Candidiasis moniliasis, more commonly referred to as candida, is a fungal infection of the skin or mucus membranes of the body. Candida is basically a yeast infection, which can affect various parts of the body such as the mouth, skin and genitalia. Candida yeast is a parasite that resides in the intestines, causing weakened immune systems and various problems with other internal organs. Although not always recognized by the medical community, candida often is treated by alternative medicinal therapies. In the following article, you will discover some signs and symptoms of Candida moniliasis.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Vaginal discharge has a thick, cottage cheese appearance, and can be white, yellow or green. There is itching and burning inside or outside the vaginal area. When a woman is suffering from vaginitis, sexual intercourse and urination can be painful. Yeast infections that lead to vaginitis can be caused by an imbalance in "good" bacteria, usually as the result of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill bacteria that are vital to the balance and function of your body, leading to yeast infections.
Threadlike Spit or Stool
You can examine your spit or stool to check for candida infection. Spit into a cup of water. If the spit is cloudy or sinks, you might have a candida infection. If the spit floats, but then after about 15 minutes you begin to see threadlike protrusions sinking to the bottom of the glass, you also might have candida. This also can happen in the stool; thin, spidery protrusions will leak from the stool and sink to the bottom.
Digestive Problems
Candida can cause a number of digestive problems. Certain foods and beverages, such as soda, alcohol, dairy and fast foods, can aggravate the existence of candida. Having a constant sweet tooth can be a sign that you have a candida infection. Symptoms can include stomach pain and ulcers, bad breath, bloating, food sensitivity, constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. These problems often can be prevented by adhering to a strict, healthy diet.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash in babies can commonly be caused by candida. The wetness of the diaper against the baby's skin already can cause irritation, but it also can breed the microorganisms that can cause a yeast infection of the skin. Unlike typical diaper rash, the edges of candida diaper rash are defined with a scaly growth, whereas the edge of regular diaper rash is spottier and more spread out. The rash is also extremely red and moist, occasionally accompanied by small red bumps.
Thrush
An infection of the mouth is referred to as thrush and is caused by candida albicans. It isn't common to see thrush in an adult, but some elderly people with weakened immune systems have been known to have it. The infection typically affects babies and toddlers and is characterized by white patches in the mouth that have a cottage cheese appearance. Because of the pain that accompanies these white patches, which occasionally bleed if there is an attempt to wipe them away, babies and toddlers may become finicky about eating. In adults, the infection can cause a dry mouth and make food taste awful.
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