Yeast Infections & HIV AIDS

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (known as AIDS) is the loss of the body’s ability to fight infections. This in turn is due to infection caused by a virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and many patients infected with HIV may develop skin conditions, fungal, viral and other bacterial infections. Since AIDS first came to the world's notice in the early 1980s, it has become a major health problem world wide of pandemic proportions. One of the problems that can develop in those living with AIDS is the appearance of yeast infections. This article will set out the various parts of the body which can be infected with these yeast infections.

Mouth thrush

This is the name given to describe a yeast infection in the mouth where small lesions can appear inside the mouth and on the tongue caused by the Candida bacteria. As in all cases of yeast infections, thrush occurs when the yeast bacteria become too many and the body cannot fight them off. Therefore those people having a weakened immune system are more at risk of contracting mouth thrush. Small white patches appear on the tongue at first. These patches may hurt and bleed if scraped. They may resemble cottage cheese like lumps growing off the tongue. If thrush in the mouth is not attended to it can spread to other parts of the mouth including the cheeks, roof of the mouth, the throat and even the tonsils (if they have not been previously removed).

Penile Yeast Infection

Penile yeast infection occurs on the penis and the most common symptoms are irritation and soreness as well as severe itching of the head of the penis. There can also be a white, clumpy discharge together with a redness and small blisters also on the head of the penis.
It is wise to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible.

Yeast Infections of the Skin Folds of the Groin

Both adults and infants with HIV or AIDS frequently develop yeast infections in the skin folds of the groin and unfortunately these same patients can be more resistant to treatment, with the symptoms reappearing when the treatment is completed. There can be a severe itchy and red rash and this can spread to the genital, buttocks and thighs. In the case of women, vaginitis can occur with a milky discharge and white patches appearing on the moist surfaces of the genital area. Again medical advice and treatment is needed as soon as these symptoms are noticed.

Yeast Infections of the Nails

Nails are very susceptible to nail fungus and can make its appearance in two different ways. The nail may become very brittle and white with yellow coloring or if there is moisture trapped in the nail plate, it may be a deep green color. The nails will be very weak and chip easily if they are used roughly. These chips will come off the top of the nail and look like thin flakes. The discoloration and the yeast infection may also cause the nails to lose their natural shine. Yeast infections in the nails will cause the lower area of the nail, just below the cuticle, to swell. This area will be painful to touch and there may also be pus in the nail. Yeast infections in the nail eventually destroy the nail causing it to lift off the actual nail bed.

Conclusion

The important thing is to be aware of the various yeast infections which can occur so that the symptoms are recognized at the outset and yeast infection treatment commenced as quickly as possible.

Go to our yeast infection treatment page

Resources

• www.thesite.org
• www.thrush-symptoms/com
• www.abimelec.com