Candida Fungal Infection Doctor in Charleston, SC

Candida is a type of yeast that exists naturally in the body, typically without causing problems. Under normal conditions, the immune system and microbial balance in the gut, skin, and mucosal surfaces keep Candida growth in check. However, when that balance is disrupted either by medication, chronic illness, immune dysfunction, or environmental exposure, Candida can shift from a benign presence to a more damaging infection. This overgrowth, known as candidiasis, can affect multiple systems in the body, with symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating depending on the individual’s immune response and the location of the infection.

In functional medicine, particularly when dealing with complex chronic illness or neuroimmune conditions, a Candida fungal infection is often considered part of a broader disruption to the microbiome or immune regulation. At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), this can be particularly relevant when evaluating children and adults on the autism spectrum, many of whom experience compounding gastrointestinal, immune, and neurological symptoms that may coincide with fungal overgrowth. Functional lab testing is used to determine if Candida is contributing to larger issues, such as behaviors like sensory dysregulation, communication challenges, and neurological symptoms such as apraxia.

A Candida infection can stem from a variety of different causes. Most often, it’s the result of an immune system that’s been overwhelmed by other chronic triggers, such as exposure to mold, long-term antibiotic use, or persistent gastrointestinal dysfunction. In many of the children and adults seen at COEM, Candida is not the primary issue, but an effect of a larger problem like dysbiosis, methylation defects, or underlying inflammation driven by environmental or dietary stressors. In those with compromised detoxification pathways, Candida can worsen. Functional medicine doctors at COEM approach Candida overgrowth by evaluating immune imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and whether the patient is dealing with concurrent conditions like mold-related illness, CIRS, or Lyme. Personalized treatment plans frequently include antifungal strategies alongside dietary adjustments, multi-step oxygen therapy, photobiomodulation, and support for mitochondrial and gut health, all determined with functional lab testing to support long-term regulation.

Symptoms of Candida overgrowth vary depending on where it manifests and how sensitive the individual is to fungal byproducts. In more localized forms, it may present as thrush, vaginal itching or discharge, or a skin rash that doesn’t respond well to topical treatment. But when Candida becomes systemic, especially in individuals with underlying mold exposure or immune dysregulation, symptoms often begin to overlap with those seen in broader functional or neuroimmune disorders. These include gastrointestinal complaints like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, as well as neurological symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and in some children with autism. At COEM, Candida overgrowth is often evaluated within the broader context of immune triggers, including mold/moisture exposure, food sensitivities, and gut-brain axis dysfunction. Functional medicine doctors tailor interventions to not only relieve the burden of fungal overgrowth but to support improved regulation, attention, and communication in children and adults alike.

Patients should seek support from a provider with experience in mold illness, neuroimmune disorders, and functional diagnostics when symptoms of Candida persist or seem to recur despite basic antifungal or dietary intervention. That includes individuals with known mold or moisture exposure, children on the autism spectrum experiencing sudden behavioral shifts or regression, or those managing chronic GI symptoms, fatigue, or cognitive decline.

Our certified specialists use functional lab testing to determine whether Candida is part of a broader dysregulation involving biotoxin exposure, gut permeability, or metabolic imbalances. For patients with a history of exposure to water-damaged buildings, symptoms may overlap with those seen in CIRS or other mold-related illnesses, and it’s not uncommon for Candida to be a secondary factor prolonging recovery. Integrative treatment approaches may include multi-step oxygen therapy, IV nutrient support, targeted antifungals, and, in some cases, provocation-neutralization allergy testing to uncover additional immune sensitivities. By identifying and supporting the body’s weakest systems, functional medicine doctors help patients move beyond symptom management toward more stable, long-term wellness.

Candida treatment is available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston SC, Mount Pleasant SC, Summerville SC, North Charleston SC, Goose Creek SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, West Ashley SC, Moncks Corner SC, Sullivans Island SC, Folly Beach SC, Isle of Palms SC and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city, which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.