Yeast Infection |
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Yeast infection, also known as Candidiasis
or thrush, is a common infection that
may occur anywhere on the skin of the
body. Yeast is commonly present on normal
human skin, especially in areas where
there is moisture, such as in the mouth
and vagina. Yeast infection typically
occurs in the mouth (oral thrush), folds
of skin in the diaper area (diaper rash)
and the vagina (vaginal candidiasis
or thrush). The term “yeast infection”
commonly refers to the fungal infection
in the vaginal region because it is
a relatively common ailment, and three
out of four women have suffered from
this infection at least once in their
lifetimes.
Causes and Risk Factors
The uncontrolled
multiplication of Candida yeasts, which
are usually present in small amounts
in most people, causes yeast infections.
This multiplication occurs because of
an imbalance in the body, such as a
change in the normal acidity of the
vagina or hormonal changes. Candida
albicans is the most common species
of Candida fungus that causes yeast
infection.
As mentioned
earlier, yeast infections can be found
in moist areas of the body such as the
oral cavity, vagina or vulva, folds
of skin in the diaper area, nipples
while breastfeeding, penis or foreskin,
armpit, ear canal, and in or around
the nostrils.
Here are some
of the risk factors of yeast infection:
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Hormonal
changes in women, such as those
that occur during menstruation,
pregnancy, and menopause, can increase
the chance of developing a yeast
infection. |
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Individuals with
a weakened immune system are more
susceptible to yeast infections.
Reasons for low immunity are chemotherapy
for cancer treatment, steroids,
side effects of certain antibiotics,
ailments such as AIDS, diabetes,
and Lyme disease. |
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Insertion of urinary
catheters and IV ports may also
increase an individual’s risk
of developing a yeast infection.
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Wearing tight-fitting
clothes, especially underwear, can
foster the growth of yeast and lead
to a yeast infection. Also, synthetic
fabrics such as nylon and lycra
do not allow the skin to breathe,
and these may further increase the
chance of developing a yeast infection. |
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Certain chemicals
can also trigger the development
of a yeast infection. A reaction
to chemicals that are present in
deodorants, commercial douches,
detergents, soaps or other bath
products, perfumed toilet paper,
and sanitary napkins or tampons
can lead to a yeast infection. |
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Condoms, especially
flavored condoms, condoms with spermicide,
or used condoms, can also increase
the chance of developing a yeast
infection. Vaginal contraceptives
can also cause yeast infections
in some women. |
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