Candidiasis Symptoms in Women

Candidiasis is basically an infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. The most common sign of this infection is the appearance of red, itchy skin on different parts of the body, often leaking fluid. These red patches may or may not be painful, but add to your anxiety and lack of sleep.

The infection usually appears on the skin folds of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, and navel. Apart from these areas, candidiasis can also occur on the breasts, toes and fingers of a female. In some cases, candidiasis also occurs in the mouth, which is termed as oral thrush.

Symptoms Associated with Candidiasis
The main reason for the occurrence of candidiasis is a weak immune system. Prolonged use of antibiotics may also be a contributory factor. Strengthening the immune system with changes in the diet is one way to get relief from this fungal infection. In the following paragraphs, we will look at the symptoms of candidiasis related to the different parts of the body.

Oral Candidiasis
Also known as oral thrush or candidiasis of the mouth, this infection occurs on the lining of the cheeks and tongue. The associated symptoms of oral candidiasis in women are:
Thick white lesions in the mouth
Cracked corners of the mouth
Tongue sores
Difficulty in swallowing
Painful and bleeding gums
Loss of taste
Skin Candidiasis
Candidiasis occurring on the skin is most common in women. It affects the breasts, underarms, buttocks and other folds of the skin. It is also known as moniliasis. The related symptoms can be:
Skin rashes
Blisters
Irritation
Dark brownish patches
Vaginal Candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis is relatively difficult to detect, as there can be many reasons for vaginal infection, especially in women with an active sex life. The most prominent symptoms associated with this infection include:
Vaginal swelling
Yellowish discharge
Menstrual irregularities
Pain during sex
Itching
Burning sensation while urination
Toenail and Fingernail Candidiasis
When this infection affects the toenails and fingernails it is known as onychomycosis. Mainly associated with women, this form of candidiasis tends to change the color of the nails. The associated symptoms include:
Thickening of nails
Gray color of the nails
Decay of nails
Other Symptoms of Candida Infection
There can be various other symptoms that may be exhibited by women suffering from candidiasis. These may be associated with the digestive, respiratory, and even neurological system and include:
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Bloated belly
Heartburn
Nausea
Colitis
Headache
Mood swings
Poor memory
Dizziness
Aggressiveness
Carbohydrate cravings
Mucus congestion
Cough
One may not exactly exhibit all the symptoms at the same time, but with increasing infection, these signs may eventually show up. One does not need to panic in such situations as there are various yeast infection treatments available that cure the infection effectively. With proper use of yeast infection home remedies and a candida cleanse diet, it is easy to get rid of excessive yeast from the body. You just have to detect the symptoms as early as possible and start treatment. Following a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle will keep your immune system strong and will help you keep diseases at bay.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.