Candidiasis is an infection caused by strains of the yeast, Candida, the most common being Candida albicans .
Candida is normally present in the digestive tract and the vagina.
During certain favorable conditions such as warm, humid weather or when an individual's immune system is impaired, the yeast can infect the skin. Mucous membranes in the mouth and vagina are commonly infected. In rare instances, Candida can invade blood and deeper tissues causing life-threatening infection. People may sometimes develop a Candida infection after taking antibiotics. The antibiotics kill the bacteria that normally keep the Candida under control, allowing the Candida organism to grow unchecked.