Yeast Infection Treatment in Northern New Jersey
A yeast infection is caused by a fungus that can live anywhere on the body. With several offices conveniently located throughout northern New Jersey, Bergen Medical Associates is home to skilled physicians in a wide range of specialties, including gynecology and treatment for yeast infections.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can irritate the site of the infection. The fungus lives almost everywhere on a person’s body, meaning a yeast infection can happen anywhere. The immune system can normally keep yeast under control, but sometimes factors such as antibiotics can cause yeast cells to multiply, leading to an infection.
Where Do Yeast Infections Occur?
The most common places for a yeast infection to happen are:
- Folds of the skin
- Vagina
- Penis
- Corners of the mouth
- Inside the mouth
- Nail beds
Who Can Get a Yeast Infection?
Anyone can get a yeast infection, although women are more at risk than men. Many women will experience multiple yeast infections during their lives. Yeast infections do not always cause symptoms. Scientists say that as many as 20% of women may experience no symptoms during a vaginal yeast infection.
Other groups of people more prone to yeast infections include:
- Infants
- Denture wearers
- People taking antibiotics
- People going through cancer treatments
- People with other health conditions, such as HIV or diabetes
What Are the Types of Yeast Infections?
A yeast infection can affect different parts of the body in different ways, like:
- A yeast infection of the skin can cause itching and rashes.
- Thrush is a yeast infection that causes white patches in the mouth.
- Candida esophagitis is thrush that spreads to the esophagus, and it can make it hard or painful to swallow.
- Vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina that is common in women.
- Yeast infections in the bloodstream can be life-threatening if not treated.
What Are the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
The symptoms of a yeast infection can be uncomfortable. Depending on where the yeast infection is, the symptoms can vary and may include:
- Itching or burning at the site of infection
- Patches that ooze clear fluid
- Rash with redness
- Skin breakdown at the site of infection
- White or yellow discharge from the vagina
- White patches on the tongue or cheeks
- Difficulty swallowing for those with thrush, or a yeast infection in the mouth
How Can a Yeast Infection Be Diagnosed and Treated?
If a person thinks they have a yeast infection, they should see their medical provider. A medical provider might take a small sample of any discharge to test it for yeast. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture to see if it is positive for an infection.
A yeast infection is caused by a fungus and is most often treated with an anti-yeast cream or ointment. For yeast infections in the mouth, a medicated mouthwash or lozenge may be used as a treatment. Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe an oral anti-yeast medication for patients who have a severe infection or a weak immune system.
A yeast infection can be prevented by doing these things:
- Good oral hygiene habits to prevent thrush in the mouth
- Wearing cotton undergarments to prevent genital yeast infections
- Taking probiotics to keep yeast cultures in balance
- Keeping skin areas dry to reduce friction if they rub together
Seek Treatment at Bergen Medical Associates
Patients seeking treatment for a yeast infection can see our gynecologist, urologist, or primary care specialists. All our experts can diagnose and treat yeast infections. The medical team at Bergen Medical Associates works collaboratively with all the doctors involved in the patient’s care. Health records are electronic, making communication with other physicians easier. Our providers construct treatment plans based on complete information about the patient.
With office locations throughout northern New Jersey, Bergen Medical Associates provides patients with multiple medical specialties, including gynecology. We have on-site comprehensive care, including diagnostic testing and ambulatory surgical center when needed. Patients experiencing any symptoms of a yeast infection should see us as soon as possible. Contact Bergen Medical Associates today to schedule an appointment.
