Yeast infection called Candida is the result of infection by a set of microscopic fungi or yeast known as Candida albicans. This affects every part of the body from the vagina to the dentures, areas under the breast, lower abs, nail bed and even beneath the folds of the skin.
Common yeast infections are a painful condition that is characterized by burning sensation, itching and other such symptoms. Factors that raise the chances of suffering a yeast infection are stress, pregnancy and childbirth, chronic health problems, diabetes, use of steroids, oral contraceptives and antibiotic medication.
Women can also experience yeast infection following menopause due to falling estrogen levels which cause the vaginal walls to thin down. A yeast infection is common at least one time in your life. Here’s what you can do to treat yeast infection using simple home remedies.
What are the signs of a yeast infection?
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The first thing that you will notice if you have a yeast infection is the intense itching and possibly burning, it will burn also when you go to the toilet to pass urine and have sex. You can pass this infection on to your partner when you are having sex. It is advisable that you do not have penetrative sex when you are suffering from thrush infections. Some women find that they have a thick discharge which you will find resembles cottage cheese, it does not have any smell though. You are most likely to suffer from this a week or so before your menstrual cycle.
It is easy to make a wrong diagnosis about this condition, but if you think that you have this condition there are a number of ways to treat it. I will explain further on this subject later, but one of the things that you should do is to visit the doctor to have it professionally diagnosed. Also, see a doctor if you are pregnant and believe that you have this condition, it is common to suffer this while you are pregnant. Your doctor may wish to do a vaginal examination to get a visual diagnosis.
Keeping this condition at bay can be easy enough if you keep yourself clean and practice good personal hygiene:
- Change you underclothes every day and make sure you wash down there regularly. Use unscented soap and water, and rinse well to make sure that there is no soap residue left behind.
- When you need to use the toilet wipe from the front to the back so that any yeast around your anus does not become spread to your vulva and urinary tract.
- Cotton underwear is the best underwear to wear; you will find that people who wear thongs tend to suffer from not only the soreness caused by the thongs rubbing but also from the yeast infection.
- Don’t wear tight fitting clothes like jeans and tights all the time, give yourself a break by wearing looser fitting clothes such as skirts now and again to allow the air to flow freely.
- Change out of a wet swimsuit straight away or as soon as possible. Wearing a wet swimsuit for long extended periods of time can keep your genital area warm and moist. Perfect conditions for the production of this infection.
- Antibiotics can sometimes cause thrush to develop.
- Being overweight can cause you to develop this condition and diabetes.
Home Remedies For Yeast Infection
#1 Probiotics
Certain medications can disrupt the composition of the microbiota and enhance the chances of yeast overgrowth. For a healthy balance of microbial colonies, a supplement of probiotic will keep the system functioning effectively.
#2 Yogurt
Yogurt has a friendly strain of bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus which can combat yeast infection. Yogurt is the best choice for treating yeast infection. Externally apply plain yogurt on the skin and let it remain for twenty to thirty minutes or overnight. This helps to lower itching. Organic, unsweetened yogurt restores flora and pH balance, which can be typically used to lower yeast infection.
The yogurt should have no added sugars, fruits or other ingredients. Yogurt can be used to reduce yeast infection because the live culture in it restores the acid bacteria balance in more than one way. Topical applications or consumption of yogurt can have a positive outcome for those suffering from a yeast infection. Lactobacillus tablets are also available.
#3 Coconut Oil
Photo By: Vegan baking Dot Net/ CC BYCoconut oil is a potent anti-fungal which can destroy the fungal infections characterizing yeast infection. Externally applying coconut oil to impacted areas thrice in a day can help. Coconut and cinnamon oil in a mixture can also constitute the perfect cure. For curing oral thrush or yeast infection in the mouth, use coconut oil applications in the mouth, and wash it off without swallowing. Another good choice is free drops of tea tree or cinnamon oil in a similar application.
Coconut oil is high in active ingredients such as caprice, caprylic and lauric acid which has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. These compounds destroy harmful pathogens and leave only the friendly bacteria in the body.
