast infection most are the same if not very similar.
For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our candida symptoms and cure website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: vaginal yeast infection
