Candida albicans is a common yeast that grows inside the human body. In healthy people, other bacteria and immune cells keep this yeast under control so it doesn’t cause any problems, but in some people candida can become overgrown and cause infections in various areas. One of the ways candida shows up is through the skin where it can cause noticeable reactions or infections. Other ways are on the mouth, vagina and anus.

What triggers candida in the first place? This overgrowth of yeast can develop from a number of factors, including antibiotic use, poor digestion, low immune system function, a high sugar and grain diet, stress or hormonal changes.

When yeast overgrows in the vagina, symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can develop, including:

• vaginal itching (sometimes very uncomfortable and severe)

• vaginal discharge that’s white, thick, clumpy and odorless (while not pleasant to visualize, some people describe it as looking like cottage or ricotta cheese)

• irritated skin around the opening to the vagina (vulva and labia), redness and swelling

• slight bleeding

• vaginal pain, especially during intercourse or during menstruation

• pain when going to the bathroom or when urinating

• sometimes a slight smell that’s unusua