Yeast infection is the colonization of yeast fungi in body areas in such an amount and such a way that damages or symptoms are produced. Usually the yeast invades only body cavities and the lining of these cavities, but can in serious cases grow into deeper tissue layers.

Yeasts very often infect the vagina and outer female genitals. Yeast infection also often occurs in the mouth, and is then called trash. The male genitals may be infected, but usually with fewer symptoms. There can also be an infective over-growth of yeast in the digestive tract, skin areas and the nose. Small children often get yeast infection in the diapered area, and this is commonly called diaper rash. Diaper rash can also be caused by irritation from urine or stool, from food allergy, from allergy against washing media, or from a combination of several factors.

Sometimes yeast infect several body areas at the same time, such a systemic infection is often called candidiatis. A systemic yeast infection can develop into a serious condition where the yeast invades deeper layers of the skin, the deeper tissues of several organs and even the blood stream.

Systemic yeast infection usually occurs in patients with bad immune defense, like HIV patients, diabetics or patients weakened by cytostatic or steroid medication.

WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTION

Usually species of the genus Candida, and especially the species Candida albicans, are the infective agents. These yeasts are normally found in the body, but the amount is held down by the normal body chemistry by friendly bacteria inhabiting the skin and body cavities, for example bacteria producing lactic acid (the genus Lactobacillus). When the yeast become infectious, it often changes from a round cellular form to a thread-like or branched form that can grow into tissues.

A disturbed bacterial flora in the skin and body cavities can make it easier for the yeast to grow excessively and infect. The skin, the outer genitals and body cavities like the mouth, vagina, and the colon contain the bacterium types Bifidobacteria and Lactobacteria together with the Candida yeasts, but these bacteria hold the growth of the yeast in check.

Use of antibiotics can kill these friendly bacteria and make it easier for the yeast to grow. A too eager use of antibiotics in children can cause a chronic overgrowth of yeasts in the body that will affect the health negatively long into adulthood.

Use of corticosteriods can also make a person susceptible for yeast infection. Asthma patients using inhaled coricosteroids often get yeast infection in the oral cavity.

A too eager hygiene, using bacterial killers, can kill friendly bacteria and cause a yeast infection to occur. However, lack of washing can also cause yeast infection.

If skin areas are constantly held wet or sweaty, Candida infections can easily occur, for example in diapered areas of small children or feet covered by tight shoes during long walks.

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