Candidiasis
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This disease usually occurs on the skin, mouth, and genitals.
If not treated properly, this fungal infection can spread to other organs of the body, such as the intestines, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Anyone can experience this disease. However, people with weak immune systems have a higher risk of getting Candidiasis. For example, people with diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of Candidiasis
Symptoms of candidiasis can vary, depending on where the infection occurs. Here are some symptoms:
1. Oral candidiasis (Oral Thrush)
This is an infection of the mouth caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Symptoms of oral thrush can include:
- White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks.
- Red patches in the mouth and throat.
- Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth.
- Pain when swallowing food or drink.
- Sores at the corners of the lips.
2. Vulvovaginal candidiasis
This is an inflammation of the vulva and vagina due to a Candida albicans yeast infection. The symptoms are:
- Extreme itching in the vagina.
- Pain and burning sensation when urinating.
- Discomfort during sex.
- Swelling in the vagina and vulva.
- Lumpy vaginal discharge.
3. Cutaneous Candidiasis
This is a fungal infection of the skin and nails that causes symptoms such as:
- Rash and itching in skin folds. Such as the armpits, groin, between the fingers, or under the breasts.
- Dry and cracked skin condition.
- Blistering and pus-filled skin. Especially if there is a secondary infection, which is an infection by other germs, including bacteria.
Causes of Candidiasis (Candida Albicans Infection)
The thing that causes candidiasis is the fungus Candida albicans.
Under normal conditions, Candida albicans fungus is actually already present on the surface of human skin. The immune system that functions to repel the harmful organism attacks.
Unfortunately, this attack actually disrupts the balance between good and bad microbes. When this is disturbed, the fungus will multiply excessively. Especially in moist parts of the body, causing infection.
Be careful, this disease can also be transmitted from one person to another.
Risk Factors for Candidiasis
There are several factors that experts believe can increase the risk of developing a Candida albicans fungal infection that causes candidiasis, such as:
1. Weak immune system
Candidiasis is more likely to occur in infants and older adults because of their weakened immune systems.
In addition, certain health conditions can also weaken a person’s immune system. For example, having HIV/AIDS, having cancer undergoing chemotherapy, and consuming steroid drugs.
2. Age
Fungal infections are more common in infants and the elderly, for example diaper rash in infants.
3. Certain chronic diseases
There are certain chronic conditions that can increase the risk of candidiasis, such as diabetes.
If you don’t treat or control it properly, diabetes is at risk of causing saliva to contain large amounts of sugar. This condition can certainly encourage the growth of Candida albicans fungus.
4. Certain medications
Examples of drugs that can trigger fungal infections include prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics.
This is because these drugs can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, thereby increasing the risk of candidiasis.
5. Unsafe sex
Being sexually active without using protection can increase the risk of candidiasis.
However, this disease is not included in the category of sexually transmitted diseases.
Other Diseases That Can Occur Due to Candida Albicans
Not only candidiasis, Candida albicans fungal infections can also cause the following diseases:
- Vaginal yeast infections. Overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus can cause vaginal infections. This fungus can be transmitted through unprotected sex.
- Candidemia. This fungus can also enter the bloodstream, causing candidemia.
- Fungal meningitis. This is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. Infection can occur if the fungus enters the bloodstream and is carried to the brain.
- Urinary tract infection. This disease occurs in the lower urinary tract, and can even go up to the kidneys.
Diagnosis of Candidiasis
To diagnose candidiasis, the doctor will ask about the patient’s complaints, symptoms, and medical history.
The doctor will also perform a thorough physical examination, including a skin examination to see if there is a rash.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor can also perform the following supporting examinations:
- Blood test. This test involves taking a blood sample to be tested in a laboratory. This is to detect any infection in the body.
- Mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody tests. Candida antibody tests are useful for diagnosing invasive candidiasis. The test aims to detect mannan, a carbohydrate found in the cell walls of Candida species.
- Fungal culture test. This procedure involves taking samples of blood and body tissue to detect what type of fungus is infecting the body.
- Endoscopy. This exam involves examining the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine using an endoscope. This is a lighted, flexible tube with a camera on the end.
Candidiasis Treatment
Candidiasis treatment aims to treat the infection and prevent complications.
These fungal infections can usually be cured by using or consuming oral (pills, lozenges or liquids) or topical (creams or ointments) antifungal medications.
Each antifungal medication has different instructions for use, so be sure to ask your doctor about how to use or take the medication and how long you should take it.
Apart from medication, there are several ways to speed up the healing of oral candidiasis or oral thrush infections, including:
- Maintaining dental hygiene, for example by brushing your teeth regularly, having regular dental check-ups with a dentist, and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Meanwhile, here are some things that can speed up the healing of fungal infections around the intimate organs:
- Wear underwear made of cotton.
- Don’t wear underwear that is too tight.
- Avoid using soap that contains fragrance on intimate organs.
- Make sure your intimate organs are always dry, especially after cleaning or after bathing.
Complications of Candidiasis
Candidiasis, especially oral candidiasis, is actually rarely a problem for healthy children and adults.
However, the disease can be a serious threat to those with low immune systems.
For example, cancer sufferers undergoing treatment, HIV/AIDS sufferers, and even babies or the elderly.
Because this condition can cause the infection to spread to the bloodstream and other organs of the body.
If Candida albicans infection spreads to the bloodstream and other organs. It can cause sepsis and cause disorders in the infected organs.
Candidiasis Prevention
In general, you can prevent Candida albicans infection or candidiasis by maintaining personal hygiene, especially intimate organs, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping your immune system strong is also important. Because a strong immune system can help your body fight infections more optimally.
In addition, there are several things you can do to prevent candidiasis or recurring infections, namely:
- Brush your teeth and floss regularly.
- Avoid or limit foods high in sugar.
- Change underwear immediately after swimming or exercising.
- Avoid using scented soap and shower gel.
- Take a shower regularly twice a day.
- Have healthy sex with your partner using protection such as condoms.
Apart from that, also maintain good blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
Because, well-controlled blood sugar can reduce the amount of sugar in saliva, thereby inhibiting the growth of candida fungus.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor immediately if you or your family member who has candidiasis experiences the following symptoms:
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve within 1 week.
- White sores on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, and tonsils.
- The condition of the wound is slightly raised.
- Redness or pain that is severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Bleeds a little if the wound is rubbed.
- Cracks or redness at the corners of the mouth.
The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the higher the chance of recovery. Prompt and appropriate treatment can also prevent further complications.