Quick relief solutions for yeast infection
Those who have the infection usually suffer a great deal of itching, redness, and irritation. The use of medicines, either commercially available or the use that are home made or alternative medications are pretty much sought after by women who suffer with the infection. There are still a number of techniques where people can use to have an immediate relief from the accompanying conditions of the infection.
One of the more simple and easy technique that can be used is the application of yogurt. Yes yogurt. Yogurt can be applied on the affected areas to achieve a soothing and cooling effect. Why yogurt? Yogurt contains friendly bacteria which helps control the population of the yeast microorganism in the affected areas. However, please note that the yogurt to be used should not be sweetened nor should it be heated. Yogurt is more effective if it is left on the affected area for at least 60 minutes after application. Just let the microorganism work and balance out each other before rinsing the yogurt.
This may not be an immediate solution, but maintaining a good diet would be a good way to treat a yeast infection. Poor diet can easily aggravate a situation like the overgrowth of yeast. The increase acidity in the digestive track as well as high acidity levels in the blood can create an environment favorable to the overgrowth of yeast in the body. You should understand that yeast is normally present in our body. It is their overgrowth which creates the infection.
Another quick relief solution would be that use of vinegar on the affected area. One of the most effective would be apple cider vinegar solution which is applied on the yeast infected areas. Others mix the vinegar in a warm water bath and spend a couple of minutes bathing in the solution. Apply cider vinegar is great to balance out the levels of acid and alkaline in the body. It flushes out the excess acid.
Another organic material that could offer some immediate relief is garlic. The antiseptic properties inherent in garlic help eliminate bacteria and fungi so it’s perfect for yeast. Also be aware the yeast infection is not limited in the private areas. The mouth is also a prime place where an overgrowth of yeast can occur.
Now, do understand that the various techniques mentioned are ideal for infections that can be considered less serious and mild. For conditions that are more severe, a combination of various treatment techniques would be a more effective method of curing the disease. Your doctor will most like prescribe a combination of treatments to effectively curb the grown of yeast in our body.
The best option would be to undergo a full treatment procedure. But at the same time, applying some quick relief solutions for yeast infection to, at least, get immediate reprieve from the itchiness and irritation.
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A Candid Look into Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are infections confined specifically to the skin or mucous-like membrane, caused in human beings by a genus of fungi called Candida. It appears in laboratory-cultured agar plates as large, round colonies colored white, cream or whitish-gray. One of its most famous (or rather infamous) species is Candida albicans, though it must be noted that Candida albicans is not the only species that causes yeast infections in human beings.
Candida albicans lives peacefully with other flora in the human body, its growth kept in check by a certain bacteria. It makes its home inside the dark, warm, wet areas of the body. This is why yeast infections are found in areas such as the ears, the mouth, the blood, the gastrointestinal or “gut” area – and yes, the area “down there.” However, it also likes human skin, particularly warm, wet sections which like skin folds and armpits.
Candidiasis is also called “yeast infection” is because Candida albicans’ normal form is that of single oval yeast cells. When in yeast form, it duplicates itself through budding. This means the cells create genetic clones of themselves through bulbs that “grow” out of them. These bulbs stay attached to the parent cells for a while before letting go.
So what actually causes yeast infection? First, the human body’s temperature must be at a specific level and the pH levels must be balanced, two of the conditions necessary for Candida albicans and its partner bacteria to grow without disturbing other flora. But when the temperature and pH levels change, these bacteria die. This leaves the Candida albicans cells free to change into fungi and to replicate with no control over themselves.
Candida albicans fungi mark their territories during this population boom by causing any of these sensations: burning, itching, soreness, or tingling. Sometimes, two of these sensations can be felt at once. It’s a bad idea to scratch the irritated areas, since this act would only compound the overgrowth of the fungi.
Other signs include fatigue, drowsiness, muscle aches, pain or swelling in the joints, dizziness, fluid retention, tissue swelling, loss of balance, lack of coordination, lack of concentration, poor memory, mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and cravings for sugars, carbohydrates and alcohol. But these are also common symptoms for other sicknesses, so they must be taken into consideration along with more reliable indicators.
