Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is an extremely common fungal infection. It may affect many different parts of the body but is most commonly found in warm, moist areas, such as the groin, underarms, or the vagina in women. Various medical conditions are caused by a yeast infection, including athlete’s foot, thrush, and gastrointestinal candidiasis.

Symptoms of yeast infections depend on the affected area but often include red, itchy skin, discomfort, and soreness. Vaginal candidiasis is characterized by a burning sensation, particularly during sex or while urinating, swelling around the vulva, thick white discharge, and pain or soreness in the vagina. Gastrointestinal candidiasis may be recognized by anal itching, bloating, indigestion, nausea, gas, cramps and gastric ulcers.

Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medication. Over-the-counter treatments are available, but prescription medication may be necessary in more severe cases or where over-the-counter options do not work. Drug classes commonly used to treat yeast infections are azole antifungals, topical dermatological antifungals, vaginal pH balancing agents, polyene antifungals, and gynecological antifungals.