Candidiasis is a condition caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This is also known as a yeast infection. It may infect the vagina, mouth and moist areas on the skin. How does it occur? Fungus on the body is normal. Bacteria on and in the body usually keep the fungus population under control. Sometimes growth of the fungus increases and causes an infection. Overgrowth can result from several situations. For instance, antibiotic medication may destroy the bacteria that keep fungus levels down. Menopause, pregnancy or taking birth control pills may cause the fungus to grow. Yeast infections are often associated with diabetes, especially when the blood sugar is not well controlled. Drugs that suppress the body's defense system (such as the drugs used to treat AIDS) also allow the fungus to grow and spread. Candidiasis is not usually spread by sexual intercourse. Symptoms Candidiasis causes a thick, white discharge in the vagina. This looks similar to paste or cottage cheese. Additional symptoms are: •  Itching •  Redness of the outer part of the vagina •  Irritation when urinating Some women have no symptoms. In men, the fungus can cause swelling and redness on the penis and foreskin. Yeast infections of the penis are more common when the penis is uncircumcised. If the mouth is infected, the lining of the mouth is often red and sore. Sometimes the fungus causes white spots and patches on the tongue and cheek lining. This is called "thrush." The fungus can cause creamy-yellow, raised sores on the mouth. On the skin, candidiasis produces an itchy red rash. This rash is a red patch with small red bumps around it. Diagnosis Your physician will take your history and examine you. Tests for yeast in samples collected from the mouth or vagina may be needed. A few cells scraped from a skin rash may show yeast when viewed under a microscope. Treatment Your health care provider will prescribe medication for infections caused by Candida albicans. How long will symptoms last? A properly treated infection will clear up in a few days to a week. Self-care To relieve symptoms you can: •  Avoid sexual intercourse until the infection clears. •  Follow the full treatment prescribed. •  After urinating, wipe gently to avoid irritation. •  Avoid high-sugar diets. •  Use unscented soaps. •  Avoid using douches and other chemicals, such as bubble bath or hygiene spray. •  Take a shower instead of a bath. Pat the genital area dry. •  Wear cotton underwear to allow ventilation and to keep the area drier. •  Lose weight if you are obese (20% over normal weight). •  Maintain a normal blood sugar level if you are diabetic. •  Try eating yogurt. If you have previously been diagnosed with yeast infection, you may want to use a nonprescription yeast medicine for your next infection. Prevention Practice good personal hygiene: •  Keep moist areas of the body cool and dry. •  Avoid wearing a wet bathing suit or damp clothing for long periods of time. •  Avoid frequent douching. •  Avoid bubble baths. •  Avoid wearing underwear made from nylon or other nonventilating materials. •  Add yogurt to your diet. •  Avoid frequent or prolonged use of oral antibiotics if possible.