Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is common fungal infection caused by the Candida species. The most common being Candida Albicans. Under normal circumstances, candida yeasts are usually present in most people, the growth of candida is kept in check by other naturally microorganisms, such as bacteria and other flora. Strong immune system also plays an important role in keeping candida growth balanced. However, due to some reasons, overgrowth may occur and that is when candida causes problems to our health.

Candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginal irritation or vaginitis. This also occurs in male genitals. Children can be affected too, usually by chronic mouth yeast infections, normally seen around the mouth as white patches. Candidiasis can usually be found in exposed and moist body parts such as the mouth, vagina, folds of skin, nipples during breast feeding, foreskin in men, the ear and in the nostrils. Some of the common symptoms of candida infections include severe itching, burning, and soreness, irritation of the vagina and/or vulva, and a whitish or whitish-gray discharge, often with a curd-like appearance.

Some of the common causes of candida overgrowth are:

*External use of irritants (such as some detergents or douches) or internal disturbances (hormonal or physiological) can perturb the normal flora, constituting lactic acid bacteria, such as lactobacilli, and an overgrowth of yeast can result in noticeable symptoms.

*Pregnancy

*The use of oral contraceptives

*Engaging in vaginal sex immediately and without cleansing after anal sex

*Using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be causally related to yeast infections.

*Diabetes mellitus

*Use of antibiotics are also linked to an increased incidence of yeast infections.

*Other secondary causes include hormone replacement therapy, infertility treatments and diet.

Candida infection or candidiasis is commonly treated with antifungal drugs. However, candida infections might be commonly misdiagnosed as bacteria infection and thus antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics will worsen the condition as antibiotics will eliminate the friendly bacteria which is the natural candida eliminator.

Treating Candidiasis solely with medication may not give desired results, and other underlying causes require consideration. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma medication. Patients on long-term inhaled corticosteroids should rinse their mouths after each dose of steroids to counteract this effect. Oral candidiasis can also be the sign of a more serious condition, such as HIV infection, or other immunodeficiency diseases.

You can try these home remedies for candidiasis:

# Increase the consumption of yogurt (which contains lactobacillus), probiotics, acidophilus tablets or salves.

# Try taking some lightly crushed cloves of garlic which contains allicin, an antifungal agent.

# Some have used boric acid for treating vaginal infections, by inserting gelcaps filled with boric acid powder into the vagina at bedtime for a few consecutive nights.

# Eat a diet consisting of greens, raw and fresh vegetables may provide some relief.

There are many natural supplements for fighting candida infection in the market. Some are known to work very effectively. You have to do your research and make sure that it has no side effects and contains only natural ingredients. Go to http://www.provenhealthcare.com/recommends/candidol for more information on candida natural supplements which have proven to work.