The overgrowth also causes specific side-effects in afflicted areas. To name a few, yeast infections create white-or cream-colored patches inside the mouth, reaching as far as the soft palate. They cause digestion problems and make even bowel movement difficult. Afflicted penises have patchy sores near the head or on the foreskin. Candidiasis is also responsible for discharges from the ear, the bowels (in the stool) and the genitalia.
Yeast infections can cause serious, sometimes even fatal, diseases. This is particularly true for sufferers with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, diabetes, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, sufferers can be permanently cured through immediate and proper diagnosis and medication.
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A couple of tips to prevent yeast infection
Yeast infection results from the increase growth of the fungi Candida. The fungus is present in most of us so there’s no actual ways of preventing contact with the said bacteria. However, what you can avoid is having contact with a moist environment. Fungus grows well in a warm, most environment, and Candida is not an exception.
Among the things that you better avoid in order to prevent the full development of the infection includes wet clothing especially bating suits. These are quite obvious since we just mentioned that fungus likes growing in warm and wet environment. Tight fitted pants, most especially jeans are a no-no. You should avoid leotards and spandex as well. The tight contact of the clothes to your skin prevents the area to breathe. The close skin contact also might cause some uncomfortable feelings and also trigger some reactions worsening the situation.
Nylon material on your underwear is also a good thing to avoid. Cotton would be ideal choice being clean and has a fabric that allows breathing space. Likewise, avoid pantyhose. Or you really want to wear pantyhose, just wear cotton underwear underneath.
Other tips that we suggest cover your personal hygiene. Keeping yourself clean especially down there is something that all women should do. Keeping your vagina clean and dry after you take a bath or a shower will help prevent the unnecessary growth of the Candida fungus. If you’re accustomed in using deodorant napkins, perfumed tampons, or other feminine hygiene products that have been colored or perfumed, start avoiding them right away. Stick with the all natural stuff. It’s better for you, for the environment, and especially better for me.
If you have a pretty active sex life, be sure to insist using condoms. Although yeas infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, having safe sex is just a good advice. Okay, let’s move on shall we?
Normally medicines should be good for you but in order to prevent yeast infection, it is best to avoid antibiotics since this will upset the balance of microorganism in your body favoring the growth of the Candida fungus. Unless prescribed by your doctor, stay away from antibiotic pills for a while.
Also, foods high in carbohydrates and sugar are a source of food for the yeast as well. So unless you want to keep feeding your yeast something that will help it grow, then you better stick with some fresh foods like vegetables and fruits for a while. Also, in eating your food, it has been recommended to eat fresh fruits and vegetables separately from cooked food. When you combined cooked and fresh, the food will tend to ferment in your stomach. The fermented food will harbor the growth of more bacteria aside from the fungus that you already have.
The more you should learn t control your food intake if you are diabetic. Monitoring and keeping the appropriate amounts of sugar level is a good way to keep you healthy as well as keep the fungus at bay.
These are but a few tips to prevent yeast infection. As you move along your research, you will get to know more about the techniques that can be used to avoid yeast infection as well as other methods that would help you cure the infection, in case you already have one.
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A Guide on How to Confirm a Yeast Infection
It is always a good idea to confirm that you have a yeast infection before finally deciding to treat it with over the counter medications. You may end up doing even more harm to your self if you treat a condition that you do not have. A yeast infection is a bothersome condition, to say the least. However, self medicating a suspected yeast infection may disrupt the normal pH balance of the vaginal area, causing the proliferation of microorganisms which may lead to actual infections.
The trouble with resorting to over the counter yeast infection medications right away is that women are using them for the treatment of something they do not actually have. A woman who goes through certain signs and symptoms in and around her vaginal area may immediately think she is experiencing a yeast infection. But the truth is there are many other infections that also demonstrate the presenting signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. These may include bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia and even gonorrhea.
