Yeast infections (also called candida or candidiasis) can take many forms. These infections most often occur where a moist environment encourages fungal growth. Regions of the body most susceptible to yeast infections include the mouth, the webs of fingers and toes, the genitals, finger nails and toe nails, and folds of skin.

There are several types of yeast infection:

::: Oral thrush occurs in the mouth and throat, and is generally painless. Babies, young children, and the elderly get it most often, but people of all ages can be affected.

::: Moniliasis is a vaginal yeast infection. It occurs primarily during pregnancy or while being treated with antibiotics.

::: Balanitis is an infection of the penis. It is not common, but it is very irritating.

::: Intertrigo occurs primarily in large skin folds in obese people.

::: Systemic yeast infections generally affect people with diabetes, AIDS, and other conditions. Systemic yeast infections have been shown to occur in people taking drug treatments that suppress the immune system.

::::: What Causes Yeast Infections? :::::

A fungal organism (or yeast) called candida albicans causes yeast infections. This organism thrives in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. This fungus is normally kept in balance by the bacteria produced by your body. However, when fungal growth exceeds the body's ability to control it, a yeast infection can develop. This generally happens when a person is weakened by illness or upset by stress. The bacteria in our bodies provides a natural control over fungal outbreaks. However, sometimes antibiotics taken for other purposes kill this bacteria.

People whose hands are often in water (like dishwashers at restaurants, children who suck their thumbs or fingers, and people whose clothing retains body moisture are common victims of yeast infection. Candidal dermatitis is a diaper rashcaused by yeast growth in the folds of a baby's skin.

Some of the conditions that encourage the growth of yeast include high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and urine along with a low resistance to infection. Consequently, diabetics are prime targets for yeast infections.

Intravenous tubes or urinary catheters used by hospitals have been known to introduce the candida fungus to the bloodstream. Yeast infection in the kidneys, lungs, brain or other organs can cause serious systemic complications. This generally happens only in people who are seriously ill or who have other health problems that weaken the immune system, such as drug addiction or diabetes.

::::: Symptoms Of Yeast Infection :::::

Oral thrush symptoms include painless, white patches in the mouth.

Vaginal symptoms sometimes include vaginal discharge, pain, and itching.

Male symptoms include a red rash, itching, and burning at the tip of the penis.

Additional symptoms of yeast infections may include fever and chills, as well as specific symptoms depending on any organs, such as the kidneys or liver, that may become affected.

::::: How to Prevent Yeast Infections :::::

Even though you can't always avoid yeast infections, you can lower your risk of contracting a yeast infection by observing the following suggestions:

::: 1 ::: Wear underwear with a cotton panel at the crotch.

::: 2::: Avoid wearing tight-fitting shorts and pants.

::: 3 ::: If you must wear nylon pantyhose, chose a style that has a cotton panel at the crotch.

::: 4 ::: If your clothes become wet or damp, change into dry clothes as quickly as possible.

::: 5 ::: Do not use scented tampons, scented powders, douches, or feminine deoderant sprays.

::: 6 ::: After using the toilet, wipe yourself from front to back to reduce the spread of bacteria.

::: 7 ::: If you have diabetes, you can reduce your risk of yeast infections by controlling your blood sugar levels.

::: 8 ::: Eating yogurt that contains live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus might help to prevent yeast infections.

::: 9 ::: Consider some type of preventive antifungal therapy at the beginning and the end of taking antibiotics.

::: 10 ::: Eat a health diet with reduced sugar intake and make it a point to manage your daily stress.

Ok, so in this brief overview of yeast infection we have discussed what these infections are and what causes them, we have reviewed a variety of symptoms, and we have looked at how to prevent yeast infections. But ... what if you already have a yeast infection and you are trying to get rid of it?