Candida infections: What to watch for and what to do

Candida is a yeast that normally lives on skin and in the gut. Problems start when it grows too much. You can get mild, common infections like vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush, or rare but serious invasive infections if the yeast gets into the bloodstream. This page tells you how to spot Candida, how doctors test for it, and straightforward ways to treat and prevent it.

Symptoms and how doctors find Candida

Symptoms depend on where the yeast grows. Vaginal yeast infections usually cause itching, thick white discharge, and irritation. Oral thrush looks like white patches in the mouth that can be scraped off, often with soreness. Skin candida causes red, itchy rashes in skin folds. Invasive candidiasis causes fever, chills, and general feeling of being very sick — this needs urgent care.

If you see persistent symptoms, a doctor will check you. For skin or mouth they may do a simple swab and look under a microscope or send a culture. Vaginal infections are often diagnosed by exam and a swab. For invasive disease, blood cultures and more advanced tests can identify Candida type. Identifying the type helps pick the right drug.

Treatment options and simple prevention tips

For uncomplicated skin, mouth, or vaginal infections you can often use over-the-counter antifungal creams or lozenges. Common active ingredients include clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin. For more severe or recurring infections, doctors usually prescribe oral antifungals like fluconazole. Invasive or resistant infections require IV drugs such as echinocandins or amphotericin B in a hospital setting.

Follow the full course your clinician gives you. Stopping early lets the yeast come back. If symptoms return quickly or don’t improve, call your provider — you might need a different drug or a test for other causes.

To lower the chance of Candida coming back, try practical steps: keep skin dry and clean, avoid tight synthetic clothing, change damp clothes quickly, and maintain good oral hygiene. If you take antibiotics often, talk with your doctor about whether they’re necessary — antibiotics can upset the balance of microbes and let yeast grow. People with diabetes should control blood sugar, since high sugar feeds yeast.

Some people ask about probiotics and diet. A plain probiotic can help some people restore balance, but it won’t replace prescribed treatment. Cutting excess sugar may help reduce flares for some, but it’s not a guaranteed cure.

See a doctor quickly for severe symptoms, weak immune systems, or if you’re pregnant. If an infection is causing fever, widespread redness, or you feel very sick, seek emergency care — invasive Candida needs prompt treatment. Small, early steps often stop the problem from growing into something bigger.