However, there are three specific signs and symptoms of a yeast infection: discomfort, appearance and odor. If you are experiencing the stated signs and symptoms, you are most likely suffering a yeast infection.
The most obvious symptom of a yeast infection is the discomfort in the affected area. This is certainly one of the revealing and most common symptoms of a yeast infection. The kind of discomfort is often described as an intense burning or itching sensation. Pain in urinating is experienced because of the irritated lining of the vaginal area. In severe cases the infected individual may experience extreme discomfort in the area that carrying out normal daily activities such as walking is impaired. Sexual intercourse too becomes painful for most affected women.
Another way which will help you consider the likelihood of a yeast infect ion is by taking note of the appearance of the affected area. Most individuals afflicted with a yeast infection describe in their private area – specifically, in the vaginal area – in terms of an unsightly white clump of material that resembles curdled milk. Redness and soreness is evident in the affected area. A discharge may or may not be present, depending on the case. Note that only about 20% of women afflicted the infection report the presence of a discharge in the vaginal area. The discharge may be clear to whitish or slightly yellowish, and may be anywhere from thin to thick consistency.
Lastly, another sign that may help how to confirm a yeast infection is the distinct odor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied by a starchy odor, the kind that resembles bread or beer. Notice that yeast is used in bread making as a leavening agent, and in beer making for fermentation. That is because the infection basically is a fungal infection – commonly caused by Candida albicans, a form of yeast.
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Be aware of the various symptoms of yeast infection
Yeast, or Candida as it is known scientifically, are present on any normal human skin. Also, moist areas like the mouth and more specifically you vagina, are common places where yeast can grow. Do not be alarmed. According to studies, a large number of women carry yeast in their vaginal area. In fact it is said that almost 50% of women have yeast. So, if it is normal why the infection? There are actually several reasons, one of which is when there is an excess presence of yeast in the area. Another one is when new yeast materials are placed into the same area.
Some other reasons include taking oral contraceptives, diabetes mellitus, use of vaginal sprays like perfume and even hygiene sprays for women.
There are several tell tale signs that you might have some infection in your sensitive parts. But like what have been mentioned earlier, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection have a number of similarities with symptoms of other infections
The first sign of possible yeast infection is experiencing itchiness in that region. There may be several other conditions where itchiness is the primary indication. That may be, but combining itchiness with the following other symptoms would help you narrow down your list of culprits and eventually identify the disorder as yeast infection. Other symptoms include burning, and soreness. A good indication also would be if pain is being experienced during intercourse.
Sometimes, pain is also felt during urination. You might want to have yourself checked since pain should never be ignored. If you feel pain, and this applies to all parts of your body, consult your doctor quickly. The matter might be worse than you earlier thought it was.
Also, the presence of vaginal discharge may be a good indication as well. Take note, however, that vaginal discharge is not always observed in women with yeast infections. Nevertheless, it is something that you should take note of. The discharge is often odorless and has a whitish color. The appearance and texture is similar to, pardon the comparison, to cottage cheese. Vulvodynia is the term used to describe the pain experienced in the vulvar area.
After knowing the symptoms and, of course, proper consultations from your doctor, hopefully your yeast infections might have been cured completely. There are times, however, when yeast infection occurs with the same women. An estimated size of 5% will experience problems of recurring yeast infections. The reasons why yeast infections recur may be due to more underlying medical conditions that you have.
For the most part, it would be best to observe closely your health and the various yeast infection symptoms to get to know what steps you would need to undertake next.
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Examining Yeast Infection Causes
Common Yeast Infections
Yeast infection can happen to anyone. In fact, it affects men, women and even children. The most common types if yeast infection are, vaginal yeast infections, thrush, diaper rashes and nail bed infections.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most frequent yeast infection in women is vaginal yeast infection when there is abnormal growth of yeast in the vagina that causes vaginal burning, itching and discharge. This type of infection is usually caused by taking antibiotics and steroids but it can also be prompted by pregnancy, sperm, diabetes and taking birth control pills. Vaginal yeast infection happens more to women after menopause.
