A severely uncomfortable situation where it itch very bad, irritation is apparent, and redness in the area is highly noticeable. These are just a few of the possible symptoms associated with yeast infection. The unbearable itching caused by yeast infections is one of the reasons why people try are all over the place in finding a quick, inexpensive solution. From home made remedies to commercially available medicines, people will try almost anything. But what are the reasons why yeast infection attacks mostly women? Let’s get the answer for that question a little later. First things first.

Candida albicans, that’s the culprit. This microorganism is always present in damp areas in our body. Initially, when everything’s normal, Candida does not do anything to us. The normal balance between good and bad bacteria is usually maintained by our body. However, triggered by outside stimulus, this balance is destroyed leaving the organism Candida free to grow and populate. This overgrowth of microorganisms results to irritation and redness. Itchiness will of course be among the symptoms of the infection.

Why is it more common to women? Even though men have the potential of becoming infected as well, there are several factors in women which increase the risks of being infected. According to some studies, it is estimated that 25% to 50% of women have in their bodies the microorganisms that caused the infection. However, due to the presence of other bacteria, the amount of Candida in specific areas remains tolerable to the body. It is when this balance of microorganisms becomes disrupted that causes the excessive growth of the Candida which is followed by an infection of the affected area.

As the population of Candida grows, so do the infected areas.  Stopping the various symptoms associated with yeast infection means addressing the various symptoms, factors, and situations one by one. The cause of the excessive growth of the yeast in that area can be associated with drinking antibiotics. Antibiotics disrupt the presence of other microorganisms that control the population of Candida. This is why yogurt is a recommended application for people with yeast infections. The microorganisms present in yogurt help restore the balance between microorganisms.

Women also have a greater risk of being diagnosed of having yeast infection is due to the estrogen level in women. This is the reason why women who take estrogen-containing birth control pills and those who are pregnant. Women at this stage or those who share the same objectives have very erratic hormonal balance which affects the population of Candida.

Other possible causes of yeast infections include detergents, fabric softeners, feminine and hygiene sprays, and forms of contraceptives like foams or jellies. Getting older might also trigger the growth of the bacteria especially if you are already undergoing menopause. In menopause, the estrogen levels drop which results to the thinning of the vaginal wall making it more susceptible to different kinds of organisms which could lead to various infections, including but not limited to yeast.

Stress is also considered one of the factors that can worsen the situation. An increase in vaginal itching might result to a decrease in the membrane of the outer wall in the vagina which will eventually increase vaginal itching.

Yeast infection attacks mostly women due to the already mentioned conditions. Knowing these conditions and situations may be a good thing to help prevent the infection to develop or spread.

Candidiasis is the scientific name for yeast infection.  Yeast is everywhere in our bodies particularly in our mouths, abdomen, under arms, nail beds or any part of our body that has skin folds.  For women, yeast can usually be found under the breasts and the vagina.  But if the yeast in our bodies reach more than the normal levels, that’s when yeast infection strikes.  Yeast infection causes our bodies to produce too much yeast and is triggered by a fungus called Candida Albicans.  This fungus likes to thrive in moist areas of our bodies.  The most common symptom of yeast infection is severe itching in the affected area.

Common Yeast Infections

Yeast infection can happen to anyone.  In fact, it affects men, women and even children. The most common types if yeast infection are, vaginal yeast infections, thrush, diaper rashes and nail bed infections.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

The most frequent yeast infection in women is vaginal yeast infection when there is abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. This type of infection is usually caused by taking antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills.  Vaginal yeast infection happens more to women after menopause.

The first symptom of vaginal yeast infection is noticing a white cheesy discharge from the vagina that causes the area to itch.  Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse and urination is another symptom.

Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth.  Thrush can occur to people who take anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics or birth control pills.  A person is likely to get thrush if they are a smoker or wear dentures that are either too loose or too tight.  Mothers can also get thrush from their babies through breastfeeding.

An indication that of thrush infection seeing white creamy cuts that appear slightly raised anywhere in the mouth.  These cuts can sting especially if they are scratched off.  Other symptoms of thrush include having trouble swallowing and fever especially if the infection has spread to the throat

Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection and it happens to babies not older than two years old and to adults who use diapers.  Since the candida fungus thrives in moist places, it’s not uncommon that it would infect the area where the diaper meets the skin.  Diaper rashes appear as bright red splotches in the skin and it can occur after taking antibiotics.

It’s easy to spot a diaper rash. The irritated area of a diaper rash can spread all over a baby’s bottom, their genitalia or in specific areas.  It can also appear in the folds of the skin.

Nail bed Infections

Yeast infection can also occur on the skin under the nails.  Aside from the common causes of yeast infection, nail bed infections also happen when the hands are exposed to water frequently or when a manicure had been badly done.

Nail bed infections are painful and the area around the nail will appear red and swollen.  The worst kind of nail infection can cause the fingernail to separate from the skin so that the nail bed turns into an ugly shade of yellow or white.

Yeast infection is a treatable disease and it goes away without any complications.  These common types of yeast infections get cleared up in one to two weeks.  The best defense against yeast infection causes is having a strong immune system that will protect you from the recurrence of the disease.