curing yeast infections

Yeast infection is one of the major fungal diseases occurring in humans. Majority cases of yeast infection are accounted more for women than for men and children. A minimal knowledge as to what is yeast infection, its causes, its symptoms, preventive measures and treatment is a must for everyone to ensure safety from this fungal disease.

What is Yeast Infection?

The prime reason for yeast infection is the increased population of Candida fungus, a tiny cell fungus, which is permanently present in human body. More than 100 species of Candida exist naturally, but only a small portion of them cause yeast infection. The most common species is Candida albicans followed by Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis. Yeast infection data show that four out of five cases are due to Candida Albicans and one out of five due to Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata.

Whenever there is an imbalance in the body, the amount of this Candida fungus increases which causes yeast infection. Yeast infection requires damp and warm place to thrive like mouth, genital areas, intestines, rectum etc. These conditions are favorably obtained around the private parts and mouth. Whenever there is even a subtle increase in the amount of this Candida fungus in these regions because of any possible reason, this yeast multiplies in number and causes this diseased condition called thrush or yeast infection which is called Candidiasis in medical terminology.

Different Types of Yeast Infection and Their Symptoms

• Oral Yeast Infection: White patches inside the cheeks, roof of mouth, on gums, and tongue. Wiping of patches causes ulcers and bleeding.
• Skin Yeast Infection: Rashes and blisters on skin in areas like under arms, between toenails and fingers, lower abdomen, under the breasts, folds of buttocks etc.
• Vaginal Yeast infection: Itching and pain in vagina. Red patches in skin surrounding vagina, with deep lesions in some parts. Vulva gets sore and swollen.
• Penile Yeast Infection: Some areas on penis become rough and dry, showing red patches. There is presence of a distinct crack on head of penis. A whitish, thick clumpy discharge occurs from penis. There is severe pain and burning sensation in penis while urinating.

Some Facts about Yeast Infection

Researchers have shown that 70-80% of women suffer from yeast infection at least once in their life and about 40% women more than once. Vaginal Candida infection consists’ major cases in yeast infection cases in women. Two out of five women suffer from recurrent yeast infection or a long duration infection.

Chronic yeast infection is found to be widely prevalent in age group of 21-30 and then in 11-20. The stress emanating from modern lifestyle is considered to be heavily contributing in increased risks of chronic yeast infection. In a research conducted at New York's Long Island Jewish Medical Center, it was found that intake of single cup of yogurt on daily basis reduced chances of chronic Candidasis by 66%.

Generally, people know what yeast infection is and what it is capable of. However, they fail to take effective preventive measures against it and eventually suffer a great deal of pain and discomfort in their daily lives, when the infection takes a more serious chronic form. So it is advisable to keep our daily habits regarding cleanliness and daily diet in regular check.