What is Candida Albicans?
Candida is a yeast type of fungus, which can cause thrush. It is normally present in a healthy person but, when present in excess, can cause disease or reduced immunity.
What are the symptoms of Candida?
The fungus tends to cause a profuse vaginal discharge of a thick or curdy nature, with patches of white on the vulva or vagina. Symptoms include itching, soreness and discomfort and the appearance of a skin rash similar to eczema.
Which areas tend to be affected by Candida?
Candida affects the moist areas of the body, such as the mouth, vagina, skin folds, groin and axilla.
The nails can also be affected. This is known as paronychia, (abscess or inflammation of the nail).
What causes Candida?
The appearance of symptoms is associated with a number of factors. These include :
-Pregnancy
-Diabetes mellitus, AIDS, herpes simplex
-Sugar intake
-Tight clothing
-Allergic reaction
-Prescribed drugs, e.g. antibiotics, corticosteroids, female sex hormones
Candida commonly occurs after treatment with oral contraceptives or antibiotics since these drugs alter the normal bacterial balance in the body.
After antibiotics, 80% of women have evidence of candida whilst around one third of those will have symptoms.
Treatment for Candida
It is important to keep the area dry and clean. Specific treatment is given by antifungal agents. Alternative management is by taking probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophillus or bifido bacteria which are considered ‘friendly bacteria’. They can be found in ‘live’ yoghurt and products like cottage cheese, or in a supplement form.
Adopting a low-sugar diet can also help to prevent an overgrowth of candida in the gut. | 
