7 Places That Can Be Affected By Yeast Infection Apart From The Vagina!

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It is a fact that, as women, we may experience certain ailments that are usually not seen in men, obviously due to the difference in physiology, right?

Breast cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), vaginal yeast infections, etc., are some of the ailments that affect women folk, exclusively.

Yeast infections are a rather common condition seen in most women, in which the woman's vagina is affected by bacteria or fungus, causing a number of undesirable symptoms!

Some of the main causes for an yeast infection in the vagina can be lack of hygiene, diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, consuming lots of sugary foods, stress, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.

When there is an imbalance of the healthy bacteria that lines the walls of the vagina, it can lead to an yeast infection. Also adding to this, there are certain foods that helps prevent yeast infection. For details click here.

Some of the major symptoms of yeast infection are burning sensation, itching, white discharge, foul odour, pain during intercourse, rashes, sores, etc. in women.

Now, many of us may believe that yeast infections can only develop in the vaginal cavity and so, can only affect women.

However, the fact is that, an yeast infection can develop in any body part which receives little air and light. Areas that produce a lot of moisture or sweat are also prone to yeast infections.

So, it is safe to say that vaginas are not the only parts that can be affected by yeast infections and so, even men are prone to it!

Have a look at some of the body parts that can be affected by yeast infection, apart from the vagina.

1. Skin

Although our skin is exposed to enough air and light, it can still develop an yeast infection, if hygiene is not maintained and if sweat and dead skin are not cleaned up on a regular basis.

2. Feet

A fungus known as trichophyton mentagrophytes can cause a fungal/yeast infection in the feet, especially when your socks are not washed on a regular basis!

3. Mouth

Yeast infection in the mouth usually affects babies who are being nursed or bottle-fed with milk, as the milk particles can get deposited in their mouth, causing an infection.

4. Breasts

Nursing mothers can develop an yeast infection on their breasts, as the baby's mouth can change the pH balance of the skin tissue around the breast, causing the yeast to grow.

5. Oesophagus

When people use certain medications which are taken to treat cancer or autoimmune diseases, it can lead to the development of yeast infection in the oesophagus, as a side effect.

6. Anus

Vaginal yeast infection can often spread to the anus, when it is not treated immediately, as the anus too produces moisture and receives less light.

7. Penis

Yes! Even men can develop an yeast infection ‘down there', in rare cases, although the symptoms may not be apparent. Re-using old underwear, not showering for a long time, etc., can cause this problem in men.