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Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
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What is candidiasis? |
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Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive system and vaginal area, it may cause an infection when the skin is damaged or when conditions are warm and humid, or when a child has a depressed immune system. Antibiotics can also cause yeast to grow, because the normal bacteria in tissues are killed, letting the yeast grow unhampered.
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What are the symptoms of candidiasis? |
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The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection. The following are the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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| Location |
Symptoms / Signs |
| skin folds or navel |
- rash
- patches that ooze clear fluid
- pimples
- itching or burning
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| vagina |
- white or yellow discharge from the vagina
- itching
- redness in the external area of the vagina
- burning
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| penis |
- redness on the underside of the penis
- scaling on the underside of the penis
- painful rash on the underside of the penis
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| mouth (thrush) |
- white patches on tongue and inside of the cheeks
- pain
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| corners of the mouth (perlèche) |
- cracks and/or tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth
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| nail beds |
- swelling
- pain
- pus
- white or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed
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The symptoms of candidiasis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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How is candidiasis diagnosed? |
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In addition to a medical history and physical examination of your child, your child's physician may scrape off a skin sample to confirm the diagnosis with a microscope or a culture.
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Treatment for candidiasis: |
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Candidiasis is highly treatable with medicated ointments. Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infection or infections in an immunocompromised child may be treated with oral anti-yeast medications.
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