The first symptom of vaginal yeast infection is noticing a white cheesy discharge from the vagina that causes the area to itch. Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse and urination is another symptom.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. Thrush can occur to people who take anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics or birth control pills. A person is likely to get thrush if they are a smoker or wear dentures that are either too loose or too tight. Mothers can also get thrush from their babies through breastfeeding.
An indication that of thrush infection seeing white creamy cuts that appear slightly raised anywhere in the mouth. These cuts can sting especially if they are scratched off. Other symptoms of thrush include having trouble swallowing and fever especially if the infection has spread to the throat
Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes can also be caused by yeast infection and it happens to babies not older than two years old and to adults who use diapers. Since the candida fungus thrives in moist places, it’s not uncommon that it would infect the area where the diaper meets the skin. Diaper rashes appear as bright red splotches in the skin and it can occur after taking antibiotics.
It’s easy to spot a diaper rash. The irritated area of a diaper rash can spread all over a baby’s bottom, their genitalia or in specific areas. It can also appear in the folds of the skin.
Nail bed Infections
Yeast infection can also occur on the skin under the nails. Aside from the common causes of yeast infection, nail bed infections also happen when the hands are exposed to water frequently or when a manicure had been badly done.
Nail bed infections are painful and the area around the nail will appear red and swollen. The worst kind of nail infection can cause the fingernail to separate from the skin so that the nail bed turns into an ugly shade of yellow or white.
Yeast infection is a treatable disease and it goes away without any complications. These common types of yeast infections get cleared up in one to two weeks. The best defense against yeast infection causes is having a strong immune system that will protect you from the recurrence of the disease.
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Finding Yeast Infection Treatments
Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infection is easily treated with over the counter antifungal creams like Miconazole, Tioconazole, Butoconazole, or Clotrimazole which should be applied to the infected area for one to seven days. Using birth control methods like a condom or a diaphragm is not advisable during this period. For pregnant women it’s best to consult a physician for a remedy.
To prevent vaginal yeast infection from occurring, avoid using douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons. It is also best to wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight pants or panty hoses. When wearing a wet suit or a bathing suit, it is recommended to change out of it right away.
Treating Thrush
The yeast infection of the mouth called thrush can be treated with medicated mouthwashes or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. A recommended mouthwash to use should contain nystatin that can kill the yeast fungus.
The best prevention for thrush is maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using a mouthwash. For those using dentures, clean them thoroughly before using it. For breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to have a breast check up for yeast infections.
Treating Diaper Rashes
Diaper rashes caused by yeast infection can be treated with over the counter antifungal creams that contain nystatin or through supplements like acidophilus.
Protecting infants or adults from diaper rashes means keeping the covered area clean at all times. It also helps to allow the skin to breathe by not using a diaper at least an hour a day. It’s also recommended to use cotton diapers more often than the disposable ones since cotton allows the skin to breathe more easily.
Treating Nail Bed Infections
Yeast infections of the nail bed are more difficult to treat. A prescription for an antifungal pill is needed but it can also be treated with antifungal laquer which is only proven to work in mild to moderate infections when the nails have not yet been infected by the fungus.
To prevent this infection from occurring and recurring is to regularly keep the skin dry and clean. It is also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is infected with this disease. Wearing gloves when gardening also lowers the chance of nail bed yeast infection from occurring. Another way to go about this is to avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers or socks.
Yeast infections and its different types are highly treatable and preventable diseases which should last an average of one to two weeks and any time exceeding this means a trip to the doctor. Information on yeast infection treatments and preventions are available through online medical journals and medical sites but for highly advanced states of yeast infection it’s always best to consult a physician.
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Getting it right, diagnosing yeast infection
Yeast infection has been one of the more common infections that are often misdiagnosed. Thinking that what they have is yeast infection, women will often buy and apply various treatments in their attempt to cure a condition that they do not have in the first place. So instead of being cured of a simple condition, these women will end up with a more complicated condition requiring full treatment procedures. They will then have to spend twice the time and twice the money for their treatment. It’s totally a waste.
