Factors that increase your risk of developing a yeast infection include:
Antibiotic use. Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics — those that are effective against a wide range of bacteria — kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast.
Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections appear to occur more frequently in women with increased estrogen levels — for instance, in women who are pregnant, those taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or those taking estrogen hormone therapy.
Uncontrolled diabetes. In women who have diabetes, those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels are more likely to develop yeast infections than are women who have diabetes under control.
Impaired immune system. Women with lowered immunity — such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection — are more likely to get yeast infections.
Sexual activity. Although yeast infections aren't considered sexually transmitted infections, one way the candida organism can be introduced into your vagina is through sexual contact.
Overview
A jock with athlete’s foot. A baby with thrush. A woman with a vaginal yeast infection. All three people have fallen prey to a fungal infection, which can occur in several places on our bodies. Fungi are microorganisms characterized by a substance in their cell wall called chitin.
Some fungi, like many types of mushrooms, are edible. Others, like aspergillus, can be extremely dangerous when they infect our bodies and lead to life-threatening diseases. In between are many other types of fungi that are capable of causing infections in our lungs, skin and nails.
Part 2 of 7: Types
Types of Fungal Infection
A fungal infection is also known as mycosis. Although most fungi are harmless to humans, some of them are capable of causing disease under specific conditions. Fungi reproduce by releasing spores that can be picked up by direct contact or even inhaled. That’s why fungal infections often affect the lungs, skin, or nails. Fungi can also penetrate the skin to affect your organs and cause a whole body systemic infection. Some common fungal infections include:
Athlete’s Foot
Some fungi, called dermatophytes, thrive in the warm and humid area between the toes and particularly common among athletes. Athlete’s foot causes itching, scaling, peeling, or cracking of the skin.
Jock Itch
Dermatophytes can also affect the groin area, producing an itchy fungal skin infection. It’s mostly a problem for men and boys, but women can suffer from the infection too.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that typically affects the skin and scalp. It usually starts as a reddish, itchy, and scaly rash. Over time, it gets larger and forms a red ring.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a very common fungal infection of the nail and nail bed. It usually starts as a small light-colored spot on the nail. As it spreads deeper, it changes the shape and color of the nail, and the nail becomes thicker and more brittle. It is often painful and recurrent.
Candidiasis Albicans
Candida albicans is a specific fungi that can infect the mouth, vagina, stomach and urinary tract.
Other Opportunistic Organisms
Some fungal organisms don’t cause infection in humans, but do cause sickness in people with suppressed immune systems.
Part 3 of 7: Causes
What Causes Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections are contagious and can spread from one person to another. But humans do have protections against fungi. For one, almost every part of the human body has non-disease causing bacteria that protect us from fungal infections. These bacteria deprive harmful fungi of space and nutrients, thereby keeping them in check. Secondly, even if fungi do manage to colonize the skin, the body’s immune system can often fight them off. High acidity levels in some environments such as the vagina provide another layer of protection.
But not all of the body’s defense mechanisms are infallible. In patients who are immune-suppressed for example, the immune system is unable to fight fungal infection adequately. In addition, prolonged use of antibiotics destroys both helpful bacteria, allowing fungi to colonize the skin and mucous. In postmenopausal women, hormonal changes reduce the acidity of their vagina, making them more vulnerable to vaginal yeast infections.
Part 4 of 7: Risk Factors
What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Fungal Infections?
Dampness and Humidity
Sweating profusely or working in a warm and humid environment can increase your risk for a fungal infection. Fungi need a warm and moist environment to grow.
Walking barefoot in damp places such as gyms, locker rooms, and showers can also increase your risk. These public places are often rich in fungal spores and can lead to a fungal infection.
Poor Blood Circulation
Any condition that causes poor blood circulation in the skin can lead to infection. Poor
