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Common Causes of Thrush

Candida albicans, or thrush, is a fungal infection which can infect the mouth, tongue, gums, diaper area, vagina, skin and nails of people who are vulnerable. Just about everyone will develop this infection at some point in their lives. Although it is not dangerous, it is more likely to develop in those whose immune systems are impaired or immature.

  1. Definition

    • Thrush is an infection which begins because of an overgrowth of the candida albicans fungus, which is also called yeast. Candida can present as a vaginal infection or a severe diaper rash. Anyone is susceptible to thrush, but babies, older adults, toddlers and people whose immune systems are compromised are the most susceptible.

    Causes-Babies

    • A baby will normally have small amounts of candida in his mouth and gut (digestive tract). Since his immune system is still maturing, he may develop yeast infections more easily; these will be seen as oral infections on his tongue, gums and inner cheeks and on his diaper area. If he has received a course of antibiotics for a bacterial infection, this medication can kill off the "good" bacteria in his system, but the candida will not have the good bacteria to keep it under control and it will overgrow, causing a thrush infection.

    Cause-Chronic Candida Infection

    • The person who has chronic "mucocutaneous candidiasis" has chronic candida infections of such areas of her body as her fingernails, toenails, her scalp, hands, feet and trunk. She will have crusted and scaly lumps called granulomas which could grow on her skin and nails. This candida disorder is rare.

    HIV/AIDS and Cancer

    • The patient with HIV/AIDS or cancer has a weakened immune system, making him more vulnerable to this type of opportunistic infection. With HIV/AIDS, the virus damages his immune system; with cancer, it is the chemotherapy and/or radiation. With HIV/AIDS, the most common candida infection happens to be thrush, or oral candida. Cancer and its treatments make it easier for oral thrush to invade his body.

    Diabetes

    • The diabetic who has not received a diagnosis has a high degree of sugar in her saliva. Sugar creates a receptive environment for candida, which thrives on this kind of environment. Once she receives a definitive diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, the sugar level in her saliva drops and she should develop fewer oral candida infections.

    Vaginal Yeast Infections

    • Candida vulvovaginitis or vaginal yeast infection, is caused by the same fungus which causes oral thrush. If a woman is taking antibiotics, she could upset the balance of "good" bacteria, which will create a favorable environment for the overgrowth of this fungus and an infection could develop. If she uses an anti-fungal cream created specifically for this kind of infection, it will clear up and go away.

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