Candida infection: Symptoms, causes and treatment

Do you suffer from itching, burning or rashes? It could be a Candida infection.

Candida is a common yeast that normally lives in the body without causing problems. But sometimes it can grow out of control and cause infections in the skin, mouth, nails and abdomen. Fortunately, Candida yeast infections are easy to treat.

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What is Candida?

Candida is a type of fungus that occurs naturally in the body, especially in the mouth, intestines and vagina.

It is usually harmless, but overgrowth can lead to infections.

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Symptoms of Candida infection

Candida infections can cause different symptoms depending on where in the body the infection occurs:

  • Mouth: White deposits, redness, soreness, cracks in the corners of the mouth
  • Skin: Red, itchy rash, especially in skin folds (eg under the breasts, in the groin)
  • Nails: Discolouration, thickening, crumbling of nails
  • Abdomen: Itching, burning, white discharge, pain during intercourse/urination
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Causes of fungal infections

Various factors can disturb the balance in the body and lead to Candida overgrowth:

  • Weakened immune system: Illness, stress or medication can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.
  • Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can kill the "good" bacteria that normally keep Candida at bay.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar can promote Candida growth.
  • Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation and the use of birth control pills can change the hormonal balance and increase the risk of Candida infections.
  • Moist and warm environments: Candida thrives in warm and moist areas, such as under babies' diapers or in skin folds.
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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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Or book an appointment with the doctor here:

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See how Dr.Dropin can help you

The dermatologists, gynecologists and general practitioners at Dr. Dropin can help with medical advice, treatment plans, prescriptions and further referrals if necessary - either in the clinic or via video. Dr. Dropin is keen to offer good medical services at a fixed and predictable price, and with a short waiting time.

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