Is There A Treatment For Candida?

Is There A Treatment For Candida?

Candida needs attention only when it proliferates uncontrollably, mutates into fungal form and causes infection. It is a yeast organism, which is always present in the human body and is useful when it occurs at limited levels. Under normal circumstances, a healthy body has enough friendly bacteria to control overgrowth of Candida. However, an underlying medical condition or disease, medication such as antibiotics as well as overexposure to environmental and other toxins can compromise the body’s immune system and reduce the number of useful bacteria in the intestines. It is in such cases that Candida multiplies, mutates into mycelial fungi and causes superficial or deeper and sometimes dangerous infections.

Symptoms of superficial infection include itching, burning, a cream-like discharge and sometimes pain. Deeper infections can be marked by chronic fatigue, brain fog or inability to focus, depression, pain and uncontrollable fluctuations in weight.

Mucocutaneous Candidiasis refers to infections that occur in the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, esophagus, intestines and vagina and are usually superficial. Normally, they are treatable with an anti-fungal diet and OTC or prescription anti-fungal creams, pills, troche or lozenges, and vaginal suppositories. Treated properly, surface level infections normally disappear in a week or two at the most. Before attempting self-medication, it is best to consult your doctor in order to rule out other causes and to determine the most suitable form of treatment.

Is There A Treatment For Candida?

Treatment depends on the location, type and degree of infection. Thrush can be treated with anti-fungal agents such as Nystatin. Maintaining very good oral hygiene is an essential part of the treatment. Diaper rash usually clears with the use of barrier creams. Diapers should be changed frequently and skin should always be kept clean and dry. Adults can use Clotrimazole creams as well as prescription drugs for skin infections. Anti-fungals work by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a vital component of yeast cell walls. Deprived of ergosterol, cell walls develop holes through which yeast leaks and dies. Candida infections can recur in people with weak immune systems. In such cases, medical attention is necessary and the doctor will likely try a more integrative approach with stronger anti-fungal remedies, an anti-fungal diet and probiotic supplements. An anti-fungal diet is one that has no sugar, refined carbohydrates, yeast and fermented foods. Doctors normally recommend discontinuation of antibiotics during Candidiasis.

Disseminated Candidiasis is a more serious form of infestation. It occurs when Candida fungi perforate the intestinal walls, leading to contamination of blood by undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins that flow into it from the intestines. Contaminated blood can infect organs with serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences. When Candida infestation goes unchecked over long periods, the risk of Disseminated Candidiasis increases.

Deeper, systemic infections normally require IV drugs administered by a physician at a hospital. The anti-fungal drug Amphotericin B is often used for serious infections.

Early and comprehensive treatment is the best way to prevent Candida infestation from spreading and developing serious manifestations. If we have answered the question “Is There A Treatment For Candida?” to your satisfaction let others know by leaving a tweet on Twitter! Thank-you!