CANDIDIASIS

Let's start by explaining what candidiasis is. It is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans in the genital region, which causes symptoms such as intense itching, redness and off-white discharge.

As much as it is frequent in women, it can also develop in men, appearing when the candidate can multiply in excess in the genital region.

The treatment of candidiasis should be guided by a gynecologist, in the case of women, or a urologist, in the case of men, but usually includes the use of ointments or remedies that eliminate excess fungus, helping to alleviate symptoms.

GENITAL CANDIDIASIS SYSTEMS

The main symptoms of genital candidiasis are:

• Intense itching;
• Swelling in the genital area;
• Local pain and redness;
• Genital burning sensation;
• Pain or discomfort when urinating;
• White vaginal discharge, in the case of women;
• Pain or burning during intimate contact.

In the case of men, symptoms such as red or whitish plaques on the penis or dry skin may appear. It may also manifest itself in other regions of the body, such as the skin, mouth or intestines.

CAUSES OF CANDIDIASIS

Candidiasis is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is naturally present in the genital region, but can proliferate due to some situations, resulting in infection and the appearance of symptoms.

A person can also be infected with the fungus and not know it, as the disease usually manifests itself when the immune system is weakened.

Other factors that may favor the occurrence of candidiasis are:

• Frequent use of antibiotics, contraceptives and corticosteroids;
• Pregnancy;
• During the menstrual period;
• Diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, HPV and lupus that make the immune system weaker;
• Frequent use of tight or wet clothes;
• Perform intimate hygiene more than 2 times a day and use sanitary pads for more than 3 hours in a row.

HOW TO BE SURE IT IS CANDIDIASIS?

The diagnosis of candidiasis is usually made by the doctor through the evaluation of symptoms, although tests such as laboratory analysis of discharge or secretion may also be performed.

To identify the type of microorganism that is causing the symptoms, ruling out other possible causes.

WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD I CONSULT?

We suggest that you look for a specialist doctor to identify and treat candidiasis in women is the gynecologist and in the case of men is the urologist.

TREATMENT THAT SHOULD BE DONE

As we said initially, genital candidiasis can affect both men and women, but its treatment is similar and is done with antifungal ointments in both cases, such as Candicort or Fluconazole ointments, which must be applied 2 to 3 times a day between 3 to 14 days according to the doctor's indication. And it is still recommended that:

• Wear cotton underwear, as they allow the skin to breathe;
• Sleep without underwear whenever possible;
• Avoid tampons;
• Avoid having unprotected intimate contact during the treatment time;
• Wash the genital region only with water and neutral soap or soap suitable for the region.

Finally, these recommendations help speed up the treatment, you can also wash the genitals with barbatimão leaf tea or another home remedy to complete the treatment.

If the symptoms do not disappear after 2 weeks, it is advisable to go back to the doctor, as it may be necessary to start treatment with antifungal pills, which help to fight the infection from within the body, thus having better results than with ointments alone.

If you have a diet low in sugar, it also helps the body to fight fungal growth more easily, curing candidiasis faster.