What Is A Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is an infection that starts due to an increase in the fungi that are already present in our body. They thrive in moist, warm places in our bodies, the most common being the underarms. When conditions are optimal their numbers surge and we get a yeast infection
The more common types of yeast infections that afflict people are vaginal yeast infections, nailbed infections, thrush and diaper rash infections. Other places where yeast infections may occur are the mouth, under the breasts and abdomen and other areas where there are skin folds. Constant sweating and moisture can increase the chances of a yeast infection.
Symptoms of A Yeast Infection
The common symptoms a yeast infection is an over all itchy feel in the area. Sometimes, especially in diaper areas, a red thin rash may occur and cause the child severe pain. Other similar patches may be in the surrounding areas. When the yeast infection occurs in the nailbed or foot and finger webs, they appear as soft red skin that is a bit swollen and a have a constant itch.
Thrush can manifest itself with a whitish patch on top a red area in the mouth. Do not try to wipe the white areas away as it may bleed. An oral infection of this kind can make eating and drinking difficult.
In vaginal yeast infections, some women may experience discharge that range from thick and whitish to thin and watery. There might be some smell but others say there is a smell that is similar to bread. There will eventually be pain when urinating and during intercourse.
Treating A Yeast Infection
There are two ways to treat this kind of yeast infection and one requires suppositories to be inserted in the vagina. This treatment may last for as long as ten to fourteen days with vaginal insertion at a maximum of twice a day. It really depends on your medical practitioner and the intensity of the yeast infection. The other kind of treatment is a single oral dose of medication which effectively stops the infection. More and more doctors prescribe the single oral dose due to time convenience and the way of application.
Other yeast infections which occur in the other parts of our body may be treated with lotions and skin creams which contain the ingredient that can effectively kill the fungi. Oral mouth infections can be treated by oral ingestion of medicines.
