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Many people think that yeast infections caused by Candida albicans are a new modern day scourge. But yeast infections have actually been affecting man for centuries. Even Hippocrates described thrush as far back as the 4th century BC. Candida albicans is the most common cause of yeast infections in humans. Candida albicans belongs to the genus of yeast known as Candida. There are more than 20 species of Candida known. Not all strains of Candida cause infection. Candida albicans yeast infections are known a Candidasis or thrush. It is called thrush because of the visible white patches of yeast growing on the mucous membranes of the vagina or oral area remind you of the mottled egg of a Thrush. The older terms for Candidasis are Moniliasis or Oidiomycosis. Yeast infections caused most commonly by Candida albicans are known by many different names depending on the symptoms caused and the location of the lesion, for example: • Vaginal thrush (or vaginal Candidasis) - this is an infection of the female genital tract. The characteristic symptoms are a white cheesy discharge that itches and irritates the vagina and surrounding outer tissues. There is often pain associated with sexual intercourse or burning when passing urine. • Oral thrush (or oral Candidasis) - this is a yeast infection involving the mouth, palate and tongue areas causing symptoms of thick, white patches on top of a red, inflamed base. These patches sometimes look like milk curds but cannot be wiped away as easily as milk can. The area may become so sore that it may become difficult to eat or for babies to suck. • Nappy rash - often caused by a yeast infection which causes a red, moist, painful rash. • Paronychia - a yeast infection in the nail bed which become swollen, red and painful. • Balanitis - this involves the male genital area, causing rash, white patches, itching and pain. • Yeast skin infections - red, inflammed, itchy and painful rash on moist parts of the body such as in the groin (jock itch), under the arms, under the breasts, under rings or in the folds of skin in obese people. Candida can be defined as a microscopic yeast which is an oval, unicellular organism belonging to the Kingdom of Fungi. Yeast reproduce by budding and are easily grown on laboratory media. Yeasts such as Candida can usually be found resident on the the skin, the vagina, the mouth and the gastrointestinal system where they form part of the normal flora. Candida albicans is said to be carried by about 80% of the population. Usually Candida is kept in check by the body's natural defence systems and the competition for nutrient and space from the other normal flora resident on the body. When the normal balance of the body changes and the conditions favour the overgrowth of Candida the number of yeast increases and this then leads to the symptoms of yeast infections. This occurs most frequently in warm and moist areas of the body. Candida overgrowth can be caused by antibiotic therapy, steroid treatment, hormonal changes, stress, tight jeans, detergents, douches, high sugar diets, diabetes, viral infections, cancer or sweaty skin areas such as under breasts, groins and underarms. This overgrowth leads to the symptoms of a yeast infection. A number of sufferers of yeast infections caused by Candida albicans experience the return of symptoms even after medical treatment. This leads to many people becoming chronic sufferers of recurrent thrush. Yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukaemia, or AIDS so it is important that you get a thorough check up from your doctor before self treatment If you suffer from the symptoms of recurrent yeast infections caused most commonly by Candida albicans, you may benefit from some natural therapies and by making some lifestyle changes. The good news is that there are a number of both pharmaceutical and natural remedies available which can help you. All you need to do is to research what the best option for you may be. It is highly recommended that you fully understand why Candida causes yeast infections before you take on the responsibility of managing your yeast infection by yourself. Hopefully this article has started you on that journey. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and remedies for yeast infections caused most commonly by Candida albicans by clicking on the link below. I have personally reviewed this book "Natural Candida Cleanse" and thought it was exceptionally informative in content and recommendations on how to get rid of yeast infections. http://www.Thrush-Treatments.com
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