Candida infections are the most common yeast infections that affect humans. Candida is the name of a group of yeasts (a type of fungus) that commonly infect the skin. The name ‘Candida’ refers to the white color of organisms in culture. It is a normal inhabitant of the human digestive tract from early childhood, where it lives without causing any disease most of the time. It is normally controlled by beneficial bacteria in the intestines that act as host defense. However, if the balance between bacteria and fungi is disturbed, for example by the use of antibiotics, or if the immune system is compromised, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, resulting in an infection. The infection results in the release of powerful chemicals into the bloodstream, causing symptoms as varied as lethargy, chronic diarrhea, yeast vaginitis, bladder infections, muscle and joint pain, menstrual problems, constipation, and severe depression. In addition, it can cause an infection of the mucosa (the lining of the mouth, anus and genitals), the skin and, rarely, a deep infection. Although both men and women can get Candida infections, it nevertheless occurs more frequently in women (especially young women) with more serious effects.
Yeast infections are more common today than ever. There are a number of reasons for this. People live longer and older people are more likely than younger people to have compromised immune systems, a major risk factor for yeast infection. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to the increased rate of infection (fungal infections are known to occur after antibiotic therapy, which has the effect of killing beneficial bacteria that normally suppress fungi). Cases of Candida infections are also increasing. Candida species are true opportunistic pathogens that take advantage of recent technological advances to access the circulation and deep tissues. Several other factors can lead to Candida overgrowth. Steroids such as cortisone (Decadron or other cortisone-type medications) inhibit the immune system’s ability to fight the growth of Candida. The immune system can also be weakened in people infected with HIV. Long-term use of birth control pills or injections, or pregnancy, also promote the growth of candida. Candida infection can be due to general weakness, for example from cancer or malnutrition. Another cause of Candida overgrowth can be a low culture of Acidophilus and Bifidus in the colon. It is imperative that there are enough of these two friendly bacteria in the system to control Candida overgrowth. Once the level of these beneficial bacteria is reduced, the Candida fungus takes over. Iron deficiency is also considered one of the reasons for candida infection.
Treatment of severe and life-threatening invasive Candida infection continues to be severely hampered by delays in diagnosis and the lack of reliable diagnostic methods to detect fungemia and tissue invasion by Candida species. The diagnosis of yeast infection can often be achieved with the presence of symptoms alone. However, to confirm the diagnosis, samples of the fungus must be identified under a microscope. During this test, scrapes or smears of tissue from the skin, nails, oral mucosa, and vaginal mucosa are taken and identified with a low-power microscopic examination, a process that gives immediate results.
Once a Candida infection is diagnosed, your treatment depends on where you are. People with skin infections are generally instructed to keep the affected areas as dry as possible until the infection is gone. Doing so may mean changing out of a wet bathing suit or wet sportswear as soon as possible. There are antifungal shampoos available, as well as antifungal mouthwashes. The infection does not always respond quickly to these treatments and may recur when topical application is discontinued.
The main theme of treating Candida infection is strengthening the human immune system. Colloidal silver is the right choice in this regard, as it is well known for its ability to fight fungal infections. Colloidal silver is nothing more than very fine particles of pure silver, suspended in water. Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties. Recently there has been a lot of research on its operation. Certain bacteria are essential for healthy body function, such as acidophilus. Several researchers claim that colloidal silver only attacks harmful pathogens and does not harm beneficial bacteria. But one must wonder how it is possible to differentiate itself. One explanation is that friendly bacteria are aerobic, while unfriendly bacteria are anaerobic. Also, silver is said to not attack bacteria directly, but instead breaks down certain enzymes required by anaerobic bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds. Silver acts as a catalyst and is not consumed in the process. The reason bacteria cannot develop a resistance to silver, as they do to antibiotics, is likely because silver does not attack them directly, but destroys the enzymes on which they depend. This is in sharp contrast to normal antibiotics, which also kill beneficial bacteria.
The germ-fighting properties of colloidal silver have been embraced in soap making and these soaps are all the rage. Regular use of such soap not only helps to keep the skin clean and healthy, but it also improves the body’s immune system, thus preventing further Candida infections. Even dermatologists recommend colloidal silver soaps for patients with candida infection. However, one must be selective when purchasing such soaps. Soaps containing colloidal silver with 20 ppm are considered the best for daily use and have an optimal effect in fighting Candida infection.