Mycoses

Mycoses represent a group of infectious diseases caused by microorganisms of herbal origin, which belong among fungi from the botanical point of view.

They are divided to superficial mycoses (skin, mucosa) and deep (organ, systemic). The readers meet also similar terms such as candidiasis, mycotic infections, yeast and fungi infections. This is because the most frequent causal agents of these diseases are yeasts from Candida spp., which are the transition between fungi and yeasts. These microorganisms are very much extended in the nature. We can find them in herbs and in healthy animals, in which they live saprophytically (in harmony with the host organism) or as parasites (at the expense of the host). Their cells are oval to round, sized 4-6 µm, they are multiplying by budding.

In a case of candida outbreak, they are affecting mostly skin in the sites of so called moist sour, i.e. where there are skin folds touching, during production of sweat with insufficient supply of air (groins, arm pits, etc.) and also nails and mucous membranes. Vaginal mucosa and oral mucosa are the most frequently affected from the mucous membranes; for example in neonates develops a disease called soor or thrush.

Candidas are able to cause deep organ mycoses apart from other unpleasant skin and mucosal candidiasis. These are very serious infections, which develop mostly during debilitation of the organism, e.g. during diabetes, tumours, gravidity and during therapy with broad spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroids. Lungs and gastrointestinal tract are the most frequently affected; affection of the kidneys, brain or pericardium is possible. Especially in small children, there is a possibility of candida sepsis, which is able to endanger life. These serious conditions undoubtedly belong to the hands of a physician or a medical team.

Gynaecologists encounter less serious but very frequent superficial forms of candida infections daily in their clinics. These are so called vaginal mycoses (candidiasis), i.e. infections of the lower part of the female genital tract, which affect mostly fertile women. The disease is characterised with whitish and itchy discharge from vagina. It is reported that 80-90% are caused by Candida albicans; from the other species it is also Candida glabrata, Candida crusei, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis.

Risk factors for the development of mycoses include diabetes mellitus, immune system disorders, administration of the aforementioned corticosteroids and broad spectrum antibiotics, tumours, gravidity and last but not least also inappropriate nutrition, stress and unhealthy life style.

Symptoms of mycotic colpitis (inflammation of vagina) or vulvovaginitis (inflammation of vagina and vulva) are typical. The disease is often manifested by persistent and continuous, sometimes unbearable itching within the external genitals. In a more advanced stage is the infection accompanied by a vaginal discharge, which is white, cloggy, and which reminds of curd by its appearance or a mixture of flour with water. The external genitals is red, it can be swollen, with whitish coating between labia. Chronic untreated mycosis suggests large shrunken sheepskin dry labia, which are often scratched from itching. Transmission is sometimes during sexual intercourse, during decreased immunity is mycotic infection reaching vagina from vulva or from the bowels. Most of these infections are often mixed, therefore the clinical picture need not to be always typical. In case of a mixed infection are often contributing so far saprophytic bacteria, which become pathogenic after alkalisation of the vaginal content. Medicinal products called antimycotics are used for the therapy of these superficial mycoses. These drugs are mostly available on medical prescription and it is possible to apply them locally in a form of antimycotic creams, ointments, globules, vaginal tablets or suppositories. Systemic antimycotics in a tablet form are used orally (by mouth) in more serious cases. Physician decides about therapy based on a clinical picture and also according to the results of cultivation from the material, which is collected for laboratory examination.

Some women are more susceptible for candida infections and this disease is repeated several times a year. Unfortunately, in some of these women, it is not possible to destroy all candidas in deep parts of the vagina and even after repeated treatment there are further recurrences.The results of therapy are not satisfactory for the patient or for the doctor. Woman often decides to change gynaecologist and the situation is repeating from the beginning again. There are patients, for whom is the mycotic infection even like a nightmare.

What  should a woman do, who suffers from repeated vaginal mycosis?

She should mainly try to remove all risk factors, which she can influence herself. This includes body hygiene, avoidance of increased long-term moisture in the area of the genitals, wearing of tight underwear and additional layers of clothes made of airtight plastic materials, longer stay in wet swimming suits, longer or hot baths or swimming in natural waters such as a lake, pond or natural swimming pool. Increased hygiene is necessary also during sexual intercourse. In case of mycosis, it is necessary to treat the sexual partner (partners) also and sexual intercourse should be avoided during therapy, so that re-infection was prevented, i.e. a repeated infection of vagina with candida. It is also recommended to use condom after therapy, especially if there are more sexual partners. Sexual intercourse could lead to infection despite mycosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Menstruation tampons, deodorants, perfumed soaps, especially liquid soaps or shower and bath foams and gels are not recommended. If there is a recurrence of the disease, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately.

 

CANDIVAC is patented product developed in cooperation with specialists from the Medical Faculty of the Palacky University in Olomouc. It contains harmless parts of candida and bacteria, which are frequently responsible for vaginal infections.

 

 

CANDIVAC . . . . . intimate problems under control

 

• CANDIVAC is an original product - Candida lysate of the most common causes of vaginal inflammation 
• CANDIVAC is used in men and women to enhance non-specific immunity
• CANDIVAC may be used together with antimycotics
• CANDIVAC contains a dose for three months in one packaging (30 capsules)
• CANDIVAC is used once daily
• CANDIVAC is available over-the-counter
  
• CANDIVAC is not intended as a supplement of rich diet
• CANDIVAC is produced under pharmaceutical observation and control