Are yeast infections contagious? This question is asked frequently and for good reason. If you’ve had a yeast infection, you know how painful it can be. You would never want to pass it on to your spouse, partner or child and have them experience the same pain. Likewise, anyone who has seen a friend or family member dealing with an infection wants to do everything they can to make sure he or she doesn’t “catch” the infection. The answer to the question is yes, yeast infections are contagious!
The infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast and affects both women and men. Yeast overgrowth can be caused by a compromised immune system, taking antibiotics or oral contraceptive medications, stress, a high-sugar diet, and a number of other conditions. When yeast grows out of control, it becomes a fungus that attacks the body wherever it can. The main areas of attack are warm, moist areas of the body, including the groin and vagina, armpits and breasts, mouth, throat, and rectal area.
The most obvious symptoms are a red or brown patchy rash, raw or cracked skin, moisture, and oozing. The infected area is usually painful and itchy. Oral infections, also called thrush, are often characterized by white patches on the tongue, throat, and lining of the mouth. Thrush is contagious and can be spread by direct contact, such as kissing or breastfeeding.
Fungal infections are not spread in the way we usually think of a disease being spread. Unlike many contagious diseases, the infection is not transmitted through water, air, or food. However, it can be spread from one person to another through direct contact with the infected area. The two most common ways the infection is spread among adults are kissing or sexual intercourse. The obvious advice is to refrain from direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area until the skin has healed.
These infections should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, the initial symptoms may go away, only to show up again in the same or even a different area of the body. When symptoms return, they are often more severe and more difficult to control. If left untreated, the fungus will enter the bloodstream and cause a systemic infection which is a serious medical condition that can lead to death.
Yeast infections are contagious but fortunately there are simple and natural home treatments that will completely cure yeast infection and make sure it never comes back. There are several natural yeast infection treatment programs available in the market today. They all have their similarities and differences. The Yeast Free Life program is one of the most popular and has been shown to be the most effective permanent cure for yeast infections. It is also the only program that offers a lifetime guarantee. Free information is available at YeastFreeLife.com.