How to Identify a Yeast Infection

How to Identify a Yeast Infection

At some time in your life, you will probably need to know what a yeast infection looks like. A yeast infection will have different characteristics depending on which body part it has attacked. In most cases, it looks like a patchy red rash that is not raised at all. After a while, this rash can generate pus.

Babies usually get yeast infections in their mouths, where the fungus finds a wet, enclosed space in which to live. This type of yeast infection often resembles a layer of white, milky mucus over a red area of the skin. When the mouth is in this condition, it makes drinking and eating difficult and painful.

Babies and children still in diapers may also develop a yeast infection from the wet, warm environment. The more vigilant you are in changing the diaper, the more likely your child can avoid a yeast infection. Dry clothing is key to keeping yeast infections at bay. The yeast infection on a baby’s bottom will look similar to the red patches of rash mentioned earlier in the article.

Yeast infections can also occur in the skin between fingers and toes. In this case, it will look red and dry and feel quite irritated. Sweaty socks can often contribute to this problem, so go for socks that provide a looser fit and allow your feet to have some circulation.

When found in the ear, a yeast infection looks like a standard ear infection, causing the ear to look red or swollen. There may be a cottony discharge that comes from the affected ear.

A vaginal yeast infection has to be the most well known type of yeast infection. Up to 75% of many women suffer from this condition at least once in their lives. It is important to know what this kind of yeast infection looks like.

Often, you will notice a red patch of skin that looks inflamed and swollen. The soft tissues surrounding the vagina may also become swollen and irritated. Excessive dryness of the vaginal area is another indicator that you may have a yeast infection.

Other Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections also present with a host of other symptoms. A white, thick discharge will most likely occur; this will look different from the normal discharge a woman experiences when ovulating. It may have an odd smell, which some women compare to the smell of baked bread. You may notice a difference in coloration when discharge is due to a yeast infection.

Yeast infections in the ear can also be identified in children by the affected child’s behavior. Often, the child will act fussy due to the ear pain, or repeatedly pull on or rub the infected ear. Children with ear infections usually have trouble sleeping.

Once you are acquainted with what a yeast infection looks like, you can begin treating this condition much more quickly than before. Always consult with a doctor before taking medications, as some medicines can actually cause a future yeast infection to be more resistant to drugs.

What Really Causes A Yeast Infection

What Really Causes A Yeast Infection

Yeast: A Necessary Fungus

Yes, you read that correctly. Yeast is necessary for our bodies, and is always present in a small concentration. However, too much of this fungus will lead to an infection. It is important to understand what causes a yeast infection in order to avoid this painful condition in the future.

Shut Down Yeast’s Habitat

Yeast lives in warm, damp areas of the body. If you want to really slice your chances of getting a yeast infection, you should make sure you always wear clean, dry underwear. Tight panties made of synthetic materials are the absolute worst choice if you want to avoid yeast infections. Instead, wear cotton; it breathes much better. You should wear clean panties each day.

Women who do not control their diabetes well enough are more likely to get this condition. This is directly related to the sugar in the urine. Even if you do not have diabetes, it is a good idea to cut back on your sugar intake.

Scented toilet paper, tampons, and feminine deodorant sprays can also cause yeast infections. After exercising or swimming, it is a good idea to change out of the wet or sweaty clothing.

Don’t Kill the Yeast-Fighters

This is the tricky part. If you take antibiotics for another kind of infection, you will kill not only the offending bacteria, but the bacteria that would ordinarily get rid of much of the yeast. If you use some types of soap, such as the antibacterial kind, you may be killing these “good” germs in your quest to deodorize. Do not use soap on your vaginal area; the dyes and perfumes can really mess up your pH balance and harm the sensitive tissues. Clothing detergents can cause the same kind of problem, so choose your detergent with care. Do not use douches, as they get rid of the good bacteria. Every time you use antibiotics or antibacterial deodorants, you are clearing the way for yeast to take over and cause an infection.

Other Causes

HIV can also allow yeast infections to occur because it weakens the immune system. If a woman’s vagina is injured, a yeast infection may follow. Taking steroids can also heighten your risk of getting this irritating condition.

A woman who has taken chemotherapy can also get a yeast infection. Immunosuppressive drugs are sometimes useful, but they will contribute to your chances of getting a yeast infection. Drugs that belong to the cortisone family will also put you at a greater risk of getting a yeast infection.

Women who are pregnant or on their period are also more likely to get a yeast infection than they are at other times. Whether you wear pads or tampons during your period, you should change them frequently. Stress and sickness can also have a marked impact on your chances of getting this infection.

While some of the factors that can cause a yeast infection cannot be prevented, many of them can be eradicated or reduced.

What is Yeast Infection?

Yeast infection is one cause of vaginitis. But there are several other common causes of vaginitis. Yeast infection is a disease that has a high rate of recurrence. Most people who suffer from yeast infection do not like to be all the time on drugs, and some of them can even make the condition worsen, or even not work at all, so it is advisable to find a long-term, non-aggressive, alternative solution to use on a regular basis to alleviate the symptoms such as itching and burning sensation.

There's nothing to be ashamed of when one gets a yeast infection, be it men or women who suffers. Education can help calm the nerves, as can knowing you aren't the only person who has ever suffered the indignity. The problem lies in misdiagnosing a yeast infection when there is a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Trichomonas, gardnerella, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea can mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection. A pap smear at the doctor's office can rule out a mistake. If your doctor isn't sure, he would most likely recommend a culture be taken for further examination. If your infection is caused by yeast that is resistant to some anti-fungal medications, you'll need a doctor's care as well to point you in the right direction for the most effective treatment.

Trying to prevent infections is always recommended no matter what type of infection. Prevention is better than treatment because it can help you avoid becoming resistant to treatments. Knowing the steps you can take to lessen your chances of acquiring a return infection is always recommended. If you can take control of your wellness, you will be a stronger person mentally as well as physically.

Precautions are not always going to prevent infections, of course. There may be things that are beyond your control. This does not mean you are a failure or should be blamed. Sometimes it is easy to feel like you have done something wrong or that you may not have done enough. But a yeast infection is something that happens to someone every day. It may not be the subject of general conversation, but you can rest assured you are not the only one who has had to endure one, and you won't be the last!

Learning is power. Take control of your body by learning what is normal for you. Some people have yeast infections more often than others. Some seem to "outgrow" the tendency to get them. Whatever the case, the more you learn about the infection and about your own body, the better off you'll be!