What is it?

Candida is a fungus that normally lives on the skin, mouth, throat, gut and vagina. But when it grows out of control a candida infection may develop- called candidiasis. Oral candidiasis, or thrush, happens when the candida yeast spreads in the mouth and throat. This condition is more common in newborns, the elderly, and people who are immunodeficient, have diabetes and wear dentures. Genital yeast infection is common in older women when the balance in the vagina changes in situations such as pregnancy, after taking antibiotics, diabetes, usage of all kinds of vaginal sprays and lubricants etc. Diaper rash may also occur due to candida infection. If candida enters the bloodstream it is called invasive candidiasis and it could travel to different organs and cause a life-threatening infection.