Candidiasis

What is it?

Candidiasis, candidosis or candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast-like fungi, mainly the Candida albicans. This fungus is present in almost everyone, it lives in the mouth, intestine, on the skin and in the vagina, and it creates a certain balance with bacteria, among other things. However, we refer to ‘candidiasis’ when the fungi take over the bacteria and the biological balance is disrupted.

Symptoms

In general practice, one regularly sees candida infections of the vagina, in which this normal ‘guest germ’ grows so much that symptoms of itching, burning, redness and a usually white, crumbly discharge (the 'white flood') develop. Such infections sometimes come on without a clear cause, but are more common during pregnancy, in people with diabetes and after taking broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Male partners often harbour the organism under the foreskin, making it sometimes necessary to treat both partners at the same time. Men often suffer from red spots, itching and white flaking if infected.

Candidiasis is also common in hospitalised patients with reduced immunity, e.g. during treatment with cortisone or anti-cancer treatments, or for people who have HIV/AIDS.

The physician will prescribe Nystatin or Miconazole as medication.

With candidiasis, not only you, but all of your sexual partners should be treated as well. You should use condoms until the condition is completely cured.

Latest publication date: 14/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip