
What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an infection by Candida yeast. Because yeast is a type of fungus, candidiasis is a fungal infection, but it's usually referred to as a yeast infection. Candida yeast usually live on your body in small amounts without causing symptoms. But sometimes an overgrowth or infection can happen.
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Yeast infections usually happen on the surface of your body, including your skin, mouth, or vagina
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Sometimes people with a weak immune system get yeast infections of their internal organs (systemic candidiasis), which can be life-threatening
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A yeast infection may cause redness, rash, itching, swelling, or creamy white patches
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Some diaper rashes are caused by yeast infection
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Doctors treat yeast infections with creams or medicines taken by mouth
What causes a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is caused by Candida yeast, a fungus that usually lives on your body in small amounts. In small amounts, you don't notice it. If the yeast grows too much, you get a rash.
Some causes of too much yeast growth include:
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Wearing tight underwear, bras, or other clothing that holds sweat close to your body
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Keeping babies in wet or dirty diapers too long
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Having diabetes
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Having a weak immune system because of disorders such as HIV infection or cancer
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Taking antibiotics
Yeast likes to live in dark, moist areas of your body. So yeast infections are more common in these areas:
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
How do doctors tell if I have a yeast infection?
How do doctors treat yeast infections?
Treatment depends on where the yeast infection is.
For infections on your skin, doctors will have you:
For a yeast infection in your vagina, doctors will have you:
For thrush in adults, doctors will have you:
For thrush in babies, doctors will have you apply a liquid antifungal medicine to the inside of your baby’s mouth.