Yeast Infection
What are Yeast Infections?
Candidiasis is a dermatological yeast infection that causes oral thrush once the fungus has invaded the mucous membranes of the mouth. Candida, or yeast, is typically found in a person’s digestive tract, mouth and skin where it resides and is considered as a normal flora of the body. A problem usually arise when the immune system of the person is weakened because of illness or any other condition, making it possible for the candida organism to multiply in number and eventually invade the lining of other organs such as the mouth and the genitals.
Signs & Symptoms of Yeast Infections
The signs and symptoms associated with candidiasis or other yeast infections depend upon the location of the affected site. 
Patients with oral candidiasis, or oral thrush, will usually complain of difficulty in swallowing, and will exhibit the presence of white patches, or lesions, inside the mouth plus signs of an elevated body temperature. Vaginal thrush, on the other hand, will produce vaginal discharges accompanied by severe itching and pain. Women will also complain of pain during sexual intercourse and during urination as well. Redness and swelling of the external genital structures are also observed because of the on-going inflammatory process.
Causes of Yeast Infections
A significantly weakened immune system is the main cause of candidiasis. Other factors that predispose a patient to developing yeast infection include the use of oral contraceptives, wearing of clothes that are too tight, extreme age groups (too young and too old), the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, lack of iron in the body, the presence of endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), and malnutrition. People who smoke and those with poor personal hygiene are also considered at risk for thrush.
Diagnosis of Yeast Infections
Aside from a careful physical examination, skin culture of specimens obtained through swabs and scrapings are used by doctors to diagnose candidiasis. A sample of the specimen is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examinations. The treatment protocol for the management of candidiasis cases often includes the use of anti-fungal medications.
Prevention of Yeast Infections
Thrush can be prevented through various ways. Oral thrush prevention includes the practice of good oral hygiene, smoking cessation, dietary modifications (lessen intake of sweets and food that contains yeast), and avoiding the use of mouthwash since this alters the normal balance of organisms inside the mouth. Vaginal thrush could be prevented by the use of mild soap and water when cleaning the vagina, and avoiding the use of lubricant, spermicidal creams and latex condoms during sexual intercourse. Women should also use comfortable, loose clothes.