Your Care Instructions
Candidiasis (say "kan-dih-DY-uh-sus") is a yeast infection. Yeast normally lives in your body. But it can cause problems if your body's defenses don't work as they should.
Some medicines can increase your chance of getting a yeast infection. These include antibiotics, steroids, and cancer drugs. And some diseases like AIDS and diabetes can make you more likely to get yeast infections.
There are different types of yeast infections.
Thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. It causes white patches inside the mouth and throat.
Yeast infections of the skin usually occur in skin folds where the skin stays moist. They cause red, oozing patches on your skin. Babies can get these infections under the diaper. People who often wear gloves can get them on their hands.
Many women get vaginal yeast infections. They are most common when women take antibiotics. These infections can cause the vagina to itch and burn. They also cause white discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
In rare cases, yeast infects the blood. This can cause serious disease. This kind of infection is treated with medicine given through a needle into a vein (I.V.).
After you start treatment, a yeast infection usually goes away quickly. But if your immune system is weak, the infection may come back. Tell your doctor if you get yeast infections often.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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