yeast infection: What Is A yeast infection
Probably the most common type of yeast infection known today, also a form of candidiasis, is thrush. This type of yeast infection will mostly affect female genitalia. Men have been know to contract this disease; however, it is very rare. Conversely, yeast infections in general do not limit themselves to either men or women. It is also true that yeast infections affect various areas of the body.
A yeast infection is specifically confined to either the skin or mucous like membrane. In the case of human beings it is caused by a genus of fungi that we commonly refer to as Candida. In laboratory conditions it appears as large round colonies which are either white, cream or whitish gray in color. Candida albican is the species that most of us are familiar with. You should understand that Candida albicans is not the only one that will cause a yeast infection in humans.
Candida albicans lives peacefully with other flora in the human body, its growth kept in check by a certain bacteria. It makes its home inside the dark, warm, wet areas of the body. This is why yeast infections are found in areas such as the ears, the mouth, the blood, the gastrointestinal or “gut” area – and yes, the area “down there.” However, it also likes human skin, particularly warm, wet sections which like skin folds and armpits.
Candidiasis is also called “yeast infection” is because Candida albicans’ normal form is that of single oval yeast cells. When in yeast form, it duplicates itself through budding. This means the cells create genetic clones of themselves through bulbs that “grow” out of them. These bulbs stay attached to the parent cells for a while before letting go.
So what actually causes yeast infection? First, the human body’s temperature must be at a specific level and the pH levels must be balanced, two of the conditions necessary for Candida albicans and its partner bacteria to grow without disturbing other flora. But when the temperature and pH levels change, these bacteria die. This leaves the Candida albicans cells free to change into fungi and to replicate with no control over themselves. 
Candida albicans fungi mark their territories during this population boom by causing any of these sensations: burning, itching, soreness, or tingling. Sometimes, two of these sensations can be felt at once. It’s a bad idea to scratch the irritated areas, since this act would only compound the overgrowth of the fungi.
Other signs include fatigue, drowsiness, muscle aches, pain or swelling in the joints, dizziness, fluid retention, tissue swelling, loss of balance, lack of coordination, lack of concentration, poor memory, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and cravings for sugars, carbohydrates and alcohol. But these are also common symptoms for other sicknesses, so they must be taken into consideration along with more reliable indicators.
The overgrowth also causes specific side-effects in afflicted areas. To name a few, yeast infections create white-or cream-colored patches inside the mouth, reaching as far as the soft palate. They cause digestion problems and make even bowel movement difficult. Afflicted penises have patchy sores near the head or on the foreskin. Candidiasis is also responsible for discharges from the ear, the bowels (in the stool) and the genitalia.
Yeast infections can cause serious, sometimes even fatal, diseases. This is particularly true for sufferers with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, diabetes, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, sufferers can be permanently cured through immediate and proper diagnosis and medication.
There are a number of solutions yeast infection treatment. But unknown to some, having the correct diet for yeast infection treatment is also as important. You can fight this problem with a yeast infection home remedy or with the help of your doctor because treatment is different for women who are pregnant. Recurring yeast infection symptoms should also be looked at by your doctor.
