Yeast Infection Vs. Fungus Infection
Common conditions like athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm are all products of fungus infection There is also an entire set of disorders caused by yeast, a fungal organism. Known clinically as Candidiasis, examples of yeast infection include vaginal yeast infections, thrush and diaper rash.
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Infection
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Fungi and yeast live on all surfaces of the human body, and certain stimuli promote aggressive growth that can cause infection. Warm, moist conditions are especially conducive to their growth and summer is a peak season for infection.
Growth
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Fungi grow as single organisms that branch repeatedly to cover more surface area. Yeasts are unicellular fungal cultures of that multiply by cell division.
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Affected Areas
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Fungus infections have an affinity for keratinized tissue, cells that are constantly shed and replaced like skin, nails, and hair. Yeast infections are drawn to folds on the body, like the under-arms, mouth, buttocks and genital areas.
Symptoms
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Discoloration, inflammation, itchiness, flakiness and burning sensations are all common indications that tissue is infected by fungal or yeast growth.
Prognosis
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Fungus and yeast infections are generally mild and treatable with prescribed anti-fungal agents. In rare cases, the infections can spread to the bloodstream and cause critical illness.
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