Signs And Symptoms Of Candida
Candida is such a difficult condition to diagnose because it can affect each sufferer in a different way, on a different part of their body, in a way that may even be unique to that person.
For this reason, Candida is often misdiagnosed and the symptom is treated instead of the underlying cause, rather like taking a lozenge for a throat infection! Practically, patients often have to diagnose themselves because the symptoms of Candida are so confusing.
The consensus is that many more people are suffering from Candida than those few who are diagnosed correctly. So what is candida exactly and how can we prevent it from happening? Lets take a closer look!
What Causes Candida?
According to nutritionally oriented physicians who treat candida, the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics is by far the most frequent cause of the ailment. People who have been on antibiotic drugs for long periods of time–to treat acne and recurrent sinus infections, for example–are at particularly high risk for developing the disorder. Because antibiotics so effectively wipe out bacteria (both the beneficial strains and the harmful ones), they dramatically disrupt the body’s delicate balance of microorganisms. Candida then takes over.
In addition, medications other than antibiotics can also increase the body’s susceptibility to candida overgrowth. These drugs include birth control pills and oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone), which are commonly prescribed to control inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Other factors that can increase a person’s susceptibility to candida include stress, a weakened immune system (due to any cause), a high-sugar diet, hormonal changes from pregnancy, and you guessed it…diabetes!
Symptoms To Watch Out For:
Some alternative practitioners believe that overgrowth of candida in the intestines is responsible for a yeast syndrome that results in symptoms such as fatigue, headache, mood swings, sinus congestion, depression, poor memory and concentration, and cravings for sweets.
A candida infection of the skin appears as a clearly defined patch of red, itchy skin, often leaking fluid. Scabs and pustules may be seen around the edge of the rash. It will usually be found in areas such as the groin, the folds of the buttocks, between the breasts, toes, or fingers, and in the navel.
A vaginal yeast infection may well result in a slow leakage of a thick, white, cheese-like substance. The vagina may itch or burn, especially during urination or sex. Pain or discomfort during intercourse is common.
Candidal paronychia is candidiasis of the fingernails. It often strikes people whose hands are in water a lot. Sometimes it presents as a painful, red, swollen area around the fingernail. In worse cases, the fingernail may separate, revealing a discolored white or yellow nail bed.
Oral thrush causes curd-like white patches inside the mouth, on the tongue and palate and around the lips. It may also cause cracked, red, moist areas of skin at the corners of the mouth. Thrush patches may or may not be painful.
Treatment Options:
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Thanks for Reading!
Chris