The Many Types of Yeast Infections

Throughout your lifetime, you are bound to suffer at least one yeast infection. Contrary to the common belief, men are just as susceptible as women to this kind of infection. In fact, there are a number of types of infection that men and women both suffer. To fully understand the health risks of the condition, a discussion on various types of yeast or candida infection is in proper order.

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that exists in the body under normal conditions. Keeping their population manageable, by establishing pH balance, inhibits this type of fungi from causing any form of infection or health problem within the body. However, certain conditions can cause their population to exponentially increase and reach astronomical proportions. Changes in the mucous membranes, excessive and fishy-smelling discharge and irritation in the vaginal, oral and intestinal areas are the common symptoms of candida or yeast infection.

Usually, physicians evaluate the symptoms of yeast infection to determine the type of possible infection or what they are actually up against. Rarely do they base their diagnosis on physical exams and tests such as blood tests and wet prep to confirm or diagnose yeast infection.

Yeast infection commonly occurs as mouth infections (thrush, hyperplastic, angular cheilitis, and erythematous), skin infections, male yeast infection, vaginal infection, infant yeast infection and systematic yeast infection.

Oral yeast infections are commonly identified by the presence of thrush, or creamy white or yellow coating on the mouth and tongue. The infection may even cause discolored patches on the tongue and palate (called hyperplasia), or angular cheilitis (the presence of red cracks on the corners of the mouth). The presence of pinkish to reddish and peeling blotches on the palate, also called erythematous is a classic indication of infection.

Yeast infections usually brew on the moist and dark areas of the body, such as armpits and underneath the breasts. This kind of infection is usually relieved by regular anti-fungal creams.

In women infections can appear on the vaginal area. Male yeast infection is localized on the penis, around the crotch or feet. Common signs of infection include jock itch and athlete's foot.

Infant yeast infections are usually suffered by babies delivered or breastfed by infected mothers. Common signs of infant infection include the presence of reddish patches similar to diaper rash, thrush or mouth infection.

Systematic candida infection results from the rapid increase of candida population in the body. This causes the destruction of the body's good bacteria, which poses serious health risks. This case is common to people who are given long-term antibiotic medications since its side-effects include weakened immune system due to candida growth.

Vaginal yeast infection, as the name implies, are localized in the vaginal area. It is manifested by itching, tenderness, burning and the presence of vaginal discharge that resembles a fishy-smelling cottage cheese.

The many types of yeast infection emphasize the importance of seeking immediate doctor's consultation for accurate diagnosis and to receive proper treatments or medications. Thankfully, there are holistic and drug medications, which you can use to effectively manage and treat specific types of candida or yeast infection.