yeast infection

yeast infection Overgrowth of yeast that affects the skin (yeast rash), mouth (thrush), digestive tract, esophagus, vagina (vaginitis), or other parts of the body. Yeast infections occur most frequently in moist areas of the body. Although Candida albicans and other Candida yeasts are the most frequent offenders, other yeast groups are known to cause illness, primarily in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis is confirmed by culturing a stool or mucosa sample or a scraping from the affected area. Treatment involves use of topical or oral antifungal medications. See also Candida albicans; candidiasis; thrush; yeast vaginitis; yeast rash.