Candida is a microscopic fungus that is always present on our body surface, especially where it is warm and moist. There are 20 species of Candida, of which the most common one being Candida albicans. They cannot do any harm under normal circumstances. They are kept under control by probiotics, a beneficial bacteria present in our body. However, sometimes due to various reasons, these probiotics are killed and then the fungi of the Candida species get out of control and begin to multiply. This gives rise to Candida yeast infections.

Candida yeast infections manifest due to various reasons. Deficiency in the immune system is one of the basic reasons for the infectional growth. Some other reason being:

a)    Too much intake of antibacterial medicines, steroids and birth control pills has killed the probiotics present in the body.

b)    The pH factor that is the acidic and the alkaline factor have become unbalanced.

c)    Hormone changes have taken place in the body due to menopause or some other factors.

d)    Vagina is exposed to excessive semen or to harsh douche.

e)    Wearing tight clothing for a prolonged period generally leaves some parts of the body cut off from air circulation and hence such parts remain warm and moist for a long period.

Candida yeast infection, whose medical name is candidiasis, generally manifests itself on the surface of the body. You can have candidiasis inside the mouth, in the armpit, under the breast, in the fold of the skin, in the genital area and even between the toes. The vagina is said to be the favorite haunt of the Candida, since this is the part, which remains warm and moist forever. Unless the immune system is very strong, every woman is said to have suffered from Candida yeast infections at least once in her life.

Candida yeast infections are itchy and irritating. However, they are treatable and not at all fatal. Usually our skin does not allow the Candida yeast infections to penetrate our body system. Nevertheless, any breakdown or cut will allow the infection to enter our body cells and once that happens the candidiasis may become systemic and then it will turn life threatening. The percentage of systemic candidiasis patients, who expire, is as high as 75%.

Therefore, it is imperative that yeast infection treatments should start as fast as possible. If you would rather wait before going to the doctor, you should start on home remedies at least. Taking non-sweetened yoghurt will do you good if you suspect that you have Candida yeast infection. Meanwhile undergo clinical tests to find out if you really have candidisis. There is no short cut to have it properly diagnosed.

A red patch and itchiness is the primary symptom of Candida yeast infections. Soon scalloped edged rash covers the area and the itching is replaced by a burning sensation.

a)     Look for such symptoms in the nail beds, under the breast, lower abdomen, in the fold of the skin and even between the toes.

b)    Babies can have it in the diaper area and inside the mouth.

c)    In the mouth, you do not have the scalloped edged rash, but a hard-to-remove whitish covering. Aged can have candidiasis in the mouth especially around the dentures,

d)     In the vaginal area, you have a milky white discharge with extreme burning.

e)     One can also have candidiasis in the penis, especially under the foreskin. There one has it in the form of red burning itching rash.

Yeast infection medication includes oral tablets as well as antifungal creams and lotions. As Candida yeast infections manifest due to deficiency in the body system, the primary treatment should consist of fulfilling that deficiency. Unsweetened yoghurt, though not a medicine in the true sense of the term, is actually the best medication available. Yoghurt contains a high percentage of probiotics, which under normal circumstances keep the growth of yeasts under control. Taking yoghurt before meals in the empty stomach will help the body to fight Candida yeast infections. Yoghurt can be used externally too. In case of vaginal infection, you can soak a tampon in yoghurt and then put it in the vagina. Remember to use unsweetened variety because yeasts thrive on sugar.

You can buy over the counter medicines or as prescribed varieties from the neighborhood drugstore. You can even order the yeast infection medication over the internet too. You can buy mainstream allopathic medications or alternative medicines like homeopathic or herbal medicines. Nevertheless, the main point is to have it diagnosed and start on medication as fast as possible, before the harmless infection become systemic.