Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system, which normally fights off infections, mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and heart. A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common fungal infection primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, a type of yeast naturally present on the skin and in the body. While Candida yeasts are typically harmless, an imbalance can lead to an infection.
The Link Between Lupus and Yeast Infections
Lupus, an autoimmune disease, compromises the immune system’s function, making individuals more vulnerable to various opportunistic infections. This occurs because lupus can lead to hyperactivity of certain immune cells, which produce antibodies that compromise the immune system’s ability to combat microbes, including fungi like Candida. This immune dysregulation increases susceptibility to infections.
A significant factor contributing to increased yeast infection risk in people with lupus is the use of medications prescribed to manage the condition. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants are commonly used to control the overactive immune system in lupus, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms. However, these medications also suppress the body’s overall immune response, diminishing its natural defenses against pathogens.
When the immune system is weakened, Candida yeast can multiply excessively, leading to a yeast infection. Studies indicate a correlation between corticosteroid use and an elevated risk of fungal infections in individuals with lupus, with higher doses often linked to a greater risk. While lupus does not directly cause yeast infections, the disease and its treatments create an environment that makes these infections more likely to develop.
Recognizing Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can manifest in several areas of the body. Vaginal yeast infections are characterized by itching and irritation in and around the vagina. Individuals may also experience a burning sensation, particularly during urination or sexual activity, along with redness and swelling of the vulva. A thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge that often resembles cottage cheese is another common indicator.
Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection affecting the mouth and throat. Its symptoms include creamy white or yellow patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes the roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. These patches may be slightly raised and can cause soreness, discomfort, or a cottony feeling. Difficulty eating or swallowing, a loss of taste, or cracking at the corners of the mouth can also occur.
Yeast infections can also develop in skin folds, appearing as a red rash that may include skin breakdown or oozing patches. This type of infection is often accompanied by itching or burning in the affected area. If a yeast infection is suspected, seeking medical advice is advisable, as diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and sometimes collecting a sample of discharge or affected skin for laboratory testing, such as microscopy or fungal culture.
Managing and Preventing Yeast Infections
Managing yeast infections typically involves antifungal medications. These treatments are available in various forms, including topical creams or suppositories for localized infections, and oral medications like fluconazole for more widespread or persistent cases. A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the infection’s location and severity. It is important to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Preventing yeast infections, especially for individuals with lupus, involves medical and lifestyle strategies. Working closely with a doctor to manage lupus medications, such such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, is important, as appropriate dosing can help balance disease control with infection risk. Promptly reporting any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider can also facilitate early intervention.
Good hygiene practices are also beneficial in preventing yeast overgrowth. This includes using mild, unscented soaps for personal hygiene, wiping from front to back after using the restroom, and changing out of wet clothing, such as swimsuits or workout gear, promptly. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and opting for breathable fabrics like cotton underwear helps keep skin areas dry and reduces the moist environments where yeast thrives.
Dietary considerations, such as reducing sugar intake, may help, as yeast feeds on sugar. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt with active cultures, or taking probiotic supplements may also support a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria, which can help control yeast populations.