Seek Expert Guidance from The Clockhouse Clinic in Purley.

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida, a naturally occurring yeast found on the skin and in areas such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. In most cases, Candida lives harmlessly in the body—but when it begins to overgrow, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and infection. At The Clockhouse Clinic in Purley, we support patients with accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalised advice to help prevent recurrent infections.

What Is Candidiasis?

Candida only causes problems when it multiplies beyond normal levels. The most familiar form is vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections), which many women experience at some point in their lives. Candida can also cause:

  • Oral thrush – affecting the mouth and throat
  • Oesophageal candidiasis – affecting the tube between your throat and stomach
  • Invasive candidiasis – a rare but serious infection affecting internal organs or the bloodstream, typically in hospitalised or medically vulnerable individuals

Healthy people generally do not develop invasive candidiasis.

Types of Candida.

There are several species of Candida that normally live on the skin or inside the body. The most common types associated with infection include:

  • Candida albicans
  • Candida glabrata
  • Candida parapsilosis
  • Candida tropicalis
  • Candida krusei

Historical Context of Candida.

First identified in 2009, Candida auris (C. auris) behaves differently from other forms. It spreads easily in healthcare environments and can survive for long periods on surfaces. This strain is rarely a concern for people in day-to-day life but is closely monitored in hospitals and care settings.

Symptoms of Candidiasis.

Symptoms vary depending on the area of the body affected.

Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
  • Itching and irritation
  • Soreness
  • Thick vaginal discharge
Oral Thrush (Mouth and Throat)
  • White patches
  • Redness or soreness
Oesophageal Candidiasis
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Difficulty swallowing
Invasive Candidiasis
  • Fever and chills
  • Symptoms vary based on the organ affected
  • Often difficult to diagnose because it occurs in already unwell patients

Who Is at Risk?

A weakened immune system or certain medications can increase the risk of candidiasis. Additional risk factors include:

For Yeast Infections:
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal changes
  • Antibiotics
  • Diabetes
For Oesophageal Candidiasis:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Weakened immunity
For Invasive Candidiasis:
  • Hospitalisation
  • Central venous catheters
  • Major surgery
  • Chemotherapy

As mentioned before; Healthy people are generally not at risk of Invasive Candidiasis.

Treatment Options at The Clockhouse Clinic in Purley.

Candidiasis is treatable with a range of antifungal medications, which may be prescribed as:

  • Topical creams or ointments
  • Lozenges or mouth rinses
  • Oral tablets
  • Intravenous antifungal therapy (for severe or invasive cases)

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of infection, symptoms, and any underlying health conditions. At The Clockhouse Clinic, our clinicians ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate care, along with guidance to help reduce the risk of recurrent infections.