Candida is one of those topics people rarely talk about openly, although it is very common. Almost every woman experiences vaginal Candida at least once in her life, while the fungus Candida albicans can also cause discomfort in men, babies, the mouth, the skin and moist skin folds.

It is important to know that Candida is not always a sign of poor hygiene and is not always transmitted from outside. Candida may naturally be present on the skin and mucous membranes, but problems occur when the balance of the microbiota is disturbed and the fungus starts to multiply excessively.

Below we explain what Candida is, the most common symptoms of Candida in women and men, how Candida in the mouth and on the skin appears, what role antibiotics, immunity, blood sugar and diet may play, and when you should see a doctor.

Author: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

What is Candida?

Candida albicans is a fungus that naturally lives on the skin, in the mouth, intestines and mucous membranes of many people. When the microbiota is balanced, Candida usually does not cause any symptoms.

A problem occurs when this natural balance is disrupted. Candida can then multiply excessively and cause an infection, most often on mucous membranes, such as vaginal Candida and oral Candida, or in skin folds where there is warmth and moisture.

Where can Candida appear? What does it look like? Who is more prone to it?
Vaginal Candida Itching, burning, redness and thick whitish discharge. Women, especially after antibiotics, during pregnancy or hormonal changes.
Candida in men Redness, itching, whitish deposits and discomfort on the head of the penis. More common with diabetes, weakened immunity or recurrent infections in the partner.
Candida in the mouth White patches on the tongue, cheeks or palate, burning and discomfort. Babies, elderly people, users of inhaled corticosteroids and people with weakened immunity.
Candida on the skin Redness, itching, moisture and small changes in skin folds. More common with sweating, excess weight, diabetes and tight clothing.

Most common causes of Candida

Excessive Candida growth usually occurs when the natural balance of bacteria and fungi on the skin and mucous membranes is disturbed. That is why Candida often appears after antibiotic therapy, during periods of reduced immunity, with hormonal changes or elevated blood sugar.

Risk factor Why can it favour Candida? What may help?
Antibiotics They may reduce beneficial bacteria that naturally help keep Candida under control. Probiotics on pharmacist advice, especially in recurrent symptoms after antibiotics.
Weakened immunity Stress, poor sleep and recovery after infections may affect microbiota balance. Sleep, recovery, balanced nutrition and treating the underlying issue.
Diabetes and high blood sugar High blood sugar may contribute to more frequent and persistent fungal infections. Blood sugar control and medical consultation in recurrent infections.
Hormonal changes Pregnancy, the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception may change conditions on the mucosa. Gynaecological advice, especially during pregnancy or frequent return of symptoms.
Heat, moisture and tight clothing A moist environment and trapped sweat favour fungal growth. Cotton, breathable underwear and avoiding long wear of a wet swimsuit.

Symptoms of Candida in women

Vaginal Candida in women is most often recognised by intense itching and burning, redness and swelling of the mucosa, as well as thick, whitish, cottage cheese-like discharge that usually does not have a strong unpleasant smell.

Symptoms may worsen before menstruation, after intercourse, after antibiotic therapy or during periods of reduced immunity. However, similar symptoms may also occur with bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections and other inflammations, so a first episode or unusual symptoms should be checked by a gynaecologist.

Symptoms of Candida in men

Candida in men is less common than in women, but it may cause redness, itching and burning on the head of the penis, whitish deposits, small skin changes and discomfort during urination or intercourse.

In recurrent symptoms, it is important not to treat only the female partner. The man should also see a doctor, especially if diabetes, weakened immunity or symptoms returning after treatment are present.

Candida in the mouth and on the skin

Candida in the mouth, also known as oral candidiasis or thrush, most often appears in babies, elderly people, people with weakened immunity and people who use inhaled corticosteroids without rinsing the mouth after use. It is recognised by whitish patches on the tongue, inner cheeks or palate, with burning, redness or an unpleasant taste.

Candida on the skin most often appears in moist folds: under the breasts, under the abdomen, in the groin, armpits or between the toes. The changes are often red, sharply defined, moist and may be accompanied by small changes along the edges.

Candida in the intestines and stool

Candida may naturally be present in the intestinal flora as well. Excessive Candida growth is sometimes associated with bloating, stool changes and fatigue, but this topic requires caution because similar symptoms may occur in many other digestive conditions.

Visible stool changes, long-lasting diarrhoea, blood in the stool, pain, unexplained weight loss or marked exhaustion are not a reason for self-diagnosing Candida, but for an examination by a doctor or gastroenterologist.

Candida and diet

Diet is not the only or direct cause of Candida infection, but excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates may contribute to imbalance in people prone to recurrent infections. Therefore, reducing sweets, white flour and sweetened drinks is often recommended as support.

Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, kefir and fermented vegetables may support a healthy microbiota. The so-called anti-Candida diet is sometimes used as additional support, but there is no single universal diet that works for everyone. In recurrent symptoms, it is best to speak with a doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist.

When should you see a doctor?

