The Wolfe Clinic summed up Candida on their web site when they said one of the greatest health risks to human life today is not what you would ordinarily think of or focus your attention on. It is a largely unknown and underestimated enemy; fungus overgrowth in the human body. It may be the greatest of all the known risks to your health, because most of us either ignore it or deny its existence.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, genitals, throat, mouth and blood. It is caused by the overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida, usually Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body.

In the body, Candida functions to aid with digestion and nutrient absorption but when overproduced, it breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems, ranging from digestive issues to depression. 

How the fungi turns sore 

The healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your Candida levels in check. However, doctors say several factors can cause the Candida population to get out of hand. 

Among these include eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which feed the yeast); consuming a lot of alcohol; taking oral contraceptives; eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods; and taking antibiotics that kill too many of friendly bacteria in the body.

Dr Joseph Vyankandondera, a gynaecologist at King Faisal Hospital, says Candidiasis causes skin and nail fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus), feeling tired and worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, and brain fog.

Other symptoms include skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression, and vaginal infections , urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching.

But when Candidiasis manifest, it can be treated. Dr Dan Jackson of Rutongo Hospital in Rulindo District said treating Candida involves stopping the yeast overgrowth, restoring the friendly bacteria that usually keep them in check, and  gut so that healing your Candida can no longer enter your bloodstream.

"Getting rid of the Candida overgrowth primarily requires a change in diet to a low carbohydrate diet. Sugar is what feeds yeast, so eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms like candy, desserts, alcohol and flours,” said Dr Jackson.

Using diet alone could take three to six months before the Candida is back under control, the doctor added. 

Diagnosis

Dr Vyankandondera  says laboratory findings using microscopy and culture will look for the cause which are Candida albicans: usual cause. 

"It mainly commences in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract and is often found in the vagina,” Dr Vyankandondera said. "Less common species causing superficial infection include Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis and Candida parapsilosis.”

He added that there is evidence that the first two species are more common now in oral infection in patients with HIV and Candida glabrata in vaginal Candidiasis. 

Treatment 

Good general health and hygiene is important in prevention as well as during treatment of Candida infections of the skin. Keeping the skin dry and exposed to air is helpful. Drying powders may help prevent fungal infections.

Losing weight may help eliminate the problem if you are overweight.

Proper blood sugar control may also be helpful to those with diabetes.

Antifungal skin creams or ointments may be used to treat a yeast infection of the skin, mouth, or vagina. Antifungal medications taken by mouth may be necessary for severe Candida infections involving the mouth, throat, or vagina.