Description A fungus (a form of...
Description
A fungus (a form of yeast) that can cause infection of the mouth, throat, and genitalia. In patients with weakened immune systems infections can be present in the blood or organs. This is a much more serious infection than the more common mouth or genital infection. This infection is more common in diabetics, patients taking antibiotics, and in patients with weakened immune systems (including cancer patients and patients with HIV infection). This is also a common infection in healthy women with 75% having a vaginal candida infection in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Itchy skin rash, redness, pain, white cheesy vaginal discharge, white blotches on the penis or in the mouth, pain with swallowing. With bloodstream infection, high fever, dizziness and fatigue are common.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of fungus is done either directly with a KOH stain or by fungal culture. Often the appearance is so typical that testing is not necessary. When bloodstream infection is suspected, a blood test (called blood cultures) is performed.
Other Specific Tests: KOH test, fungal culture
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Identification of fungus is done either directly with a KOH stain or by fungal culture. Often the appearance is so typical that testing is not necessary. When bloodstream infection is suspected, a blood test (called blood cultures) is performed.
Other Specific Tests: KOH test, fungal culture
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Topical antifungal medications can be used for most infections. The most common include: butoconazole (Gynazole), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat) and terconazole (Terazol). Many of these are available over the counter without a prescription. A one-time single dose medication called fluconazole (Diflucan) can be taken by mouth. Infections of the blood can be difficult to eradicate and require intravenous medications.