Definition
Candidiasis is an infection (mycosis) caused by fungi belonging to the genus Candida: the numerous species of Candida - of which the most common are Candida albicans and Candida spp - can generate various types of candidiasis, including moderate forms (mycosis of the skin or mucous membranes) or severe (generalized and deep candidiasis).
Causes
The chances of contracting candidiasis increase exponentially in immunocompromised subjects: in similar situations, Candida is transformed from a commensal parasite to an opportunist. This deficiency in the immune system can be caused by:
- Use of drugs ev
- AIDS / HIV
- Broad spectrum antibiotics
- Urinary catheter
- Oral contraceptives
- Intrauterine mechanical contraceptives (eg vaginal ring, diaphragm, spiral etc.)
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Leukemia
- Autoimmune diseases (eg rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Endocrine diseases (eg hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism)
- Severe neutropenia
- Organ transplantation
- Traumas and occlusions
- Tumors in general
- Severe burns
Symptoms
The clinical-symptomatological picture of candidiasis depends on the severity of the infection and the health conditions of the subject:
- Balanite
- balanoposthitis
- Vaginal burning
- Pain in urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Localized erythema
- Whites
- Vaginal discharge
- Folds of the skin in the area protected by diapers
- Postite
- Vaginal itching
Natural Care
Diet and Nutrition
Information on Candida - Medications to Treat Candida is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Candida - Medications to cure Candida.
drugs
AZOLIC ANTIMICOTICS
These drugs are particularly indicated for the treatment of candidiasis and have a broad spectrum of action. In this category we find triazole drugs and imidazoles, which in turn can be used for topical, vaginal or oral use.
Among the antifungals for topical use, we recall:
- Undecylenic acid, 12-25% (eg Anti-Fungal, Elon Dual Defense): in the form of powder, liquid, cream, to be applied to the affected area twice a day.
- Clotrimazole, 1% (eg Canesten, Mycelex): in the form of a cream, powder or solution, apply to the infected area twice a day.
- Miconazole, 2% (eg Cruex, Micatin): in the form of cream, powder or spray, apply to the infected area twice a day.
Among the antifungals for vaginal use, we recall:
- Clotrimazole (eg. Gyne-Lotrimin, Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7 and, subject to medical prescription, Gyno-canesten): insert a vaginal tablet (100 mg) deeply into the vagina - or apply the cream using a special applicator (1% ) - for 7 consecutive days, before going to bed.
- Miconazole, 2-4% vaginal cream, or 100-200 mg vaginal ovules (eg. Monistat-3 and Monistat-7, subject to medical prescription). Using the vaginal applicator, introduce the cream deeply into the vagina for 3 consecutive days (4%) or for 7 consecutive days (2%), before going to bed. Alternatively, the candida eggs should be placed in the vagina for 3 days (200 mg) or for 7 consecutive days (100 mg), before going to bed.
Among the antifungals for oral use remember:
- Itraconazole (eg Sporanox, tablets): take one tablet (200 mg) once a day for one or two weeks, respecting the instructions given by your doctor.
NB all azole derivatives are not fungicides (they do not kill the fungus), but fungostatic, so they work by blocking the replication of the fungus, so that the patient's immune system can slowly eliminate it.
Candidiasis can recur.
POLIENIC ANTIMICOTICS
These drugs are used in the treatment of systemic candidiasis and include amphotericin and nystatin.
- Amphotericin B (eg Abelcet): for the treatment of generalized fungal infections, Amphotericin B is generally administered by slow IV infusion at a dose of 0.5-1 mg / kg per day from 1 to 7 days. The topical application of creams formulated with Amphotericin B is also used successfully.
- Nistatin (eg Mycostatin) is a drug indicated for the treatment of intestinal, esophageal and oral cavity infections sustained by Candida. The administration of 500.00 IU tablets of nystatin per ml (or 100, 000 IU / ml oral suspension) three times a day is recommended. The duration of therapy must be established by the doctor. For intestinal candidiasis, the confetti may also contain 1, 000, 000 IU. In the case of candidiasis, the administration of drugs containing nystatin is recommended together with that of antibiotics.
echinocandins
Echinocandins are a new class of drugs that act selectively against the fungi Candida and Aspergillus, by inhibiting the enzyme glycan-synthase, responsible for the synthesis of the fungus wall. In this class we remember:
- Cancidas (eg caspofungin): is administered with a single loading dose of 70 mg, followed by a dose of 50 mg a day (or 70 mg if the subject weighs more than 80 kg). The duration of therapy is indicated by the doctor.
- Mycamine (eg. Micafungin): it is a fungicidal antibiotic drug, used both in the treatment and in the prophylaxis of Candida infections. For the treatment of esophageal candidiasis, the dosage is 150 mg a day for 15-30 days (for fungal infections) and 50 mg a day for prophylaxis.
NB in case of taking antibiotics against candidiasis, it is very important to take during the entire duration of therapy and during the following week lactic supplements or vaginal suppositories (for women), in order to rebalance the vaginal and gastro-bacterial flora -intestinal.
In some subjects suffering from candidiasis (eg relapsing and immunosuppressed) the administration of low-dose azole derivatives is recommended in conjunction with the targeted antibiotic treatment, for preventive purposes.
