Candidiasis or candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by fungi Candida albicans. This fungal infection usually occurs in the skin, mouth, and intimate organs.If not treated, this fungal infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as: intestines, kidneys, heart and brain.
Candidiasis can be experienced by anyone. However, people with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing this infection. Some diseases that can cause decreased immunity are diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of Candidiasis
Patients with candidiasis have different symptoms, depending on the location of the infection. Here are some of the symptoms of candidiasis which are divided based on the part of the body that is affected:
Oral candidiasis (thrush)
- White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, and inner cheeks
- Redness in the mouth and throat
- Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
- Pain when swallowing
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Extreme itching in the vagina
- Pain and burning when urinating
- Discomfort during sex
- Swelling of the vagina and vulva
- Clogged vaginal discharge
Skin candidiasis (cutaneous candidiasis)
- Itchy rash in folds of skin, such as the armpits, groin, between the fingers, or under the breasts
- Dry and cracked skin
- if there is a secondary infection (infection with other germs including bacteria on the skin area)
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the complaints and symptoms mentioned above. You should also check with your doctor if you have risk factors that can increase the occurrence of candidiasis, such as suffering from HIV, cancer, or diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with candidiasis, do the control according to the schedule suggested by your doctor. In addition to monitoring therapy, this also aims to prevent complications.
Candidiasis Causes and Risk Factors
Under normal circumstances, the candida fungus does live on the skin and several body parts, such as the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina, without causing health problems.
However, if the candida fungus multiplies uncontrolled or enters the bloodstream, kidneys, heart, and brain, it can be harmful to the body.
The uncontrolled growth and development of the candida fungus is most often caused by a weakened immune system. Some conditions that can weaken the immune system are:
- Suffering from diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy
- Using corticosteroid drugs in the long term
- Using antibiotics for a long time
- Suffering from obesity or malnutrition
In addition, the following factors can also increase the risk of candidiasis of the skin and genital area:
- Warm and humid weather
- Habit of rarely changing underwear
- The habit of wearing clothes that don't absorb sweat
- Poor personal hygiene
Diagnosis of Candidiasis
The doctor will ask about the patient's complaints and symptoms, as well as his medical history and medications he is currently taking. The doctor will also perform a thorough physical examination, including an examination of the skin for any rashes.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform several supporting examinations, such as:
- KOH test, by taking a skin scraping sample to see the type of fungus growing on the skin
- Blood test, by taking a blood sample to detect infection in the body
- Fungal culture, by taking samples from blood and body tissues to detect the type of fungus that infects the body
- Vaginal fluid test, by taking a sample of vaginal discharge to detect the presence of yeast growth and the type of fungus that causes infection in the vagina
- Urine test, by taking a urine sample to detect the growth of candida fungus in the urine sample.
Candidiasis Treatment and Prevention
The goal of candidiasis treatment is to treat the infection and prevent complications. When diagnosed with candidiasis, the doctor will prescribe antifungal drugs, according to the location and severity of the infection. Antifungal drugs that can be used are:
- Amphotericin B
- Butoconazole
- Caspofungin
- Clotrimazole
- Fluconazole
- Miconazole
- Micafungin
- Nystatin
- Tioconale
- Voriconazole
- Sulfanilamide
Complications of Candidiasis
Candidiasis on the skin will usually cause discomfort and interfere with the sufferer's confidence. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream and other organs of the body, complications such as sepsis and disruption of the infected organs can occur.
In certain cases, the spread of candida to the covering of the brain (meninges) will cause meningitis.
Candidiasis Prevention
Candidiasis can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene and the immune system. Some of the ways that can be done are:
- Keep your mouth and teeth clean by brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist at least every 6 months
- Stop smoking.
- Wear comfortable clothes that absorb sweat
- Change clothes, underwear, and stiff shirts, regularly.
- Change pads regularly during menstruation.
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet and probiotics.
- Clean the vaginal area with running water, and avoid using it panty liners and feminine hygiene soap without a doctor's recommendation.
- Make regular check-ups with your doctor, if you have a disease that can weaken your immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
- Regular check-ups also need to be done if you are undergoing chemotherapy or using corticosteroid drugs for a long time.
- Do not use corticosteroid drugs and antibiotics beyond the doctor's advice.