Why does yeast make you itch

But yours may be slightly different. The symptoms of a yeast infection may look like other skin conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, how widespread the infection is and other factors to determine your treatment. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Yeast is a fungus normally found on your skin. When too much yeast grows on your skin or other areas, it can cause an infection.

This infection is also called candidiasis. If you're using a vaginal treatment and are sexually active, you should not have sex until the infection has been completely treated because these medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms.

All these types of medicine can clear up your symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection within a week. If you stop taking it too soon, the infection could come back. If you're not feeling better within a few days of finishing treatment, call your doctor. Some medicines used to treat yeast infections are available without a prescription, but you see a doctor for your diagnosis before buying one.

You could have another type of infection that might get worse if not properly treated. Also, over-the-counter medicine should not be used by anyone younger than 12 or girls who might be pregnant without talking to a doctor first. Guys can get an infection of the head of the penis from the same yeast that causes vaginal infections. Guys who have diabetes or are on antibiotics for a long time are more likely to get this infection.

A guy with a yeast infection may not have any symptoms or the tip of the penis may get red and sore or itchy. Some guys might have a slight discharge or pain when peeing. Guys who are not circumcised need to take extra care to clean properly beneath their foreskins.

The warm, moist folds of the foreskin are the perfect environment for yeast to thrive. Keeping the area clean and dry may help prevent an infection. If symptoms do show up, a doctor can treat the infection. For most girls, there's no way to prevent yeast infections. You may feel more comfortable and have less irritation if you wear breathable cotton underwear and clothes and avoid vaginal sprays and douches.

Wearing cotton underwear may also help prevent yeast infections. If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels stable also can help you avoid yeast infections. Many women experience at least two episodes. A vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there's an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity.

There's also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact oral-genital sex. Medications can effectively treat vaginal yeast infections.

If you have recurrent yeast infections — four or more within a year — you may need a longer treatment course and a maintenance plan.

Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria lactobacillus act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.

But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. Candida albicans is the most common type of fungus to cause yeast infections.

Yeast infections caused by other types of candida fungus can be more difficult to treat, and generally need more-aggressive therapies. To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn't fit too tightly.

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