Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It most often affects the genital area, causing symptoms like intense itching, redness, or a whitish discharge.

However, candidiasis can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the mouth (thrush), intestines, skin, or nails. This fungus naturally lives on the skin and mucous membranes and can multiply when the immune system is weakened.

Treatment for candidiasis should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific type of infection. It typically involves antifungal medications, which may be given as creams, ointments, or tablets.

female provider giving a prescription to young female patient

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of candidiasis include:

Intense itching, swelling, or irritation in the genital area or on the skin;
White vaginal discharge;
Pain or burning during sex;
Yellowish or whitish patches in the mouth;
Redness or cracks at the corner of the mouth;
Red patches and burning on the skin.

In men with genital candidiasis, symptoms may also include red or whitish patches on the penis and areas of dry skin.

With intestinal candidiasis, symptoms may include white spots in the stool and excess intestinal gas, for example.

Confirming a diagnosis

Candidiasis is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on symptoms. Tests may also be done, such as lab analysis of genital discharge, urine testing, secretion sampling, or a skin biopsy, to identify the fungus and rule out other conditions.

A gynecologist typically diagnoses and treats genital candidiasis in women, while a urologist manages cases in men. For oral or intestinal candidiasis, treatment is usually provided by a gastroenterologist.

Different types

The main types of candidiasis are:

1. Vaginal candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection) is a type of genital candidiasis that affects the vagina and vulva. It is usually linked to a weakened immune system or hormonal changes.

This type of candidiasis is the most common gynecologic infection, since the vagina is a warm, moist environment that supports fungal growth.

To check your chance of having vaginal candidiasis, select the symptoms you have in the test below:

1. Intense genital itching
2. Redness and swelling in the genital area
3. White patches in the vagina or head of the penis
4. White, lumpy discharge, similar to cottage cheese
5. Pain or burning while urinating
6. Discomfort or pain during sex

The symptom test is only a guidance tool. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an appointment with a gynecologist.

2. Penile candidiasis

Penile candidiasis, also known as male candidiasis, affects men, especially when intimate hygiene is not done properly.

In addition to the penis, this type of candidiasis can also affect the testicles or the groin, for example. See male yeast infection.

3. Oral candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is more common in babies because their immune system is still developing, and is commonly known as oral thrush. This type of candidiasis can affect the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, and the lips. Learn how to identify and treat thrush in babies.

In rarer cases, oral candidiasis can also affect the throat and esophagus, but this is more common in adults with weakened immunity due to chronic illnesses, cancer treatment, or HIV infection, for example.

4. Skin candidiasis

Skin candidiasis affects the skin and is more common in skin folds, such as the neck, groin, armpits, behind the knee, and under the breasts. These areas tend to be warmer and sweat more, which supports fungal growth.

This type of candidiasis can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people who are overweight, older adults, or babies.

5. Intestinal candidiasis

Intestinal candidiasis affects the intestines and may occur when there is an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota due to immune system changes. It is more common in Crohn’s disease, autoimmune diseases, or AIDS.

This type of candidiasis should be treated as soon as possible, as there is a greater risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

6. Disseminated candidiasis

Disseminated candidiasis is when Candida albicans reaches the bloodstream and can affect different organs, such as the lungs, liver, heart, bones, or even the brain.

This type of candidiasis is serious and is usually caused by a weakened immune system, especially in cases of AIDS, organ transplants, malnutrition, or cancer, for example.

7. Recurrent candidiasis

Recurrent candidiasis is defined as four or more episodes of candidiasis within one year and may happen more often in people with weakened immunity.

8. Breast candidiasis

Breast candidiasis affects the nipple and happens more often during breastfeeding, due to normal hormonal changes and frequent contact with the baby’s saliva, which can support Candida albicans growth.

9. Candidiasis during pregnancy

Candidiasis during pregnancy is a type of genital candidiasis that is very common. It can occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially estrogen, which can lead to Candida albicans overgrowth.

This type of candidiasis does not affect the baby’s development. However, it should be treated by an OBGYN or midwife, as it can be passed to the newborn during vaginal delivery and cause candidiasis in the baby.

10. Esophageal candidiasis

Esophageal candidiasis affects the esophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach, and can cause symptoms like pain when swallowing, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting.

This type of candidiasis is more common in people with weakened immunity, such as in cases of HIV, AIDS, or cancer.

Esophageal candidiasis can also occur in people with asthma who use corticosteroid inhalers.

Possible causes

Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of fungi from the Candida species, mainly Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally present on mucous membranes and skin, but it can multiply in certain situations, such as:

Frequent use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and corticosteroids;
Pregnancy;
Hormonal changes;
Conditions like diabetes, HPV, and lupus;
HIV infection or AIDS;
Cancer or cancer treatment;
Use of dentures;
Smoking.

A person can carry the fungus without knowing it, since candidiasis usually appears when the immune system is weakened.

Treatment options

Candidiasis should be treated under medical supervision. Antifungal medications are typically prescribed in the form of creams, ointments, or tablets.

For genital candidiasis, creams and ointments such as nystatin, clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole, or tioconazole may be recommended. Learn more about the main yeast infection creams and how to use them.

Some of these creams/ointments may also be recommended for skin candidiasis.

A healthcare provider may also recommend antifungal tablets, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, which help treat the infection from within the body.

A healthcare provider may also recommend probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium species, for example.

Natural remedies

Some natural treatment options for candidiasis, such as a sitz bath with chamomile, may help relieve symptoms of genital candidiasis, as it has soothing and anti-inflammatory action.

A sitz bath with tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil is also a natural option for genital candidiasis, due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. Learn how to prepare sitz baths for candidiasis.

Natural treatment for candidiasis does not replace the treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider, but it can be used alongside antifungal creams, ointments, or tablets and may help relieve symptoms faster.

Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment