Yeast infections can occur in any one, man, woman, child, the elderly. Anyone can get a yeast infection because the yeast that causes the infection, Candida, actually is found on our bodies, though they prefer warm and moist areas to grow. It is when certain conditions occur that Candida's numbers become so great in certain areas that the individual will get a yeast infection. The most common types of yeast infections are nail bed infections, vaginal infections, skin infections, diaper rash and mouth and throat infections.

Yeast infections for women are most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections can be particularly painful and its symptoms are burning, itching and discharge. Vaginal yeast infections for women can be caused by anything that may cause the vaginal environmental to alter even slightly. Menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, sperm, steroids, and birth control can all cause vaginal yeast infections.

Individuals with weakened immune systems are also more likely to get a yeast infection. It is this type of yeast infection in which the body can't fight that can cause death. When your immune system is weak form cancer treatment, steroids, AIDS and other diseases the yeast infection can occur anywhere in the body and infections that occur in the blood, brain, eye, kidney, heart, lungs, liver and spleen can be hard to overcome.

Up to 15% of all individuals with a weakened immune system get a systemic illness from yeast infections. In this case the yeast has somehow managed to access your blood stream, wither through cell breakdown, cuts, needle punctures, catheters or IV drips. The bacteria that normally would control or kill the yeast are not present as your current medical treatment, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore your body has lost its natural defense against the yeast.

Mouth and throat yeast infections, also called thrush, can be particularly painful and may even result in dehydration, as the individual finds it too painful to eat or drink. Thrush is associated with white patches in your mouth and throat that may bleed when scratched or scrapped off. Thrush can only be treated with prescription medicine so see your doctor at the first signs of symptoms.

Diaper rash and skin yeast infections occur because the outer layer of your skin is breaking down. Most of the time we do not get yeast infections on the skin because it is kept exposed and dry. However when some areas of the skin are moist, like diaper areas and in skin folds, yeast infections can occur. Skin yeast infections are red and sometimes have sharp scalloped edges and are usually associated with itching and pain.

There are three types of treatment for yeast infections, over the counter medication, holistic healing treatment and prescription medication. The type of treatment you need, will depend on the type of yeast infection you have, although natural remedies have proven to very beneficial. Also if you find that the over the counter medication isn't working or that your yeast infection is recurring you may need more effective treatment that only a doctor can prescribe.

If you have a weakened immune system then you should always visit your doctor. You currently have treatment for a yeast infection but nothing is happening or if the rash worsens or you start vomiting, get a fever or the chills then you need to visit your doctor immediately. These types of yeast infections can be deadly and should be taken very seriously.