Candidiasis

Candidiasis or thrush is caused by infection with species of the genus Candida, predominantly with Candida albicans. Candida species are ubiquitous fungi that represent the most common fungal pathogens that affect humans. Although it is usually associated with women, thrush infections are relatively common in men as well.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal or yeast infection caused by strains of Candida. Candida albicans accounts for most cases but other strains may also be implicated. Penile yeast infection or Candida Balanitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the end of the penis.

Candida albicans
Occurs naturally in the body, particularly in warm, moist areas, such as the mouth and genitals. It does not usually cause any problems because it is kept under control by the immune system (the bodys natural defence against illness and infection) and other types of bacteria in the body.

Symptoms
Some women with thrush will not have any signs or symptoms, and be completely unaware they have thrush. Typical symptoms include: vulval itching, soreness and irritation redness of the vagina and vulva vaginal discharge, often white (like cottage cheese) and this can be thick or thin but is usually odourless pain or discomfort during sex or when passing urine.

In men, symptoms may be less noticeable than in women, but include: discomfort, burning or itching at the tip of the penis or under the foreskin redness or red patches on the penis or under the foreskin a thick or thin discharge, like cottage cheese, under the foreskin discomfort when passing urine.

Causes/Risk Factors:
Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids or oral contraceptives During pregnancy Systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus or Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) Tight undergarments Poor personal hygiene

Diagnosis
A urinalysis should be performed. Evidence of WBCs, RBCs, protein, and yeast cells is common. Additionally, urine fungal cultures are useful. For a wet mount, scrapings or smears obtained from skin, nails, or oral or vaginal mucosa are examined under the microscope for hyphae, pseudohyphae, or budding yeast cells. A potassium hydroxide smear, Gram stain, or methylene blue is useful for direct demonstration of fungal cells.

Medical Management
The goal of managemnt is to eliminate symptoms. Antifungal agents suchas miconazole (Monistat), nystatin (Mycostatin), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) and terconazole (Terazol) cream. These agents are inserted into the vagina. Oral medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan) is also available.

Nursing Management
The most important nursing intervention for the patient with candidiasis is education about the infection and its treatment. - Instruct patient to keep his or her skin dry and free of irritation and to use clean towel and washcloth daily. - Encourage the patient to use cold compress and/or sitz bath to relieve itching.

- Instruct patient to wash hands thoroughly after touching the infected area - Teach the patient to allow the skin to be open to the air, to wear loose-fitting clothing rather than tight fitting clothing or synthetic fibers

 http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/womenshealth/t hrush.htm http://www.emedicinehealth.com/candidiasis _yeast_infection.htm