Why does this keep happening? There are a number of reasons really but one of them is the fact that we think we’re better than the doctors we come to for help. Some of us think that we are paying these doctors too much for simple diagnosis that we can do ourselves. Or we think we are paying too much for the medicine that they prescribe.
Other times we find our selves in a position as experts in a filed few, if there’s one at all, of us really know about. Just because we have experienced having an itch or infection once or twice we think that we already know everything, from causes to treatments. When faced with an itching predicament, first thing you should do is wash the area with soap and warm water. This way you can eliminate some of the other causes of itchiness in the affected area.
Now in terms of cleaning the affected region, one should avoid using various products like douches and hygiene washes since these can easily irritate more the vaginal area. Also, keep in mind that antibiotics can aggravate yeast infection so it is recommended that one should not take any antibiotic pills when one has yeast infection. In fact, even taking a single antibiotic pill can worsen the infection.
Also, it is best not to panic in situations that you think you have yeast infection. Sometimes the whitish discharge is just part of your menstrual cycle. The same goes with pain and discomfort. However, if you are feeling pain that seems to quite unusual, then consulting your doctor would be the best action you should take.
Recurring infections should also be looked at by your doctor. If despite several medications, the infection keeps coming back bringing with it the other symptoms of the condition, then checking with your doctor is an absolute necessity. There may be some underlying conditions behind which you failed to notice or failed to consider.
Diagnosing yeast infection should not be done by amateurs like you and me. Getting a right diagnosis is imperative to have a treatment schedule that would efficiently help you solve your existing problems.
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Got Yeast? A Guide to Diagnosing Yeast Infection in Women
Not Quite Yeast, Actually...
To begin, vaginal thrush is not brought about by yeast. The infection is actually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which has yeast-like properties. It grows naturally in warm, moist, dark regions of the body, like the mouth and the vagina. Its growth is kept checked by a kind of beneficial bacteria which also grows in the human body. The job of Candida albicans is to search for harmful bacteria and destroy them.
The problem starts when the good bacteria that monitor the growth of Candida albicans die, either because of antibiotics or a weak immune system. Once these bacteria die, Candida albicans grow rapidly and spread aggressively. Add to this the fact that all candida fungi can pass through muscle or organ walls in the body (it has been known to penetrate intestinal walls), and there you have it - an infection that irritates the vagina as well as the vulva.
So How Do You Diagnose It, Really?
The first step to determine the symptoms. The most telling symptom is if your body releases a white or whitish-gray discharge which comes out clumpy and has a smell that reminds you of bread or beer. Other common warning signs include severe itching, a burning and tingling sensation, and even soreness, all of which make walking, switching positions, urinating and sexual intercourse difficult. Some of these symptoms may be heightened through exposure to chemicals, such as perfumes and household cleaning materials.
Sufferers are also more prone to develop allergies through inhaling airborne mold. Damp, dark locations can make them feel worse. They may also display a craving for sugar, breads, carbohydrates and alcohol, though sufferers may not necessarily be tolerant to alcohol. But even then these symptoms altogether may make you a candidate for another infection called bacterial vaginosis, which merits its own article.
With these symptoms in mind, the next step is to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist or ob-gyne. The ob-gyne will begin questioning you about your symptoms, your medical history and your exposure to certain chemicals. He or she will take a swab of your vaginal discharge, and inspect the presence of candida from this sample under a microscope. The ob-gyne may also ask you to assist him or her in identifying the exact location of the itching or pain using a magnifying lens.
Keep in mind that not all doctors are able to diagnose thrush or yeast infections properly. There are times that the indicators could be signs of thrush as described here, and there are times that they may actually be symptoms of a kind of vaginitis, most likely bacterial in nature. Also, when left unchecked, thrush may cause dangerous side-effects, such as endometriosis, ovarian dysfunction and the release of toxins which may further jeopardize your immune system.
