yeast infections

WHAT IS IT?
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, up to 20% of women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.

Candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginal irritation, or vaginitis, and can also occur on the male genitals. In immunocompromised patients, the Candida infection can involve the esophagus and can become systemic, causing a much more serious condition: fungemia.

Children, mostly between the ages of 3 and 9 years, can be affected by chronic mouth yeast infections, normally seen around the mouth as white patches. However, this is not a common condition.

Yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS.