What is Candida?
Candida skin infection is a fungal infection caused by the yeast of the skin. The condition is known medically as cutaneous candidiasis. Candida albicans is the most prevalent Candida species that can infect humans. Candida generally dwells on the skin and inside the body, including the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Candida can cause infections if it develops out of control or enters the body deeply. It can, for example, induce infections in the circulation or internal organs such as the kidney, heart, and brain.
Causes
Fungi that frequently inhabit the hair, nails, and outer layers of the skin can cause some fungal illnesses. They include fungi that resemble yeast, like candida. This yeast can occasionally enter the skin’s deeper layers and spread illness.
Candida is the most common cause of nappy rash in young children. The warm, moist environment within the diaper is beneficial to the fungi. Infection with Candida is also more prevalent in obese and diabetic individuals. The risk of cutaneous candidiasis is increased by chemotherapy, steroid treatment, and antibiotics. Additionally, candida can result in infections of the mouth’s corners, nails, and nail edges.
Oral thrush, a type of candida infection of the moist lining of the mouth, is common when people take antibiotics, while it affects only a tiny percentage of people who use antibiotics.
Symptoms
- Mouth symptoms with oral thrush
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Recurring genital or urinary tract infections
- Digestive issues
- Skin and nail symptoms
- Joint pain
Risk factors
People at high risk for invasive candidiasis include those who:
- Remained a considerable amount of time in the ICU
- Get a central venous catheter
- With weakened immune systems like people receiving chemotherapy for cancer, people who have had organ transplants, and people with low white blood cell counts and
- Have recently gone through surgeries
- Have kidney failure or are on hemodialysis
- Have diabetes
- Are preterm babies
- Receive total parenteral nourishment (nourishment through a vein)
Also, Read Understanding Diabetes: What is Diabetes? Types, Causes, Symptoms, Management
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed visually, especially if the infected area is in your mouth or the genital area. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, particularly their intensity and length. To provide a thorough treatment plan, they will also do tests on the illness to determine exactly what it is.
Treatment
Treating the root of the problem is the most effective strategy to cure candida and avoid repeated infections. A doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication like:
- nystatin
- clotrimazole
- amphotericin B
- miconazole
- econazole
- fluconazole
The type of medication and dosage will be determined by the severity and location of the infection. In certain circumstances, a single dose is sufficient to cure the infection. In some cases, a person may require continuing treatment for up to 6 months.
Antifungal creams are also used to treat the skin infection. Antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and econazole can be present.
Additionally, a steroid cream could be applied to reduce any irritation or swelling. While recuperating, the skin should also be kept dry.
Oral fluconazole tablets can be recommended when the infection is severe.
Diet
Infections caused by Candida may be prevented by eating particular foods, such as:
- Garlic: Allicin, one antifungal component found in garlic, has been proven in tests to have anti-Candida yeast activity.
- Coconut oil: Numerous test-tube studies have demonstrated that lauric acid, which is abundant in coconut oil, inhibits the growth of Candida infections.
- Curcumin: Research conducted in test tubes suggests that curcumin may kill Candida yeasts or at the very least inhibit their proliferation.
- Xylitol: One test-tube investigation suggests that xylitol has potent antibacterial effects that may inhibit the growth of Candida.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel may prevent Candida from growing, which could aid in infection prevention.
- Pomegranate: Several chemicals in pomegranate peel extract may be effective in fighting Candida yeasts.
- Kombucha: Kombucha tea is high in tea polyphenols and acetic acid, both of which have been demonstrated in test-tube tests to kill Candida
- Probiotics: Probiotics including Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii can hinder the growth of Candida while defending against infections.
Prevention
Candida albicans overgrowth can be prevented by doing the following:
- Keeping up with healthy oral and physical hygiene.
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Taking control of your stress.
- If you have diabetes, you must control your blood sugar levels.
- Avoiding heavy amounts of beer.
Home remedies
Certain home remedies may be useful if you have moderate symptoms and want to get some relief.
- Coconut oil
- Boric acid
- Apple cider vinegar
- Probiotics
- Vinegar
- Tea tree oil
- Garlic
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Saltwater
- Oil of oregano
- Lemon grass
- Vitamin C and E
Also, Read Health Benefits Of Lemongrass, Medicinal Uses & Side Effects