Diagnosing yeast infection can be difficult, mostly because its symptoms are no different with those of other illnesses affecting the genital region. Therefore, it is extremely important to be pro-active in getting an accurate diagnosis as soon as you experience the warning signs.
You must able to recognize and keep track of what is going on with you in your genital region. And you must be very forthcoming when asked about the medication you are taking and the products you are using.
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Helpful Tips in the Prevention of Yeast Infection
- Always put on underwear that allows the area to breathe. The best material for underwear to be made of is cotton. Synthetic materials, such as Nylon or Lycra, may trap moisture in and around the vaginal area. So use panties made of all cotton, not just around the crotch area.
- As much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight pants or pantyhose. Don’t use pantyhose alone; wear cotton underwear beneath it. Try to stay away not only from skin tight clothing, but also from those that are made of synthetic materials. A tight and moist environment provides for growth of yeast.
- Wipe from front to back every time after using the toilet. Yeast normally dwells in the intestinal area. Wiping otherwise than the prescribed front to back will only transfer the yeast from the rectum to the vaginal area.
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or swimming. Remember that a moist environment only encourages the growth of yeast which may lead to infection. Try to remove your wet bathing suit after swimming as soon as possible.
- Try not to use any perfumed products in the vaginal area. Spare yourself from irritations which may eventually lead to infections by avoiding the use of scented or colored toilet paper, tampons, pads or panty liners. The chemicals used especially for such products can be irritating to the vaginal area.
- Staying away from the douche may do you no harm. Douching is not good for you because it washes away the naturally existing protective mucous of the vagina and it upsets the normal pH balance of the vagina. Imagine if the good bacteria in your vagina, like Lactobacillus, is washed out of it by douching – it only causes the bad ones to multiply and cause infections.
- Remember not to use petroleum based products as substitute lubricants for vaginal lubrication when engaging in sexual intercourse. Always opt for water based lubricants instead. Using lubricants such as petroleum jelly is an oil by-product; not only is it bad for latex condoms, but it also provides an environment suitable for the proliferation of yeast.
- Try not to wear any undergarment, underpants or pajama bottoms to bed. Remember that a moist environment encourages growth of yeast. Letting your vaginal area exposed to natural air keeps it dry, thus inhibiting yeast from multiplying. Wear a night gown instead, or you may also go bare.
- Research has shown that daily consumption of yogurt also helps in the prevention of yeast infection. Yogurt contains the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, which aids in counterbalancing the multiplication of yeast whenever a disruption in the balance of microorganisms in the body occurs. However, eating yogurt alone will not cure a vaginal yeast infection.
Prevention of yeast infection is simple once you abide by the list above. The fundamental approach is to create and maintain an environment which inhibits the growth of yeast in the vaginal area.
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How to Fight Yeast Infection At Home
You can use Cranberry pills. This is sold over the counter in the drug store. What makes it so effective is that the ingredients help the body’s immune system to fight back the spread of the fungus until this once again reaches normal levels.
Another option will be to use apple cider vinegar and applying some on a cotton ball. Those who decide to try it should expect to feel a slight sting after applying but this can be countered by mixing it with a little garlic. Naturally, this vital organ will also smell. You can fix this by diluting in some water.
Yogurt is another alternative. You will only need to get a teaspoon and then apply this directly in the affected area or on a tampon first. If you don’t have yogurt, use curds. This should be applied twice a day until the infection is gone.
You can also mix olive leaf and grape fruit seed extract together with water and then apply this using a cotton bud. You can also get the same result using raw garlic juice. Just rub this over your fingers and then rub it over the affected area.
Whichever you use, you must never have sexual intercourse because this is an STD or sexually transmitted disease that could also cause problems for your male partner. If treatment for yeast infection takes about a week, this could lasts longer than you anticipated.
If treatment for yeast infection is not working, then it is time to try something that can be given by your doctor. There are creams, tablets or suppositories which are often recommended rather than using oral medication.
