Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?

Both men and women can get a yeast infection in the vagina and penis.

Yeast are microscopic fungi consisting of oval cells that reproduce by forming buds. There are many types of yeast. Some yeast types are important in baking and brewing (baker's yeast, brewer's yeast). Thus, most yeast are harmless to humans. However, Candida albicans, or Candida, is a yeast that can infect humans and cause illness.

Most commonly, yeast can cause infection of skin and mucous membranes. Such infections are called mucocutaneous candidiasis. They occur mainly in warm, moist areas of the body where the skin is often folded together (groin, armpits, underneath the breasts and occasionally, fingernails). Candida infections are the major cause of diaper rash in children.

Candida also can infect:

• the mouth (oral thrush),
• the vagina (yeast vaginitis), and
• infect or inflame of the male head of the penis and/or the foreskin (balanitis).

Most yeast infections are not contagious. Usually, infections occur when conditions on the skin, mouth (mucosal surface), vagina and penis/foreskin develop extra moisture and warmth, often associated with a suppressed immune system. It is in these situations where Candida can ideally grow and multiply. Infrequently, the yeast infection can be transferred between men and women during sex. However, since most yeast infections are not transferred from person to person, a yeast infection in the vagina, or penis/foreskin is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Symptoms of a yeast infection in skin folds include:

1. Reddish rash
2. Itching or burning of the skin
3. Skin bumps or pimple-like structures
4. Skin patches that ooze a clear or slightly yellowish fluid

Symptoms of a yeast infection also may be specific to the area infected.

1. Symptoms of yeast infection of the mouth (thrush) include thick, whitish patches on the tongue and/or inside of the cheeks and pain, especially when eating or drinking. Thrush may be a sign that the patient may be immune depressed.
2. Vaginal or penile yeast infection produce symptoms similar to those seen on the skin and can include burning with urination.
3. Infrequently, yeast infections can occur almost anywhere inside the body's organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract. These infections are seen mainly in persons with suppressed immune systems (such as patients with HIV infections, cancer, and chemotherapy).
4. Some people on long-term antibiotic therapy may also develop yeast or other fungal infections.

Once the symptoms disappear, most people are cured of the infection. However, yeast infections can recur.

Medications to treat a yeast infection

• Skin yeast infections are usually treated with medicated creams containing antifungals such as clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin or many others.
• Oral infections (thrush) are usually treated with medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve.
• Medicated suppositories or creams are used to treat vaginal infections. These agents contain similar antifungals as described above for skin infections. However, some patients may require systemic therapy with antifungal agent, such as Itraconazole (Sporanox).

Symptoms usually decrease or are gone in about 2 to 4 days after treatment is started. In more severe infections, systemic therapy (intravenous therapy) may last for about 14 to 21 days. Other treatments may last longer depending on the extent of infection and the patient's response to treatment. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist is often recommended for severe infections.

Home remedies for yeast infection

Home remedies for treatment of yeast infections are numerous, but it is recommended that you consult with your physician before trying these home remedies. Examples include:

• garlic,
• tea tree oil,
• douching with vinegar, and
• many others.

The majority of yeast infections can be treated without medical care (diaper rash, vaginal yeast infection); however, if OTC (over-the-counter treatments) fail (no improvement in symptoms within 2 to 3 days), individuals should seek medical care. Some healthcare professionals recommend that individuals seek medical care for any type of yeast infection to be sure they are not suffering from some underlying disease. Individuals that develop any white patches on their mouth lining should seek medical care because they may have additional medical problems.

If you have a known medical condition that results in immunity suppression (for example, diabetes, chemotherapy, cancer) and develop whitish patches on your mouth lining, you should seek medical care quickly.

In general, pregnant women that develop a skin or vaginal yeast infection usually can use OTC medical treatment for the infection. However, it is always best to check with your OB/GYN physician before using any medication while you're pregnant.