Also known as Candida infection, Monilia or thrush. It is caused by microscopic bacteria (or yeast). Most individuals mistakenly think that this infection takes place on the surface of the skin and can be treated straightforwardly with creams and over-the-counter medication.

Unfortunately it is often not that easy. Where the infections are persistent and keep recurring this can be the sign of a more serious internal problem.

In order to understand how to cure it for good we need to understand what triggered the Candida condition in the first place. We need to be able to tackle the root causes instead of only treating the external symptoms.

There are more than twenty discrete species of Candida. They live in our digestive system and all over the outside of our bodies, but particularly in the intestines, mouth and throat.

In a regular healthy individual there can be millions of Candida bacteria. Our bodies require the Candida bacteria to eradicate harmful bacteria and keep them under control.

In a normal healthy person Candida is kept in check by friendly bacteria, known as pro-biotic bacteria. Unfortunately antibiotics can destroy friendly bacteria and reduce the amount in our intestines. This can mean that there is not a sufficient amount to maintain the Candida bacteria under control.

If there are issues with our immune system, pH balance or if there are not an adequate amount of friendly bacteria Candida can multiply out of control and bring on infections.

If our natural internal balance is lost and the Candida is allowed to grow and multiply out of control, it changes into a fungal form that can find it's way throughout the whole body.

When this occurs the fungal form of Candida creates roots that can breach the walls of the intestines. The yeast, bacteria and partially digested food can therefore get into the bloodstream causing itching, rashes, irritations and other symptoms.

Candida yeast like to breed externally in warm moist areas of the body. The most commonly known are vaginal infections, nail-bed infections, skin rash and thrush.

Infections in the mouth can grow to be more common as we get older as well as infections underneath skin folds, beneath the breasts and around dentures.

We need to appreciate, however, that by the time these external conditions can be seen the Candida is already out of control internally.

The condition can be brought on by a combination of diverse factors. Doctors can, therefore, find it very tough to control using drugs and over the counter prescriptions.

Unfortunately the majority of sufferers still leave treatment in the hands of Doctors and the over the counter industry. Only a few people take responsibility for their own health and well-being and look for a permanent cure for their condition.