Firstly lets clear up a very common incorrect belief about yeast infections. They are not just a female infection, men can get yeast infections too. Nor does age make any difference, as babies can get it and so can the elderly, and then anywhere in between! This is because the fungus that causes a yeast infection actually lives on all of us in small numbers already. It is not a problem and does not hurt our health, as long as the good bacteria are there to keep it at small numbers and not allow an overgrowth.
Candida Albicans (Vaginal) – Caused by the fungus Candida Albicans, and as mentioned the most common form. Over three quarters of women are likely to face this problem, but two thirds of women who diagnose themselves with a vaginal yeast infection are incorrect and therefore are treating themselves incorrectly too. This happens because a vaginal yeast infection looks a lot like other problems down there like STDs and bacterial vaginosis, and unless you are a professional you cannot tell the difference. Rashes, redness, sometimes a discharge like cottage cheese, certainly itching and swelling are all common symptoms.
Moniliasis – also a vaginal yeast infection though this one can be more painful for those that get it. Note here that women more likely to suffer are those going through hormonal changes such as in pregnancy and those taking prolonged courses of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor.
Balanitis: This can affect men too. This is when the penis is infected with symptoms similar to vaginal infections such as irritation.
Thrush – In the UK Thrush is used as a term for yeast infections in general but elsewhere Thrush more commonly refers to the mouth yeast infection. Up to 3 month old babies are prone to Thrush as their immune system is still developing. It is not as painful as Thrush in grown ups, but because of the possibility of being passed to the nursing mother does need to be monitored. The symptoms are white patches on the inside of the mouth and tongue (in babies when you scrape the whiteness if it comes away it is just milk scum!). Under those are bleeding, painful lesions in adults.
Intertrigo: A yeast infection of the skin. Since the yeast thrives in moist areas this will tend to occur under skin folds and armpits. If there is friction i.e skin rubbing against skin this is more likely to bring on an infection.
Now that you are more familiar with the different types of yeast infection it is possible to get, perhaps it is time to move on and look at prevention!
For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our candida symptoms and cure website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: skin yeast infection