How do you know if you suffer from a yeast infection? A yeast infection, also called candida, can be very annoying and does not always go away. A yeast infection can occur at various places on your body, for example on your feet, on your skin or in your mouth. Also more than half of the women sometimes have to deal with a vaginal yeast infection in her life.
The most familiar forms of yeast infections are:
- Vaginal fungus (also called vaginal candida)
- Skin fungus (also called ringworm)
- Athlete’s foot (also called a swimmer’s eczema)
What is a vaginal fungus?
Women prefer not to talk about it, but at least half of the women sometimes suffer from a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection, also called candida, is an infection of the vagina caused by certain fungal species or yeasts.
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungus that occurs fairly often in women: more than half of the women have experienced it in her life. Important to know: vaginal fungus or candida is not an STD.
A vaginal yeast infection can happen to any woman. This is because fungi and bacteria live in the vagina. That is very normal. There is a natural balance between these fungi and bacteria. Sometimes this balance gets disturbed. Certain fungi can then take the upper hand and a fungal infection develops.
Possible causes of vaginal fungus
- Use of antibiotics or other medications
- Reduced resistance
- Clean too thoroughly with soap
- Pregnancy or menstruation
- Diabetes
What is skin fungus?
Skin fungus is an infection of the skin that occurs when the skin has been in contact with a fungus or a yeast (candida). It often occurs in the skin folds on our body. Symptoms such as redness, itching, vesicles and flakiness may indicate a skin fungus.
Skin fungus is, like other fungi, a transmissible skin condition.
Skin fungus is not dangerous but can be annoying. The symptoms are usually accompanied by itching and a burning sensation. A fungal infection does not always cause immediate symptoms, but can also cause symptoms later on (for example as a result of a reduced resistance). The symptoms often worsen in damp or warm weather.
Possible causes of skin fungus
- Reduced resistance
- The use of certain medicines such as antibiotics
- A moist skin, for example, due to bad drying or excessive perspiration
- The use of soap or shower gel
- Diabetes
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as a swimmer’s eczema, is a fungal infection on your foot that occurs when the skin of the foot has been in contact with fungal spores or yeasts (candida).
Athlete’s foot is very contagious: the incidence of athlete’s foot can easily occur. Especially in a humid, wet environment where molds can expand quickly. Think for example of a swimming pool floor, showers in sports facilities or the sauna.
Athlete’s foot often starts between the little toe and the toe next to it. It can spread to both the top and the bottom of the foot. You will often not notice anything immediately after it has been contaminated with this fungus. Until the skin turns red and itch, especially itchy toes are common. The symptoms often worsen in hot and humid weather.
Possible causes athlete’s foot
- Athlete’s foot is easily transferable. Contamination often occurs in public places such as wet swimming pool floors, showers and / or sauna for example.
- Moist feet, for example, sweaty feet, are more prone to foot fungi. Fungi can spread faster in a humid, wet environment. Foot fungus may also develop due to poorly ventilating shoes or synthetic socks.
- Do you suffer from chapping on the feet or between the toes? Athlete’s foot can nest more easily in chunks on your feet than on healthy, even skin.
Did you know that yeast infection…
- Are very contagious? In particular athlete’s foot, you can easily walk into damp areas such as shared showers or swimming pools. Read here how you can prevent athlete’s foot.
- The use of deodorant or scented soap can cause a fungal infection on your skin?
- It is important to dry your skin, your feet and your vagina thoroughly after showering, washing or exercising.
- Strong detergents for your clothes, your socks or your underwear can irritate your skin. Use a mild, odorless detergent to wash your underwear.
- Can develop faster when you take an antibiotic?
- Can also be treated with herbal supplements like Yeastrol spray.