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Candida

Candida is a type of fungus that naturally exists in the body. The most common type is Candida albicans. Candida typically resides in the mouth, intestines, and vagina, and it is part of the body's normal microbiota.

However, the overgrowth of Candida can lead to infections. This can occur if there is a change in the body's environment, such as a weakened immune system, or if there is an imbalance in the body's microbiota, such as due to the use of antibiotics or steroids. Candida infections can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth, skin, nails, intestines, and genitals. Symptoms of a Candida infection may include itching, soreness, burning, and redness.

Causes of fungal infections

Yeast infections are annoying. In the mouth, it looks like white flakes and can cause red and sore gums. Under the diapers of babies, fungal infection can create areas of red rash. Women may have a white discharge from the vagina and it may hurt to urinate during intercourse. You can get a fungal infection on the fingernails and toenails too.

Yeast likes to grow where it is warm and moist. It thrives best where the skin has been exposed to wear and tear. Athlete's foot, for example, often occurs in people who are active in sports. Fungal infections cope even better with a reduced immune system. It is common for it to occur with the overuse of steroids, and antibiotics, with the use of birth control pills, during pregnancy, during menstruation and if you have diabetes.

Treatment of candida

Fungal infections are easy to diagnose by a biopsy and easy to treat. It is a two or three-week treatment with antifungal cream or spray. To prevent it from coming back, it is important to keep exposed areas as clean, and with the exception of the mouth and vagina, as dry as you can.

If you suspect a fungal infection in the abdomen, you can get advice based on your symptoms here:

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