What it means
A fungus that usually causes no harm. When the normal balance changes, as with antibiotics, diabetes, steroids, a weak immune system, or warm, moist skin, it overgrows. This is candidiasis: thrush (white patches in the mouth), vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash and skin-fold rashes. In very ill clients it can enter the blood. Candida albicans is the most common species.
For the nurse
Look in the mouth of infants, clients on antibiotics and clients using inhaled steroids for white patches that do not wipe off. Teach clients to keep skin folds dry.
At a glance
| Spanish | Candida |
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Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
fungal infection
An infection caused by a fungus, such as a yeast or a mold.