Diseases Caused by Yeasts

The most common yeast infections include the so-called candidoses that are caused by yeasts of the candida species. The main representative is candida albicans.

Fungi of the candida species are not fundamentally part of the normal flora of a human, but can be proven in a large proportion of healthy people (temporarily) without resulting in changes to the skin or mucous membranes. If, however, the immune status of these persons changes, the yeasts can multiply and result in an illness.

Diabetics are particularly susceptible to illnesses caused by yeasts. Increased sugar levels in the skin, for example, are under discussion as a cause of this. In addition to diabetics, yeasts occur primarily in young babies whose immune system has not yet fully formed, and in people with serious illnesses, with whom there is an immune deficiency (e.g. HIV infection, AIDS). The intake of certain drugs is also associated with an increased risk for fungal infections; these include e.g.

• Cytostatics (drugs against cancer illnesses)
• Antibiotics (drugs against bacterial infections)
• Immunosuppressive drugs (drugs that are used e.g. with severe psoriasis or rheumatic illnesses and that inhibit the reactions of the immune system).
• Glucocorticosteroids (drugs that have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect and are used e.g. with asthma, allergies and various skin diseases)

Yeast infections also occur e.g. in the mouth with people who wear dentures if the prosthesis does not fit properly.