All symptoms of yeast infections are caused by the yeast species, Candida. Candida is naturally found living on your skin, in your digestive tract and mucus membranes. As long as you are healthy and your G.I. tract is in balance, then the yeast is kept in check. However, when something happens and your G.I. tract goes out of balance, then the yeast can grow to large numbers and cause an infection.

The most common areas for symptoms of yeast infection are in warm, moist areas such as in the mouth, genitals, behind the knees and elbows, in the underarms and in skin folds. Babies tend to get symptoms of yeast infection in the mouth and in the diaper area. The most common types of yeast infections include diaper rash, thrush, vaginal yeast infections and nail bed infections. Men have the same chance of developing a yeast infection as women.

As you get older you have a greater chance of developing yeast infections because your body has a harder time remaining in balance and smaller issues will cause large changes. While most symptoms of yeast infections are not too serious, if you develop a systemic yeast infection, then this can be dangerous, as individuals with a systemic infection can develop more serious medical complications. Additionally, a recurring yeast infection that does not respond to treatment, may be a sign of a more serious health issue that is compromising your immune system.

Yeast infections are caused by several different factors. The use of antibiotics and steroids can cause many symptoms of yeast infections as they can change your body’s chemistry, creating a favorable environment for yeast. Yeast infections will develop in individuals that have weakened immune systems. These type of yeast infections can be life threatening as your body cannot fight them off.

Some symptoms of yeast infections on your skin include irritation, itching and sometimes a white discharge. For women with a vaginal yeast infection they may have pain with sexual intercourse of a burning sensation when urinating. An oral yeast infection, also known as thrush, will develop red patches that have overlying white patches. Thrush can make eating very painful and dehydration can occur.

If you have a weakened immune system then your body cannot fight of the yeast infections, then it has the potential to spread inside your body to the different organs. Internal yeast infections are painful and have the potential to spread to the blood stream. If the yeast reaches the blood stream, then it can infect your brain and cause irreversible damage.

If you are taking over the counter medication and are not experiencing any relief then you should visit a doctor. If you are using over the counter medication and have a recurring yeast infection then you should go see a doctor immediately. Most skin yeast infections can be successfully treated with over the counter medication. A mouth yeast infection can only be treated with prescription medication.

Systemic yeast infections need to be treated in a hospital and you need to try and strengthen your immune system. For those that have severe thrush they may be dehydrated or have nutrient deficiency and this may require a hospital stay if it is severe. Yeast infections that are coupled with fever, vomiting, abdominal pain or chills then you may have a kidney yeast infection or other problems.

There are many symptoms of yeast infections that both men and women can show and the best solution is to find a doctor who has a track record of successfully treating patients who have had Candida and yeast infections. Be careful, however, if your doctor wants to prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics to treat your yeast infection as this will only likely make matters worse.

Doc Walton works to educate men and women on the best home remedy for yeast infection and is an expert at treating yeast infections