Candida is a yeast fungus and it is a naturally-occurring substance in the body. It is only when Candida levels rise to an abnormal level that it becomes problematic.
Symptoms of Candida
Candida infections cause a vaginal discharge that is thick and has a texture ike cottage cheese. A person with an infection of this nature will experience itching and discomfort. The affected skin may appear red and irritated. Warm, moist areas can be affected by Candida. In addition to the genital area, it can be found in the mouth, armpits, and skin folds of the body.
When Candida is in a person's mouth, it is referred to as "thrush". Thrush is quite common among children who are still in diapers. It looks like a whitish-grey coating on the child's tongue; it can also appear on the inside of an individual's cheeks. The coating cannot be removed easily if one tries to wipe it off using a cotton swab. In fact, if a parent or caregiver tried to remove the substance vigorously, the child's mouth may start to bleed from the raw skin.
Young infants may have a sore mouth from thrush and find it difficult to nurse or to drink from a bottle. In the case of a baby with thrush, the doctor will likely recommend that the nipples on bottles being used for feeding purposes be sterilized using boiling water for 10 minutes. Pacifiers must also be sanitized in this way.
Causes of Candida
A number of factors can lead to symptoms of Candida. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and a woman's menstrual cycle can lead to an infection and some prescription medications, such as antibiotics, can also cause an infection. People with HIV or AIDS are also more susceptible to this type of infection. There are a number of treatment options available, available over the counter and with a prescription.
Treatment Options
When treating Candida, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Pharmacies carry antifungal creams that can be used as well. Candida can also cause a diaper rash in young children. The rash, which tends to occur in creases found in the groin and buttock area, is very red, with small red spots. This type of infection is treated by applying an antifungal cream to the affected area. If you think your child has developed an infection of this nature, please see a doctor to get appropriate treatment.
