Candida albicans is a type of yeast which gives rise to fungal infection. It is a single-celled fungus which reproduces by budding. This yeast is usually present in small amounts throughout the human body in moist areas such as mouth, vagina, rectum and parts of the skin.

The population of Candida Albicans is kept in control by the bacteria and other microorganisms found in the gut. There are several factors which are responsible for the overgrowth of the population of Candida Albicans, giving rise to a yeast infection called candidiasis. The overgrowth of Candida Albicans weakens the intestinal wall thereby, releasing toxic by-products into the body. These toxic substances damage the body tissues and organs, creating havoc over the immune system.

Overgrowth of Candida Albicans in different regions gives rise to different types of infection. Overgrowth of Candida Albicans in:-

• Vagina gives rise to a vaginal yeast infection known as candida vaginitis or vulvovaginitis candidiasis.

• Mouth gives rise to a condition known as oral candidiasis or thrush.

• Skin, is represented as diaper rash.

• Nails gives rise to candidal onchomycosis  

When the Candida yeast gets into the bloodstream, it can spread to the other parts of the body giving rise to candidemia or invasive yeast infection. Such an infection may occur when the immune system is weakened; when a yeast infection goes untreated or when there is a contact with a fungus contaminated medical equipment.

There are chances that the yeast infections may also be around dentures; nail beds; in skin folds under the breast, lower abdomen and beneath other skin folds.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Candidiasis are dependent on the area of infection. Candida infection symptoms affection various organs are mentioned below:-

Symptoms of Candida infection of the Mouth

• Visible curd-like creamy white patch;

• Inflamed patch;

• Difficulty in swallowing;

• Cracked, red areas at the corners of the mouth;

• Painful or non-painful patch.

Symptoms of Candida infection of the Vagina

• Oozing of thick, white, cheese like substance;

• Itching;

• Burning;

• Redness and swelling of vagina and vulva;

• Pain during intercourse.

Symptoms of Candida infection of the Skin

• Well defined dark red patch;

• Itching

• Oozing of fluid;

• Scabs and pustules;

• Red and scaly skin.

Symptoms of Candida infection of the Nails

• Red, swollen, painful area around the fingernail;

• Fingernail may separate, revealing a discoloured or yellow nail bed;

• Pus may develop.

Infection in the bloodstream may affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, lungs, or other organs giving rise to chills, fever, anaemia and rash. Based on the organ affected, Candida may lead to the following symptoms:

Eyes

• Pain;

• Vision blurred.

Heart

• Damage to valves;

• Murmurs.

Kidneys

• Blood in urine.

Lungs

• Bloody sputum

Brain

• Seizures;

• Alterations in mental behaviour.

Causative Factors/ Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that are responsible for the outgrowth of Candida yeast. Some of the factors are as mentioned below:-

• Use of antibiotics;

• Elevated blood sugar levels;

• Weak immune system;

• Pregnancy;

• Obesity;

• Stress;

• Contraceptive pill use;

• Leakage of mercury from dental fillings;

• Chlorine and fluoride;

• Excessive consumption of sugar and sugar containing products;

• Steroids and few cancer medications;

• Hot weather;

• Tight clothing;

• Lack of sleep.

Treatment

Patients suffering from candidiasis are advised to follow the Candida diet for a particular period of time, around 3 to 6 months.  

Characteristics of this diet include:

• Consumption of fermented foods is avoided as they may contribute towards the growth of the yeast

• Eradication of sugar from diet.

• Restricting the use of other trigger foods such as cheese, breads, honey, muffins and glutinous foods such as oats, barley, rye and wheat.

• Probiotics such as acidophilus is introduced into the diet, to help maintain the balance of bacteria in the body.

Homoeopathic Treatment

Homoeopathic treatment offers excellent results in treating candidiasis. Homoeopathy aids in treating candidiasis from the root cause and also prevents the recurrence of candidiasis. This mode of therapeutics is highly recommended in cases of Candidiasis. It is safe, rapid and effective mode of therapeutics. Homoeopathic medicines shall enhance the immunity and resistance of the patient thus, preventing candidiasis. These medicines help in reducing the susceptibility of an individual against illness.

There is no one single medicine available in Homoeopathy that can treat candidiasis. There are numerous homoeopathic remedies available for curing Candidiasis. Homoeopathy treats the patient and not the disease. In Homoeopathy, every patient is considered different hence; for every case of candidiasis the homoeopathic medicine differs. The symptoms of the patient suffering with candidiasis are collected and they are matched with symptoms of the drug, the medicine whose symptoms closely matches with the symptoms of the patient is prescribed. The potency and repetition of the medicine too, shall differ from patient to patient. The Homoeopathic physician shall be the best to judge the repetition and potency of the medicine to be dispensed.

Some of the Homoeopathic medicines useful in Candidiasis  But homoeopathic medications should be strictly taken only under the supervision of a Homoeopathic Consultant.

Prevention

Candidiasis can be prevented when the below mentioned aspects are followed:-

• Candidiasis occurs in people with weak immune system hence, to prevent candidiasis it is essential to maintain the health of immune system;

• Keep skin clean, dry and free from cuts or abrasions;

• Practice good hygiene;

• Reduce stress;

• Get plenty of rest;

• Regular consumption of yoghurt;

• Avoid foods high in sugar, dairy, yeast, wheat and caffeine;

• Diet that encourages the growth of yeast should be avoided;

• Maintain blood sugar levels in control;

• Avoid certain medications;

• Encourage proper nutrition, exercise and sleep;

• Wear clean and dry undergarments.