Virgin coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which strengthens the body’s immune system to fend off fungal infection. Caprylic acid in coconut oil breaks down the cell membrane containing the yeast population and prevents it from proliferation and replication. This potent antioxidant can destroy yeast and fungal growth in the body, aiding in absorbing minerals and vitamins.
#4 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider and white vinegar have distinctive ingredients that control yeast infections and destroy the fungi causing it. Mix 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar and drink this with warm water two times a day. Use a hot bath to relieve the burning, itching, and pain.
You can dilute either apple cider or white vinegar in water and topically apply the same to the area impacted. Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels eliminating yeast infection. Use apple cider baths to treat this infection.
#5 Garlic
Photo By: Francis Storr/ CC BYGarlic is a potent herb used to cure numerous ailments. It has antifungal, antibacterial and natural antibiotics present in it to treat any kind of fungal infection. This includes yeast infections. Try either crushed garlic in a paste topically applied or dilute garlic oil with vitamin E oil, coconut oil and apply the same to the impacted areas.
Garlic tablets or cloves can help with oral thrush. In fact, garlic is a simple home remedy for yeast infections and has natural anti-fungal properties, anti-bacterial and natural antibiotic components present in it.
#6 Cranberries
These powerful berries even treat UTI and bladder infections. They can also be used to cure yeast infections. They are antibacterial and anti-fungal. Drinking cranberry juice or taking tablets helps to cure yeast infections fast. Rich in bacterial and fungi destroying properties, this can be used to treat UTI or other bladder infections.
Drink unsweetened juice several times per day to speed up the healing process. Cranberry tablets can also be ingested to ward off yeast infections. Drink the juice to boost healthy pH value and acidify the secretions of the body and fend off the yeast infection.
#7 Boric Acid
This is a chemical substance with mild anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Boric acid is not allowed if you are expecting. Boric acid capsules or topical solutions of boric acid mixed with water can be used to counter yeast infections. Several studies have shown boric acid to be safe, not costly and an effective yeast remedy. Try boric acid capsules for a good outcome.
#8 Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful and potent natural anti-fungal that can heal yeast infections. Pregnant women should not use this remedy, though. For others, organic tea tree oil in water or with one teaspoon of olive/sweet almond oil can be used topically to cure the problem. Tea tree oil is a powerful fungal cleanser and placing a few drops of this on topical applications can make a difference. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties which can really work well for warding off yeast infections.
#9 Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is known for its potent properties when it comes to boosting the immune systems and combating fungal infections like yeast. Dilute the oil with olive oil before applying it, though. Raw oregano oil can irritate the skin. Oregano oil is a very important yeast infection remedy. It can also be ingested for quick results. This oil contains carvacrol which makes it a potent anti-fungal for strengthening the immune system and fighting organisms that cause yeast infections.
#10 Calendula
This is a great herbal cure with strong antifungal and anti-inflammation properties for treating yeast infections. Around 2-3 calendula leaves can be crushed and topically applied to the affected area. Tea from calendula extract can also be used to treat yeast infections. Fresh calendula works well, but so do ointments and lotions. It is also available in capsule and tincture form.
#11 Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is effective in treating yeast infections due to antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Olive leaf extract is a good cure for yeast infections because it is easy to apply topically. Steep fresh olive leaves and then put this into a glass jar with a lid. Store the extract in alcohol for about three to four weeks and then strain the liquid into another receptacle. Olive leaf extract contains antiviral, antioxidant, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
#12 Basil, Thyme, Rosemary
Photo By: Becky Stern/ CC BYFor basil as a cure for yeast infection, boil 3.5 cups of water, remove from the heat and add 1 and one-fourth teaspoon ground basil, cover and steep this for thirty minutes. Use as a topical application for yeast infections. Rosemary steeped in water or thyme can be equally effective.
#13 Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can also ward off yeast infections. You need to avoid milk products, processed, white flour, sugar, and fermented foods. Ensure that vitamins plus supplements are there to boost the immune system.
#14 Gentian Violet
Gentian violets are found in pharmacies. Topical applications of this tincture or lotion can also prove effective in countering yeast infections.
#15 Pau d’Arco
This herb from South America is present in liquid or tincture form and can be taken orally or applied topically. It can be taken topically per day or internally to prevent yeast infections as well.
