In Singapore, candidiasis, or a yeast infection, is most common in the vagina but can occur elsewhere. It’s usually treated with topical medication.
Keywords: candidiasis, candidiasis in Singapore, Singapore candidiasis
Candidiasis is commonly called a “yeast infection.” It can affect different parts of the body, including the vagina, mouth, penis, skin, or other areas. The cause is a single-celled organism called Candida, which is normally present in small amounts in many people, but is kept under control by the other normal bacteria. Candidiasis occurs when Candida grows out of control.
Vaginal yeast infections are very common; in Singapore, candidiasis of the vagina will occur in most women at least once in their lives. They’re more common during pregnancy (when hormones change the normal bacterial environment), when taking antibiotics, or in those with a suppressed immune system. Sometimes, it’s a sexually transmitted infection; one partner can pass a new strain of Candida to the other partner, whose bacteria aren’t able to control that particular strain.
Symptoms
Vaginal candidiasis has symptoms that are very similar to those of sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis. There’s usually an unusual vaginal discharge; it’s white, thick, and may smell like bread. There’s often a burning or itching sensation in the vagina, and the vulva (the external genitals) may be swollen and uncomfortable.
Men may have similar symptoms if they get candidiasis of the penis; there is typically itching, redness, and discharge. Candidiasis is common in babies, in the form of thrush (candidiasis of the mouth, consisting of white patches forming on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue) or a skin infection in the diaper area (causing an itchy red rash). Skin infections can also occur in adults, and are most common in areas that stay moist, such as between the toes (“athlete’s foot”) or in folds of skin in those who are overweight.
Treatment
Candidiasis is typically treated with topical antifungal medications. These can be in the form of creams, ointments, or vaginal suppositories. Treatment usually continues for 3 to 7 days, although a longer course of treatment may be recommended in those who frequently get candidiasis.
In women who frequently get vaginal candidiasis, treatment of her partner sometimes helps; the partner may be a carrier of a more aggressive form of the yeast that her body isn’t able to control. Sometimes, women who get yeast infections frequently can treat these themselves with over the counter medication obtained at the pharmacy. Only do so if your doctor has told you what to look for, in case you get an infection that isn’t candidiasis. Because the symptoms of candidiasis are similar to those of other infections, it’s easy to mistake something else for a yeast infection and mistreat yourself.
Prevention
Prevention of candidiasis mainly consists of making the body a less hospitable environment for the yeast. For instance, keeping the skin dry and allowing it to be exposed to light periodically helps to prevent candidiasis of the skin. Allow a baby’s bottom to dry completely between diaper changes at least once a day, and allow the feet to “air out” outside of socks or shoes at least once a day.
To prevent vaginal yeast infections, keep the normal bacteria in the vagina at healthy levels. This means avoiding douching, which can damage the normal bacteria. Also, don’t use any fragrances or soaps in the genital area, because this could interfere with the normal bacteria.
Vaginal yeast infections can be caused by taking antibiotics. Some doctors recommend taking probiotics, which are healthy bacteria, whenever you’re taking antibiotics; others recommend eating healthy bacteria in the form of yogurt or other fermented foods. Also, avoid taking antibiotics unless you absolutely need them; candidiasis in Singapore commonly occurs in people who are taking antibiotics that they don’t really need (for instance, for a cold, which is usually viral).
References
Candidiasis at Shim Clinic, Singapore