What is candida?
It is a fungus and belongs to genus of yeasts, it’s commonly found as commensals on the surface of not only us humans but also on some animals. These organisms however lead to disease when the normal environment of the body is altered due to disease. The last century has seen an increase in the number of instances of candida infections especially among immunocompromised people as in those with AIDS or those who have cancer pr those who have undergone transplant operations.
These fungi share their environment with certain bacteria which live as commensals on our skin and mucous membranes; therefore when we take any antibiotics or use creams which contain them we wipe them out of the picture and the fungi take over and increase in numbers. Another important factor on increase in their number is hot and moist conditions which enhance their growth.
The word candida denotes “clear and white “in Latin. There are more than 20 species of candida found in our environment; but the most commonly encountered is candida albicans which is what we will be dealing with in this article.
Where all can u expect a candida infection in your body?
-    vagina
-    urinary bladder
-    intestines
-    navel
-    esophagus

-    pharynx

-   oral cavity (oral thrush)
The most common out of the lot is vaginal candidiasis, encountered in young reproductive women.
Typical affected areas in babies include the mouth and diaper areas.
Adults experience oral infections more commonly with increased age. They can have infections around dentures, under the breast and lower abdomen, nail beds, and beneath other skin folds like the underarms. Most of these candidal infections are superficial and clear up easily with treatment.
A more serious complication is that of a systemic infection by the same fungi called fungemia or more specifically candidemia. This could lead to a fatal outcome if not treated immediately.