Candida albicans: Infections, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

 

A fungus called Candida albicans is found in trace levels in your mouth, skin, and intestines. Candida is the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections and thrush when it is out of harmony with your body's normal microorganisms. Antifungal medications are used to treat frequent infections.

Candida albicans is a fungus that can grow on the skin without infecting it. Still, under some circumstances, it can become a pathogen and cause severe infections that may need immunotherapy and antifungal medication.

Also Read: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

What is Candida albicans?

A fungus called Candida albicans naturally lives in your body. Candida is a form of fungus called yeast that is usually present in trace amounts in your intestines, skin, and mouth. Your body's microbiome, or healthy microorganisms, regulates the equilibrium of Candida. Candida frequently overgrows and causes infection (candidiasis) when it is out of balance.

What types of illnesses caused by Candida albicans (candidiasis) are there?

Candida albicans frequently causes the following types of infections:

• Thrush: White, elevated lumps within your mouth and throat are caused by an overabundance of yeast.

• Vaginal yeast infection: This condition is brought on by yeast that grows inside your vagina. "Vaginal candidiasis" or "candidal vaginitis" are other terms for a vaginal yeast infection.

• A serious illness that affects your entire body, including your heart, brain, bones, and blood, is called invasive candidiasis.

Where may I find symptoms of a Candida albicans infection?

Candida albicans infection symptoms typically appear in places where Candida naturally occurs, such as:

• Inside your throat and mouth.

• Inside your rectum and vagina.

• On babies, close to the diaper area (genitalia, buttocks, thighs).

• On skin folds (under breasts, groin, and armpits).

What symptoms of Candida albicans are present?

Normally, Candida won't show any symptoms unless there is an overgrowth brought on by a bacterial imbalance. Infection symptoms include:

• Redness (rash) of the skin.

• Itching.

• Blisters.

• Lumpy white areas.

• Discomfort, soreness, or pain.

• Burning feeling.

• Discharge from the vagina.

Causes:

Candida albicans infections can be caused by:

• Feeling stress.

• Suffering form uncontrolled diabetes.

• Being immunocompromised.

• Consuming too much sugar, yeast, and refined carbs.

• Using oral contraceptives, hormones, steroids, or antibiotics.

Which tests diagnose Candida albicans infections?

Your healthcare practitioner will test for the infection to further diagnose the problem and suggest a specific treatment plan based on the type of illness. Among the tests for Candida albicans are:

• Culture test: Using sterile cotton, your healthcare professional will swab the affected region and use a microscope to look at the bacteria and yeast.

• Endoscopy: If you have thrush, your doctor may use a tiny light and camera on a tube to check your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

 Treatment:

How can Candida albicans be eliminated?

Since Candida is a fungus, the infection is treated with an antifungal medication to prevent overgrowth. Antifungal drugs are available in two varieties:

• Oral: Medications given orally (lozenge, tablets, or liquids).

• Topical: Medicines (creams or ointments) that are applied directly to the afflicted area.

To ensure that the infection goes away and doesn't recur, your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take each type of antifungal medicine.

How quickly will I feel better following treatment?

Usually, it will take 10 to 14 days on average for the infection to fully go away. Your symptoms will either lessen in intensity or frequently disappear after you start treatment. You may think you can stop therapy if your symptoms go away, but you must stick to your treatment plan through to the end to ensure the infection goes away entirely and doesn't come back.

How can Candida albicans be prevented?

Candida albicans overgrowth can be avoided by:

• Preserving proper physical and oral hygiene.

• Eating a well-balanced diet.

• Managing your stress.

• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels.

Discuss with your doctor how to handle the potential for a yeast infection as a side effect or an underlying medical problem if you use antibiotics or drugs that could lead to an overgrowth of Candida.

References

• Merck Manual. Candidiasis (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/fungal-infections/candidiasis?query=Candida%20albicans). Accessed 5/10/2022.

• American Academy of Oral Medicine. Oral Yeast Infections (Thrush or Candidiasis) (http://www.aaom.com/oral-yeast-infections). Accessed 5/10/2022.

• Poulain D. Candida Albicans, Plasticity and Pathogenesis (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23962107/). Crit Rev Microbiol. 2015; 208–217. Accessed 5/10/2022.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candidiasis (https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html). Accessed 5/10/2022.