Good Yeast Gone Bad! Yeast Infection Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The word “microorganisms” is commonly associated with diseases and health issues, and rightly so, as they mostly are, but usually the human body, which is home to large numbers of these microscopic residents, is far from their usual harmful nature; instead, they play a role in a vital partnership, helping in breaking down food, producing essential vitamins, and training our immune system against outside harmful microorganisms. Thus, they are known by the name “good microorganisms, including both bacteria and fungi, and are usually present on skin, in the gut, and on mucosal surfaces.

Several yeast species naturally live in harmony within our bodies, including Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. These Candida species are commonly present in areas such as the mouth, digestive tract, and genital region.

This partnership between good microorganisms and the human body can turn problematic, resulting in weak immunity and infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections, not because the yeasts turn into disease-causing microorganisms, but because the conditions allow them to grow in an uncontrolled manner.

When Good Yeast Goes Rogue

Yeast infections are frequently presented as smaller than they actually are, as just another infection/irritation. But for patients experiencing these infections, know that they are far from minor irritations.

Overgrowth of naturally occurring Candida, most commonly Candida albicans, results in the most common yeast infection in humans, known as Candidiasis. The type of Candidiasis infection depends on the location of the infection, ranging from infections on mucosal membranes and superficial layers of skin to life-threatening diseases inside the body.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis is a type of superficial yeast infection that is known to affect the mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are the moist inner linings of most organs and cavities in the body; examples include the mouth and genital tract. The yeast infections affecting the mouth are Oral candidiasis (Thrush), Esophageal candidiasis, Angular cheilitis, and Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. And the yeast infections affecting the genital organs of females is Vulvovaginal candidiasis (Vaginal Yeast Infection), and Candida balanitis in males, respectively.

Cutaneous candidiasis is an infection of the skin and nails. Namely, Intertrigo, Diaper rash, Candidal paronychia, and Folliculitis.

Invasive candidiasis is a more serious and life-threatening form of Candida infection that can enter the bloodstream, leading to the rapid spread of infection to other organs. This infection, of candida yeast, is most often observed in hospitalized patients, especially in those who have been in the intensive care unit or patients with weak immune systems. Candidemia and deep-seated candidiasis are types of serious invasive candidiasis.

Yeast infections can be caused by various other species, other than Candida, especially in patients with a weak immune system, such as cancer or HIV patients. Some of these yeasts are resistant to even anti-fungal drugs, making treatment a challenging task

Cryptococcus causes infection by inhalation of its spores from bird droppings or soil, and typically leads to lung or brain infection known as cryptococcal meningitis. The species of cryptococcus that have been most infectious to humans have been Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.

Malassezia is normally part of skin flora, but can cause infections of hair follicles and skin when it grows abnormally. These include pityriasis versicolor and Malassezia folliculitis (also known as “fungal acne”). Malassezia globosa, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia furfur are part of this group that are responsible for infections.

Trichosporon causes superficial infections, such as white piedra, an infection of the hair shaft. Trichosporon is also responsible for another severe invasive infection called trichosporonosis, and has a high mortality rate in individuals with hematological malignancies and neutropenia. The most clinically relevant species is Trichosporon asahii.

Rhodotorula has been associated with catheter-related fungemia and other invasive infections. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is the most clinically relevant species.

Saccharomyces can cause bloodstream infections in critically ill patients. These infections are associated with the use of probiotics containing Saccharomyces boulardii, a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Magnusiomyces, which includes Magnusiomyces capitatus, has also been associated with a high mortality rate, with infections most often seen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with acute leukemia.

What triggers a Yeast Infection?

Factors that lead to disturbance of the body’s natural environment are what cause yeast infections. They include

Antibiotics, excessive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, kill the good bacteria in the body. These good bacteria control the overgrowth of the yeast population, and when they are gone, the yeast multiply uncontrollably, leading to yeast infections.

Hormonal disturbances, especially during pregnancy and when using birth control pills, disrupt the balance of hormones, leading to yeast infections.

A weak immune system also causes yeast-related infections, as long-term diseases like HIV-AIDS, Diabetes, and cancer disrupt the body’s natural ability to fight.

Wearing tight and wet clothes creates a problem for the skin, as it makes it difficult for the skin to breathe and promotes the growth of yeast.

Irritants, Douching, and deodorants/scented products can also cause yeast infections, as they disturb the natural environment of the body/ trigger unnatural responses.

A high-sugar diet provides a good source of energy for the growth of yeast species, especially Candida albicans, as glucose is its primary source of energy.

Avoid Guesswork and Identify the Clear Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

The signs of a yeast infection vary according to the location of infection. Let’s get into the details of it.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis infections of the mouth include oral candidiasis (thrush), which depicts white creamy patches on the tongue and on the side of the cheek in infants. Esophageal candidiasis is the swelling of the esophagus (food pipe), which makes food difficult to swallow. Angular cheilitis is a candida infection where the edges of the mouth show painful swelling and cracks. A rare group of genetic disorders is mucocutaneous candidiasis, which causes persistent infections of the skin, nail, and mucous membranes.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis infections of the genital organs include vulvovaginal candidiasis (Vaginal Yeast Infection), the most common yeast infection that is known to cause itching, swelling, and redness with a white cottage cheese-like discharge, and Candida balanitis, a yeast infection of the male genital organ that depicts an itchy red rash on the head of the penis, the male genital organ.

Cutaneous candidiasis is an infection of the skin and nails, usually occurring in locations where moisture allows Candida to grow rapidly. Namely, intertrigo, a rash-like infection that usually develops in locations like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Diaper rash is usually observed in infants. Candidal paronychia is a candida yeast infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the edges of fingernails and toenails. Whereas Folliculitis is similar to bacterial skin infections affecting hair follicles and causing bumps that resemble acne.

Invasive candidiasis is a rare but more serious and life-threatening form of Candida infection that causes candidemia, a type of infection in which candida spreads rapidly through the bloodstream.

Is it a Yeast Infection? The Process for Absolute Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a yeast infection depends on the doctor’s examination, which includes evaluating candida yeast infections through a variety of techniques, like physical examination and symptom review, where the doctor discusses symptoms with the patient. Microscopic examination, where the samples are examined under a microscope, and lab culture, where samples are sent to a lab for confirmation of yeast, so that the best treatment that is available can be provided. Self-diagnosis and delay in approaching the doctor due to the social awkwardness of having a yeast infection should be strictly avoided.

It is important to avoid self-diagnosis and consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis of a yeast infection. It has some key differences in comparison to bacterial infections

Other species of yeast, namely, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, are also known to cause infections. Candida glabrata is most widely reported after Candida albicans and infects people with weak immune systems. Candida krusei is known to cause invasive infections, Candida tropicalis causes both invasive and non-invasive infections, and Candida parapsilosis mostly affects children with superficial skin infections and blood infections. Scientists have recently discovered a new species called Candida auris (in 2009). This yeast is a major public health concern because it is known to spread rapidly between people and on surfaces.

Yeast Infection Treatment: Anti-fungals for Long-Term Relief

Yeast infections are most commonly treated with the use of antifungal medications like Fluconazole. Serious cases involve the use of Intravenous (IV) medication, with treatment usually available from a few days to multiple weeks. In pregnant women, a full course of treatment provided by a healthcare professional should be followed after the initial diagnosis of infection. Below is a detailed look at the full treatment course.

Topical antifungals, including creams and suppositories containing clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole, or butoconazole, are commonly applied vaginally for 3 to 7 days. These are first-choice options. Oral antifungals include Fluconazole, taken as a single 150-mg dose, which is useful for simple infections. Severe or repeated infections might require multiple doses or longer courses. Emerging therapies include new antifungals like oteseconazole and ibrexafungerp. Alternative treatments include boric acid suppositories that can treat resistant infections but must be used under the strict advice of a gynecologist and avoided in pregnancy due to toxicity.

Beyond Treatment: Preventing Yeast Infections For Good

Maintenance of the body’s natural balance and moisture levels is quite important for preventing yeast infections. This can be done by following simple activities effectively, that is, by keeping the genital area dry, wearing breathable loose clothing, and practicing cleanliness.

Avoid scented and deodorant products as much as possible, especially scented tampons, pads, vaginal deodorants, and harsh soaps. Douching, a practice of washing out the genital area of females by using water or other scented cleansing agents to prevent pregnancy, should also be completely avoided. This act can disturb the natural balance of the body and increase the risk of getting an infection.

A good, healthy diet is also essential in preventing yeast infections. Avoid foods with high sugar content, as this provides energy for yeast to grow in an uncontrolled manner, thus increasing the risk of infection. Foods that are rich in probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods, should be widely included in a regular diet.

Unnecessary use of antibiotics should also be avoided, as this kills the good bacteria in the gut, and good bacteria in the gut are quite essential to maintain natural balance.

Consulting a doctor and getting a proper diagnosis is essential, especially if you have frequent or recurring yeast infections, weak immunity, or pregnancy, and if over-the-counter antifungal medications do not work, as symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Keep Good Microorganisms Happy, Avoid Yeast Infections

Yeast infections affect most areas of the body, from the skin and nails to the mouth and genitals of both females and males. While the symptoms may be different depending on the part of the body that the yeasts infect, the cause remains the same, which is an imbalance in the coexistence of good microorganisms in the body.

The good news is that these infections are among the most common. By identifying early symptoms and consulting with a doctor on a timely basis, the symptoms can be treated effectively and reduce the chance of infection resurfacing. Thus, it gives back the comfort and confidence to lead a healthy life.

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