Yeast Infections in People Who Are Immunocompromised
People who suffer from suppressed immune systems for a variety of reasons, are more likely to get yeast infections. The main reason for this is straight forward: the body cannot fight the surging yeast infection.
An additional reason for greater risk of yeast infections in immunocompromised people may have to do with the use of antibiotics to fight other infections. Antibiotics decrease the amount of bacteria that keep the Candida fungus from overgrowing. So, when antibiotics kill those bacteria, the fungus can take over.
Thrush
Elderly people who are immunosuppressed and infants, might suffer more from yeast infections in their mouths than in other parts in their bodies. When a yeast infection spreads to the mouth it is called Thrush.
You are at higher risk of suffering from Thrush – as well as other yeast infections – if you are:
- Being treated for cancer – which suppresses your immune system
- Diabetic
- Getting an antibiotic treatment combined with corticosteroids
- Using dentures
Yeast Infections in Babies and Infants
Of course, most infants do not fit the four risk categories of risk above, but they can still develop Thrush or other types of yeast infections. One of the most common types of Candidiasis you can see in babies or infants are related to diaper rash.
If you see diaper rash that does not go away, your baby might have a yeast infection. Logically, it makes sense that Candidiasis would develop in babies under such circumstances, since their diapers get wet and sometimes parents or caregivers might take a little longer than usual.
To avoid this, make sure you change diapers in a timely manner, and you take care of diaper rashes early on. It is also important to keep an eye on persistent diaper rashes and consult with a pediatrician when these do not go away.
Yeast Infections in your Bloodstream
While Thrash, genital Candidiasis, or diaper rash are all visible, yeast infections in your bloodstream are harder to detect because. Such an infection can also be life-threatening. Nevertheless, it is also a rarer kind of yeast infection because they enter your bloodstream through infected medical equipment.
Given that sanitary standards in the US are high, the risk for such an infection is low. In any case, to avoid it, make sure that all the needles that medical staff use on you are sterile, new, and properly disposed of after you are treated.
Keep an Eye on your Skin!
It is important to tackle all yeast infections quickly and effectively, which your doctor can help you with. If you suspect that you have a yeast infection, be it genital, Thrash, or in any other area of your skin or your baby’s skin, contact your doctor and get treatment as fast as you can.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
