What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
The symptoms of a yeast infection vary depending where on or in the body it occurs. Yeast infections on mucus membranes such as the inside of the mouth or around the female genitalia tend to produce white to off-white plaques and/or discharge, while yeast infections of the skin tend to show up as reddish, irritated patches of skin with scalloped edges.
When a serious yeast infection takes hold of the body there are many symptoms. The fungus that is normally present on the skin and in mucous membranes such as the vagina, mouth, or rectum can affect many parts of the body like the throat, intestines, heart valves, skin, ovaries and many other organs. Of particular note is the way the intestinal pH is altered unfavorably. Not everyone has the same symptoms. Some people get slight discomfort, others get several symptoms. Generally speaking the symptoms may include: depression, anxiety, irritability and mood swings, lethargy, extreme exhaustion; an insatiable appetite for starchy sugary food; dry, itchy, flaky skin acne or other skin problems; food and environmental allergies; digestive disorders, heartburn, and indigestion; joint soreness, chest pain, headache and migraine; jock itch, premenstrual tension, vaginal soreness and a variety of menstrual problems including aching ovaries and the like. This is not an exhaustive list.
The most common symptoms are itching, burning, and redness in the vagina and vulva. You may also experience an odor- less, thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese-though not every woman has an abnormal discharge. Pain and a burning sensation may occur during intercourse. If you have never experienced these symptoms before, schedule an appointment with your doctor. You may have another type of infection. Your doctor can determine the type of infection you have through a physical exam and some simple lab tests. What conditions can lead to a yeast infection? Most women will experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. The following conditions can contribute to the development of such an infection: • Treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics can upset the normal vaginal environment by altering the normal bacteria population of the vagina and allowing Candida organisms to multiply. • Sugar levels in the body. Women who are diabetic may be more susceptible to yeast i
