Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

What is candidiasis?

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the overgrowth of the Candida fungus, an organism that normally coexists with other bacteria and microorganisms in various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, and genital areas. There are different types of candidiasis, such as:

oral candidiasis: also known as "thrush," occurs in the mouth and throat, resulting in white patches on the tongue and cheeks
genital candidiasis: in people with vaginas, the infection can cause abnormal discharge, itching, and redness
cutaneous candidiasis: generally manifests as redness and itching on the skin. It can affect areas such as the armpits, groin, or under the breasts
esophageal candidiasis: is the most severe form of the infection and affects the esophagus, the canal that connects the throat to the stomach. It usually occurs in people with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS

Symptoms

The symptoms of candidiasis can vary depending on the area of the body affected:

oral candidiasis: creamy white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and throat, pain and a burning or discomfort sensation in the mouth, redness and swelling around the affected areas
genital candidiasis: abnormal vaginal discharge, intense itching and burning sensation in the genital area, redness and swelling of the vulva (in people with vaginas) or the glans (in people with penises)
cutaneous candidiasis: redness and itching on the skin. It can occur in areas of skin folds, such as armpits, groin, under the breasts, or between the toes
esophageal candidiasis: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and unexplained weight loss

The symptoms of candidiasis can vary from person to person and can be milder or more severe, depending on the health condition and the area of the body affected.

Causes

The main causes and risk factors that can contribute to the development of candidiasis are:

alterations in the body's microbial system: when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, complications can arise, including candidiasis
compromised immune system: people living with HIV/AIDS, those who have undergone organ transplants, or those with other conditions that affect immunity are more susceptible to candidiasis
hormonal factors: pregnancy, menstruation, or the use of birth control pills, for example, can increase the risk of candidiasis
uncontrolled diabetes: high blood glucose levels can promote the growth of Candida, making people with uncontrolled diabetes more exposed to the infection
sexual contact: genital candidiasis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of candidiasis is generally based on a clinical evaluation conducted by a doctor or medical professional. The typical signs and symptoms of the infection, along with the patient's medical history, are often sufficient for a preliminary diagnosis.

However, in some cases, especially when symptoms are inconclusive or candidiasis is recurrent, additional tests may be performed.

Treatment

The treatment of candidiasis generally involves the use of antifungals, which are medications designed to combat the growth of the Candida fungus. The type of antifungal and the method of administration can vary depending on the area of the body affected and the severity of the infection. Common treatment options for candidiasis are:

oral candidiasis: oral antifungals, such as tablets, in addition to the use of mouthwashes
genital candidiasis: in people with vaginas, antifungal creams or suppositories are often used to treat vaginal candidiasis. In people with penises, treatment may involve creams, ointments, or tablets, depending on the severity of the infection
cutaneous candidiasis: antifungal creams, lotions, or ointments are applied directly to the affected area
esophageal candidiasis: treatment is administered intravenously (medication directly into the vein) in the hospital

Prevention

Preventing candidiasis involves adopting measures that help reduce the risk of developing fungal infections caused by the overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Some strategies can help prevent the disease:

diabetes control: it is essential to keep blood glucose levels under control, as high blood sugar levels can promote the growth of Candida
avoid excessive use of antibiotics and corticosteroids: the best choice is to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and for the recommended period
health monitoring: if the patient has a compromised immune system due to medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, it is important to maintain regular contact with a healthcare professional to monitor health and adopt preventive measures
attention to diet and stress: a balanced diet and strategies to manage stress can help maintain a healthy immune system, which is important for preventing infections like candidiasis