The Facts
Candidiasis, also called thrush or moniliasis, is a yeast infection.
Candida albicans is an organism that normally makes a quiet home
for itself on your skin and doesn't bother anyone. We all carry this organism
on our skin, in our mouth, in our gastrointestinal tract (gut), and, in the
case of women, in the vagina.
Occasionally the yeast multiplies uncontrollably, causing pain and inflammation.
Candidiasis may affect the skin. This includes the external surface skin and
the skin of the vagina, the penis, and the mouth. Candidiasis may also infect
the blood stream or internal organs such as the liver or spleen. By far the
most common problems are skin, mouth and vaginal infections. It also is a common
cause of diaper rash. These can be bothersome infections, but are not life threatening.
Candidiasis can kill if it reaches our vital organs such as the heart, but this
is rare even in people with damaged immune systems and is almost unheard of
in healthy people. Nevertheless, candidiasis is a constant nuisance, and sometimes
a serious threat, to people with AIDS and some cancer patients who lack the
immune resources to fight it.