Overview
Candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is an infection with the common yeast (or fungus) organism,
Candida albicans, which is commonly found in the environment. Sometimes this yeast lives in the mouth, digestive (gastrointestinal) tract, and the vagina, along with many kinds of harmless bacteria, without causing any issues. However, under certain conditions (particularly weakening of the immune system, the use of antibiotics, exposure to cancer drugs or corticosteroids, or in diabetics), the fungus will multiply and cause disease.
There are different forms of yeast infection, depending upon the area affected. Most commonly, the mouth, vagina, and damper skin areas are affected, as the yeast likes to grow in moist areas.
Most yeast infections are on the surface (superficial) and easily treated; however, serious life-threatening yeast infection can develop throughout the body (systemic) in people with very weak immune systems.