One thing women should keep in mind about yeast infection is that although this is caused by a fungus known as Candida, this is normally present in the body. If you are not experiencing any symptoms that are associated with it such as itching, soreness or burning then it should not be treated because it is not a disease.
Aside from the fact that yeast infection is treatable, there are also ways to prevent this from ever happening. The best is to drink a glass or two of milk daily as this ensures that there will never be an overgrowth of yeast down there. You must also avoid wearing tight pants or underwear. If you go swimming, get out of the wet swimsuit right away. Do not also use douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons.
You can fight yeast infection at home or with the help of your doctor because treatment is different for women who are pregnant. Sometimes you don’t even have to anything as this will clear up on its own. However, if this should happen again, then the doctor should do a more thorough examination and use hormone therapy to reverse or treat it.
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Look Out! Ten Signs You Might Have Yeast Infection
First, there are five general symptoms which will almost always come together no matter which kind of candidiasis a person may be afflicted with.
1. The affected body part itches severely. Yeast infections will actually prefer to grown in locations where scratching would be next to impossible, such as the mouth or the vagina. Human skin affected by yeast infection will have red rashes, which may be more pronounced in skin patches with hair growing on them.
2. On one hand, the body part feels like it burns, or is sore to the touch. This may not necessarily cause blisters or include itchiness. On the other hand, the body part can feel tingly or numb. This lack of sensation does not mean that the part is safe from yeast infection.
3. Sensitivity to certain chemicals is heightened. Triggers include antibiotic formulas, sugar, refined carbohydrates (also known as most processed food), and of course, yeast.
4. Mental and physical coordination are also affected. Sufferers cannot balance themselves or move the way they want. They cannot focus on tasks, and become lazy through no fault of their own. Mood swings and heightened negative emotions are other indicators.
5. For genitalia and the digestive system, there is a white or whitish mucous discharge. In the mouth, there are white or whitish patches. Both the discharge and the patches have the consistency and smell of bread or a light cheese, though the smell can also be associated with beer.
There are also symptoms specific to the body parts affected by candidiasis, five of which are discussed below:
1. In gastrointestinal candidiasis, the digestive system is upset. The stomach in particular either bloats with constipation, or it acts up due to diarrhea or abdominal cramps (or, at times, both). Bowel movement is not spared either, because yeast infection causes the irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Women are the primary victims of genitourinary candidiasis. But men are also susceptible, and not just through sexual intercourse. Speaking of which, intercourse is painful and urination becomes more urgent for sufferers of yeast infection. Ladies may have unusual menstrual cramps while gentlemen may have prostatitis.
3. Oral candidiasis causes dryness inside the mouth. The tongue cracks while the gums bleed. Fissures appear at the corners of the mouth. Swallowing becomes difficult.
4. In respiratory candidiasis, persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath can manifest. Another indicator is when the chest constantly tightens or is in pain.
5. Candidiasis causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and the conjunctivae (the mucous that covers the white area of the eye). The retina (the nerve-ended part which captures images for the brain) may defend itself against yeast infection by collecting pus inside an inflamed tissue pocket. This may permanently damage the sufferer’s eyesight.
One last note of caution: despite the fact that you can name ten signs you might have yeast infection, you may actually suffer no symptoms at all. Or you may bear symptoms similar to those of other sicknesses. If you feel like something is wrong but cannot put a finger on it, be sure to consult a doctor.
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Some home remedies for yeast infection
Candida is a kind of microorganism that is always present in our body. When its environment, including our body, changes the growth of the fungi suddenly increases which causes the infections. This change in the environment may vary from acid and alkaline imbalance to poor nutrition. Some triggers also include an increase intake of sugar, changes in the body’s hormones, antibiotics, and even birth control pills. Any one of these or combination of these factors can trigger the proliferation of the fungi resulting to infections bringing with it the problems of itching, burning, irritation, and the presence of white or yellowish discharge.
