Candidiasis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Candidiasis or candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Candidiasis usually occurs on the skin, mouth, and genitals. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other body organs, such as the intestines, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Candidiasis can be experienced by anyone. However, people with weak immune systems are more at risk of getting this infection. Some diseases that can cause decreased immunity are diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
Causes of Candidiasis
Under normal circumstances, Candida fungi do live on the skin and some parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina, without causing health problems. However, this fungus can harm the body if it breeds uncontrollably or enters the bloodstream, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Uncontrolled growth and development of the Candida fungus is most often caused by a weak immune system. Some factors that can weaken the immune system are:
- Suffering from diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy
- Using corticosteroid drugs for a long time
- Using antibiotics for a long time
- Suffering from obesity or malnutrition
Candidiasis risk factors
The following factors can increase the risk of candidiasis of the skin and genital area:
- Warm and humid weather
- Habit of rarely changing underwear
- The habit of wearing clothes that do not absorb sweat
- Poor personal hygiene
Symptoms of Candidiasis
Patients with candidiasis can experience different symptoms, depending on the location of the infection. Here are the symptoms of candidiasis based on the affected body part:
Oral candidiasis (oral thrush)
- White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, and inner cheeks
- Redness in the mouth and throat
- Cracked skin at the corners of the mouth
- Pain when swallowing
- Injuries to the corners of the lips
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Extreme itching in the vagina
- Pain and burning when urinating
- Discomfort during sex
- Swelling in the vagina and the outside of the vagina (vulva)
- Clogged vaginal discharge
Skin candidiasis (cutaneous candidiasis)
- Itchy rash in folds of skin, such as the armpits, groin, between the fingers, or under the breasts
- Dry and cracked skin
- Skin blisters and pus if there is a secondary infection, namely infection with other germs, including bacteria
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the complaints and symptoms mentioned above. You should also check with your doctor if you have risk factors that can increase the occurrence of candidiasis, such as suffering from HIV, cancer, or diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with candidiasis, do the control according to the schedule suggested by your doctor. In addition to monitoring therapy, this also aims to prevent complications.
Diagnosis of Candidiasis
The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, as well as his medical history and medications he is taking. The doctor will also perform a thorough physical examination, including an examination of the skin for any rashes.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform several supporting tests, such as:
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test, to see the type of fungus that grows on the skin by examining a sample of skin scrapings
- Blood test, to detect infection in the body by examining a blood sample
- Fungal culture, to detect the type of fungus that infects the body by examining blood and body tissue samples
- Vaginal discharge test, to detect fungal growth and the type of fungus that causes infection in the vagina, by examining a sample of vaginal discharge
- Urine test, to detect Candida yeast growth by examining a urine sample
Candidiasis Treatment
The goal of candidiasis treatment is to treat the infection and prevent complications. When already diagnosed with candidiasis, the doctor will give antifungal drugs, according to the location and severity of the infection. Doctors can give antifungal drugs in the form of tablets, lotions, or creams.
Antifungal drugs that can be used include:
- Amphotericin B
- Butoconazole
- Caspofungin
- Clotrimazole
- Fluconazole
- Miconazole
- Itraconazole
- Micafungin
- Nystatin
- Tioconale
- Voriconazole
Complications of Candidiasis
Candidiasis on the skin will usually cause discomfort and insecurity so that it can cause stress. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream and other organs, complications such as sepsis and disruption of the infected organs can occur.
In certain cases, the spread of Candida fungi to the covering of the brain (meninges) will cause meningitis.
Candidiasis Prevention
Candidiasis can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene and endurance. Some of the ways that can be done are:
- Keep your mouth and teeth clean, by brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist at least every 6 months.
- Stop smoking.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable, not tight, and absorb sweat.
- Change clothes, underwear, and socks, regularly.
- Change pads regularly during menstruation.
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet and probiotics.
- Clean the vaginal area with running water, and avoid using panty liners and feminine hygiene soaps without a doctor's recommendation.
- Make regular check-ups with your doctor if you have a disease that can weaken your immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
- Have regular check-ups if you are undergoing chemotherapy or using corticosteroid drugs for a long time.
- Do not use corticosteroid drugs and antibiotics beyond the doctor's advice.
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