Candida infection (candidiasis) – symptoms and treatment

Fungal infections of the genitals are usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans and are quite common in women. Candida albicans is normally found in the intestines and on the people`s skin. Infection i.e. excessive proliferation of fungus occurs when for certain reasons immune balance is disturbed and due to some external influences. Candidiasis is almost always the result of auto-infection i.e. fungal infections that normally inhabit the human body and that for certain reasons, at some point begin to proliferate excessively.

Probable cause of infection

The most common reasons are: excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the use of birth control pills, and excessive hygiene of sex organs by using alkaline soaps that dissolve the normal flora of the mucous membranes, pregnancy, menstruation, inadequate laundry, inadequate sanitary pads, uncontrolled diabetes, etc. Poor control of diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection. When diabetes is well regulated, defense against infection is as in people who do not suffer from diabetes. In persons with poorly regulated blood and body fluids diabetes the glucose levels increase; this makes them better substrates for the growth of microorganisms, including Candida albicans, which causes the infection.

Clinical picture

Women experience burning and itching of sexual organ and excessive discharge that is usually white. Redness is a sign of inflammation, and the vagina is covered with white cheesy colonies of fungi. Men generally do not have the symptoms (i.e. asymptomatic carriers). There may be white deposits on the glans of the penis and foreskin. There may be a discharge from the urethra. Symptoms are especially pronounced after sexual intercourse because the friction further increases the feeling of tingling and itching. Women can also experience pain after sexual intercourse. Itching can be expanded to the area around the anus (rectum).

Treatment

Since antibiotics stimulate the growth of fungi they are not used in therapy, so antimycotic therapy is applied. In women it is applied in the form of vaginal tablets (Canesten, Gyno-Daktarin, Neo-Penotran) that are placed in the vagina and the cream (Canesten, Nizoral) which is applied externally, and in men, the cream is lubricated onto the glans and foreskin. The therapy can also include the tablets (Diflucan). Usually symptoms very quickly disappear after the therapy. In the case of frequent reinfection you should check your blood sugar as one of the first symptoms of diabetes can be an infection of the genitals by Candida albicans. Proper hygiene of sex organs is very important. They should not be washed by too intense antiseptic. Thus destroying the natural defensive barriers ie. normal bacterial flora and creating conditions for the emergence of a fungal infection. Daily washing of the genitals with soap and water (low pH values) is sufficient. You should avoid synthetic laundry and tight clothes.

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