What it means
Candida lives on the skin and in the mouth, gut and vagina without causing harm, but it can overgrow when the balance changes. Common sites are the vagina, the mouth (thrush), skin folds and the diaper area. Antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, corticosteroids and a weak immune system all raise the risk. Treatment is with antifungal creams, tablets or mouth rinses.
For the nurse
Teach clients who use a steroid inhaler to rinse the mouth and spit after each use. Keep skin folds clean and dry, and teach women to wear breathable cotton underwear and to finish the full antifungal course.
At a glance
| Spanish | infección por levaduras |
|---|---|
| Also written | yeast infections |
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.
candidiasis
An infection caused by Candida, a yeast (a kind of fungus).
fungal infection
An infection caused by a fungus, such as a yeast or a mold.