A first episode of vaginal Candida or any suspected fungal infection should be confirmed by a gynaecologist or doctor, because similar symptoms may have different causes. A doctor should also be consulted if infections recur more than three to four times a year, if you are pregnant, have diabetes or weakened immunity.

An examination is also needed if symptoms do not improve after over-the-counter treatment, if abdominal pain, fever, unpleasant-smelling discharge, sores, bleeding or pain during urination occur. In oral Candida, Candida in babies and spreading skin Candida, it is also better to seek medical advice.

Candida treatment and daily care

The basis of Candida treatment is antifungal preparations. Depending on the site of infection, local products such as creams, vaginal tablets or oral gels may be used, while in more severe, persistent or recurrent infections, a doctor may recommend systemic therapy.

Alongside treatment, daily care is important: cotton and breathable underwear, avoiding long wear of a wet swimsuit, gentle intimate hygiene without harsh products and perfumed products, as well as probiotics when recommended, especially after antibiotics.

Pharmacist’s advice

With Candida, it is important to distinguish an occasional mild infection from recurrent symptoms. If symptoms keep returning, it is not enough to repeat the same treatment — possible causes should be checked, such as antibiotics, blood sugar, hormonal changes, intimate hygiene or a partner who also has symptoms.

In a first episode, pregnancy, frequent infections, pain, unpleasant-smelling discharge, fever or symptoms that do not improve, consult a doctor. A pharmacist can help choose appropriate support and care, but diagnosis and treatment in complicated cases should be guided by a doctor.

Professional advice: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

Related shopping for Candida and intimate discomfort

Need Category When is it useful?
Itching, burning and suspected fungi Antifungal preparations For vaginal tablets, creams, gels and support for fungal intimate discomfort.
Gentle daily hygiene Intimate hygiene For gentle intimate care without harsh soaps and strong fragrances.
Disturbed vaginal flora Preparations for bacterial infections Useful when symptoms are not typical for Candida, or when unpleasant odour, changed discharge or vaginal imbalance is suspected.
Microbiota support after antibiotics Probiotic preparations For intestinal and vaginal microbiota support during and after antibiotic therapy.
Wider intimate care Intimate care For hygiene, fungal discomfort, burning, dryness, irritation and restoring intimate balance.

Recommended products for Candida and microbiota support

Product Purpose
KANSEN vaginal tablets For symptoms corresponding to vaginal Candida, with caution in first episode, pregnancy or recurrent infections.
Multi-Gyn FloraPlus Support for vaginal flora in discomfort linked to Candida and disturbed intimate balance.
PROBIOVAG vaginal capsules Restoring and maintaining vaginal microbiota, especially after antibiotics or antifungal treatment.
Lactibiane CND Oral probiotic support for people prone to disturbed intimate balance.
Bio-Kult Candea Probiotic support for disturbed intestinal and vaginal microbiota.
Biguanelle vaginal tablets Support for vaginal infections and mucosal recovery when the intimate area is irritated or sensitive.
INNOVAG vaginal ovules Ovules for support in bacterial and fungal vaginal discomfort.
Floralaise capsules Oral probiotic support for vaginal flora and intimate balance.
Biofeminn capsules Probiotic support for vaginal flora balance.
Uriage Gyn-Phy intimate cleansing gel Gentle daily intimate hygiene without disturbing the natural balance.

Related blog topics

Topic Why is it related?
What is Candida, where does it appear and how can it be treated? A directly related topic explaining where Candida can appear and why the infection may return.
How Candida is treated – symptoms, causes and preparations A related article for readers interested in therapy, preparations, vaginal tablets, antifungals and microbiota support.
Vaginal infections – symptoms, causes and treatment Important because itching, burning and changed discharge do not always mean Candida — the cause may also be bacterial vaginosis or another infection.
Probiotic with antibiotics – when to take it? Candida often appears after antibiotics, which makes intestinal and vaginal microbiota recovery an important topic.
Probiotics – truths and misconceptions Probiotics are often used as support for intestinal and vaginal microbiota, especially after antibiotic therapy.

Frequently asked questions about Candida

Is Candida dangerous?
In most cases, Candida is unpleasant but not a dangerous infection and can be treated successfully. It becomes more serious in people with significantly weakened immunity.

What does Candida on the skin look like?
Candida on the skin usually appears as a red, sharply defined change, often in moist folds. It may be accompanied by itching, burning, moisture or flaking.

Can Candida be transmitted through a toilet seat?
No. Candida is not transmitted through a toilet seat. Infection most often occurs because of a disturbed natural microbiota balance in the body.

Is Candida sexually transmitted?
Candida is not considered a classic sexually transmitted infection. However, a partner may have symptoms or contribute to recurrent discomfort.

Can Candida come back?
It can return, especially if there is an underlying reason such as frequent antibiotic use, uncontrolled blood sugar, pregnancy, hormonal changes or disturbed vaginal microbiota.

How long does Candida treatment last?
Milder infections usually improve within a few days to a week with appropriate treatment. Recurrent or complicated infections require an individual approach.

What should you eat when you have Candida?
There is no single universal anti-Candida diet for everyone. Reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates is usually advised, together with balanced nutrition and probiotic foods.