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Yeast Infections
Introduction
Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infections can be caused by many different varieties of
fungus. The most common fungus that causes a yeast infection is called Candida.
Yeast infections can affect many different parts of the body. These include the mouth,
esophagus, vagina, and skin. Yeast infections can even affect the bloodstream.
This reference summary will help you understand yeast infections, including the
different types of yeast infections. It also discusses symptoms, causes, and treatment
of yeast infections.
Yeast Infections
Yeast lives almost everywhere, including your body. It is usually found in the mouth,
digestive tract, and the vagina. A small amount of yeast is normal. Usually, your
immune system keeps yeast under control. When your body can’t control yeast, it can
multiply. This causes a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are not usually contagious. However, sometimes a
person with a weak immune system can catch the infection.
Yeast infections affect different parts of the body in different ways. For
example, thrush is an oral yeast infection that affects your mouth and
tongue. It causes white patches of yeast to grow. These patches can
increase in number or size if not treated properly.
Esophagitis is a thrush that spreads to your esophagus. The
esophagus is the tube that takes food from your mouth to your
stomach. Esophagitis can make it hard or painful to swallow.
Oral Thrush
Women can get vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are sometimes called
vaginitis. They affect the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are common and may cause
itchiness, pain and abnormal discharge. The vagina is the muscular canal that goes
from the uterus to the outside of the body.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2015, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 10/28/2015
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Yeast infections of the skin cause itching and rashes. These
infections can happen on any part of the skin, but often begin in
warm, moist areas like the armpits. Diaper rash in infants is most
commonly caused by yeast.
In adults, yeast infections in the groin areas, known as “jock
itch,” and in the feet, known as “athlete’s foot,” are very common.
Yeast infections in your bloodstream can be life-threatening.
These infections are mostly found in people with very weak
immune systems.
Athlete’s Foot
Symptoms
Symptoms of a yeast infection depend on the type and location of the infection. Most
types of yeast infections cause itching or pain in the affected area.
Thrush, the oral yeast infection, may cause the following symptoms:
• Red, cracked patches in the mouth
• White patches in the mouth
• Patches that bleed easily
• Soreness
Symptoms of esophagitis, the yeast infection of the throat, include:
• Pain behind the breastbone
• Painful swallowing
A yeast infection of the skin may cause the following
symptoms:
• Red, moist, raw skin usually found in warm, moist
areas
• Inflammation of the skin
• Itchy or painful skin
• Tiny, pus-filled bumps
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2015, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 10/28/2015
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Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
• Vaginal itch, burning, or pain
• Abnormal discharge, sometimes appearing like cottage
cheese
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Painful urination
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a person’s chance of getting a
yeast infection. These are known as “risk factors.”
Infants are at a higher risk of thrush. Thrush is not considered abnormal in infants
unless it doesn’t go away after a couple weeks. Young children are also at an
increased risk of yeast infections of the skin. Diaper rash is an example of this type of
infection. The diaper creates a warm, moist environment for the yeast to grow in.
Older people are more likely than others to develop thrush. This makes age a risk
factor for a yeast infection.
Gender is a risk factor. Most women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in
their lives.
Obesity is another risk factor for yeast infections. People who
are obese may have extra folds of skin in which yeast can
grow.
Yeast infections are also common in people who:
• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes
• Have HIV or other immunodeficiency disorders
• Take certain cancer drugs or steroids
• Use antibiotics or birth control pills
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It kills or
damages the body’s immune system cells. Immunodeficiency
disorders decrease the body’s ability to fight infections and
other diseases.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2015, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 10/28/2015
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Other factors that may increase a person’s risk of a yeast infection include:
• Hormonal changes
• Illness
• Lack of sleep
• Poor eating habits
• Stress
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, your healthcare
provider will try to find out if a yeast infection is the cause of
your symptoms or if there is another cause. Your healthcare
provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical
exam. In most cases, a yeast infection can be diagnosed by
looking at the infected area.
Scrapings or samples of the infected area can also help confirm
a diagnosis. Samples can be cultured or examined under a
microscope to determine if a yeast infection is the cause.
For a vaginal yeast infection, a healthcare provider will do a pelvic examination to look
for inflammation and white patches on the vaginal wall. A sample of vaginal discharge
can also help diagnose a yeast infection.
Your healthcare provider may also choose other tests if a yeast infection doesn’t go
away or returns frequently. This may be a sign of an underlying cause such as HIV or
a weakened immune system.
Treatment
Some yeast infections can be treated at home.
However, you should talk to your healthcare
provider if your symptoms do not improve or go
away after trying home treatment.
Thrush treatment may include antifungal
mouthwash or lozenges. Thrush in infants is
considered common and usually goes away on
its own.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2015, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 10/28/2015
idh90101
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Good hygiene is key in treating yeast infections of the skin. Try to
keep the area dry and open to the air. Weight loss can also help if
the yeast infection is caused by obesity.
Antifungal medication eliminates yeast infections in most people.
Creams or ointments are available for infection of the mouth, skin,
or vagina. Sometimes medications must be taken by mouth for
severe infections. Medications are available both over-thecounter and by prescription.
Diabetics with a yeast infection should make sure their blood
sugar is under control. This can help clear the infection and
prevent future infections.
Yeast infections may return. Repeat vaginal or skin yeast infections are common. Talk
to your healthcare provider if your infection returns. Most yeast infections are easily
treated. However, a yeast infection may be life-threatening in people with a weak
immune system. A weak immune system may make treatment more difficult.
Treatment of yeast infections in the blood may require weeks of IV antifungal
medications. This type of infection can be life-threatening.
Summary
Yeast infections are caused by fungi. Candida is one of the most common fungi
involved with these infections. Yeast infections are very common. They can affect
many different parts of the body. These include the mouth, esophagus, vagina, skin,
and even the bloodstream.
Yeast infections affect different parts of the body in different ways. Some types of
yeast infections can be treated at home. Other types of yeast infections go away on
their own.
You should talk to your healthcare provider if your
symptoms don’t improve or go away after trying home
treatment. Also talk to your healthcare provider if your
infection returns. A yeast infection may be lifethreatening in people with a weak immune system.
A weak immune system may make treatment more
difficult. However, most yeast infections are easily
treated.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2015, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 10/28/2015
idh90101
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