What is candida?
Candida is a yeast (proper name candida albicans) that grows naturally in the body. An overgrowth of this yeast in the vagina is known as candidiasis, or candida infection. However many people simply refer to it as candida, or thrush.
Candida is a very common infection – around 75% of women will suffer from it at some stage in their lives – that can be triggered by a number of things, including:
- Use of antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- A medical condition like diabetes
- A skin complaint such as eczema
A condition that affects the immune system, such as HIV
Wearing tight clothing that makes you sweat excessively such as a wetsuit or synthetic underwear
How do you know that you’ve got it?
Symptoms include:
- Itching, burning or pain in the genitals when you urinate or have sex
- An abnormal vaginal discharge (this is sometimes thick and white), which is often, but not always, present
What’s the treatment?
- Antifungal creams.
- Pessaries (tablets inserted in the vagina).
- oral tablets.
- In many cases, you may only need to apply cream once or twice to clear up the infection. If the condition is more severe or creams haven’t been effective, you may be prescribed oral medication.
- Bathing in warm salty water can help to relieve the itch.
How can candida be prevented?
Some people appear to be more prone to it than others. To prevent it recurring:
- Don’t wear tight clothes or underwear. Avoid synthetic underwear – choose cotton varieties instead.
- Wash your genital area at least once a day and make sure it’s dried thoroughly.
- Avoid soap, deodorants, bubble bath, talcum powder and perfumed panty liners.
- Always wipe from the front to the back after going to the toilet.
Can you get candida in other parts of the body?
Yes. Thrush infections are common in babies – who get it in their mouth and in the area covered by a nappy – and oral thrush becomes more common as you get older. It forms white patches – which can look like milk curds – and can also make your tongue red.
oral thrush can be painful and make it difficult to eat.Candida infection can also occur in other warm, moist areas, such as under the arms and breasts, and in skin folds around the abdomen. Nail beds can also get infected.**
Can it be dangerous?**
For most people, candida is irritating but can be easily treated. However, in people who already have a weakened immune system (for example from Aids or because of cancer treatment) a candida infection can spread through the body and may be life-threatening if it affects organs.
If you get candida repeatedly, it may be a sign of a more serious illness, such as diabetes, leukaemia or Aids.
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