Definition: Candida albicans is a yeastlike fungus that commonly causes infections. Candida albicans lives in the mucous membranes of the mouth, vaginal tract, and the intestines. Certain conditions such as pregnancy, oral contraception, antibiotic use, or a compromised immune system can cause an overgrowth of Candida making it an infection.
The three most common areas of Candida infection are the vagina, mouth, and uncircumcised penis. Vaginal Candida infections are commonly called yeast infections, but other fungi can produce a similar vaginal infection. A Candida infection of the mouth is called thrush, and a Candida infection of the uncircumcised penis is called balanitis.
All of these infections can be treated with topical or oral antifungals. Common antifungal medications for vaginal Candida infections and balanitis are clotrimazole and miconazole creams or oral fluconazole. Thrush is treated with oral mycostatin or clotrimazole.
Pronunciation: KAN-did-uh AL-bi-kanz (noun)
