Fungus & Candida

Identification

• Candida fungi are single-celled yeasts that are naturally present in the human body and in the environment. There are more than 150 different species of candida, six of which can cause human infection.
  
  

Features

• Candida harmlessly colonizes damp places on the human body, including the skin, vagina, mouth and intestinal tract. However, if candida multiply too quickly and abundantly, infection can set in.
  
  

Causes

• Overgrowth of candida can be caused by excess moisture and warmth, a lack of air flow to a specific area, a suppressed immune system, or antibiotics that kill the "good" bacteria that keep the candida in check.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a vaginal candida infection include itching, burning and a cheeselike white discharge. Oral infections cause thick white patches on inside the mouth. Skin infections cause painful or itchy flat red rashes.
  
  

Treatment

• Fungi in general are pervasive and difficult to control. Candida infections are treatable with over-the-counter remedies, but excellent hygiene must be practiced during treatment to avoid reinfection.