#17 Dry, Loose Clothing
This is another good choice if you want to ward off candida and wearing loose cotton clothes also aids in ventilation. Yeast grows in conditions that are warm and moist. So you can ward this off using hygiene and dry, loose clothing.
#18 Slippery-Elm Powder Plus Aloe Vera
Aloe vera and slippery elm, a mucilaginous herb which is a demulcent can be used to cure yeast infections. These herbs can be topically applied to relieve itching.
Yeast Infections: Know More
Yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease or infection. In fact, women who are not sexually active can also suffer from yeast infections. However, sexual contact can spread this disease. Once a certain yeast infection is diagnosed, you can even get another one. Vaginal yeast infections have a lot of symptoms associated with it. These range from vaginal itching to inflammation, burning at the time of sexual intercourse or urine passage. Pain during intercourse, soreness, rashes, and redness can also result.
Grayish-white and clump forming vaginal discharges are another common symptom of yeast infections. The discharge can end up looking solid or even liquid type. Generally, the length of time a yeast infection is left untreated depends on the severity of the symptoms.
What Causes Vaginal Infection?
The fungus Candida is a microbe that occurs naturally in the vaginal region. Gut-friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus bacteria keeps the growth of this microorganism under control. But in the event of imbalance in the system, bacteria do not work effectively, leading to more yeast and the contraction of vaginal yeast infections. Several factors lead to yeast infections including antibiotics which destroy probiotic bacteria such as lactobacillus in the vagina. Other factors that come into play include pregnancy, uncontrollable diabetes, weakened immune systems, inadequate or nutritionally-deficient eating habits, menstruation issues and imbalance in hormones, stress or even lack of enough sleep.
A particular yeast called Candida albicans causes more yeast infections. These yeast infections can be easily treated. If one has a recurring infection or problem, getting rid of the same with conventional treatment is easy. Labs can identify if another type of Candida infection is also causing the disease.
Vaginal yeast infections are easily diagnosable. The doctor asks the medical history and this includes whether the patient has had yeast infections before. This also means checking if the patient suffers from sexually transmitted infections.
The next critical step to take is a pelvic exam. The doctor examines the cervix and vaginal walls. They also check the surrounding area for external infection signs. Based on what the doctor observes, the next step is collecting cells from the vagina. These cells are examined through lab tests ordered for women with yeast infections on a regular basis and for infections that don’t go away on their own. Every yeast infection is distinct. Doctors need to suggest treatment that works out best for you. Treatments are based on symptom severity.
Simple Infections
For simple yeast infections, doctors can opt for a 1-3 day regimen of antifungal creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories. These medications are prescribed either as a prescription or OTC form. Common medicines range across butoconazole/Gynazole, fluconazole/Diflucan, miconazole/Monistat, clotrimazole/Lotrimin, and terconazole/Terazol.
Women suffering from simple yeast infections should ensure the medicine works by taking it up with the doctor. Follow-up visits are also required if symptoms come back in 1 or 2 months.
If one recognizes yeast infection of the simple kind, it can also be treated with OTC products.
Complicated Infections
Doctors will most likely treat yeast infections in the event of severe or complicated cases if there is redness, swelling, itching that causes sores or tears within the vaginal tissue. You should also consider it a complicated infection if there are more than 4 yeast infections in a year. This is the type of yeast infection caused by Candida other than Candida albicans. For pregnant women or those with weak immune systems due to medicines or HIV-AIDS symptom or even uncontrolled diabetes, there are requirements of treatment as a complicated yeast infection. Severe yeast infections require ointment, cream, tablet or suppository vaginal treatment. Additionally, there are 2-3 doses of fluconazole/Diflucan to be prescribed. Extended use of this medication for 6 weeks or more must be medically supervised.
Conclusion
Therefore, women suffering from yeast infections can take recourse to a lot of medical and preventative treatment for getting the best results. Eventually, sexual health and wellness are an important part of the health building endeavors for any woman. This is why it is important to go for regular checkups and visit the gynecologist. This can have a big impact on the well-being of your reproductive organs.