Although a number of products are commercially available to help soothe the discomfort brought by yeast infection, you might find these products a little expensive or buying them would be quite inconvenient or you need the remedy this instant. Also, there might be a chance that the fungi develop a resistance to commercially available medicines.
Some of the remedies that have been recommended include the use of borax especially if the yeast infection causes discharge that looks like egg white; calcarea carbonica to help with the itching and burning sensations felt before and after menstruation; kali bichromicum to remedy a very uncomfortable discharge with itching and burning; natrum muriaticum; pulsatilla; sepia; and sulphur.
You can fight microorganisms with other microorganisms. We’re talking about the use of probiotics which are friendly microbial organisms that occur naturally in the digestive tract and vagina. The growth of probiotic microorganism suppresses the growth of the Candida which cases the infections. It’s a battle of microorganisms.
There’s a big chance that these remedies are not readily available in your homes. There are natural and more home made remedies that are available to you.
Garlic has been found to be effective by some people when it comes to treating yeast infections. What you can do is get a couple of garlic cloves and smash and convert it into paste. You then apply that garlic paste around the vagina area. The antibacterial properties of garlic can help in getting rid of those pesky fungi. The only setback would be the smell.
A not so smelly alternative would be the use of honey. However, the smell may not be as strong as garlic but the stickiness of honey would be quite uncomfortable. Nevertheless, according to testimonials applying honey on the affected regions helps alleviate the various symptoms of the infection. You apply honey and leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Another good antibacterial and antifungal remedy would be vinegar. Vinegar mixed in warm water is said to be quite effective. You need to soak the area for at least 20 minutes though to see and feel some effects. Cider vinegar is said to be more effective.
These are but a few of the home remedies for yeast infection. There might be a couple of others that you might heard of but before you decide to use them, it would be best to ask around or read more about them to make sure that you won’t be doing more harm than good.
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The Ten Best Cures for Yeast Infection
If you are suffering from yeast infection, chances are your doctor would prescribe topical ointments or ingestible tablets from your local drugstore. But these prescription drugs only aggravate this disease by helping spread the yeast-like fungi Candida albicans. Listed below are the ten best cures for yeast infection in the holistic style.
The first cure is prevention via proper hygiene. Yeast infection spreads primarily through carelessness, whether by exposure to a sufferer, to Candida albicans, or to chemicals which trigger yeast infection. Hence, no lending of personal belongings, and dispose expired products properly.
The second cure is living a healthy lifestyle. Minimize drinking alcoholic beverages and tap water. Because stress is a trigger, set aside time for relaxation and sleep.
But what if you did not know these preventive measures? The next cure, then, is to avoid ingesting drugs of any kind. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that monitor the growth of Candida albicans. Other medicines to avoid include birth control medication, immuno-suppressants and steroids.
One effective cure is a strictly regimented diet as determined by your doctor. The standard Candida diet forbids affected individuals from eating the following:
* Sugars, to the point that even fruit may not be allowed;
* Food with high yeast and mold content, like cheeses, dried fruit, melons and peanuts;
* Milk, dairy products, and food with high lactose content (this means that you cannot eat yoghurt, but you can use it to alleviate the effects of yeast infection in other ways).
This diet allows only the following:
* Water;
* Herbal teas;
* All vegetables;
* Sources of protein (meat is allowed, as are fish, poultry and legumes, although soy and soy products are known to have side effects);
* Whole grains like millet, brown rice, and oatmeal without sugar;
* Probiotic supplements;
* If possible, apples, blueberries, cherries, other berries, and pears.
Reading food labels is an absolute must for the cure to take effect. Sticking to this diet even after the symptoms disappear not only boosts immunity, but also curbs the Candida albicans population boom by reintroducing friendly bacteria.
One way to relieve yeast infection is to apply natural antifungal agents like garlic paste, extra-virgin coconut oil and diluted tea tree oil directly on the skin. Grapeseed extract and tannins from tea and condiments fight chronic infections excellently.
Women with vaginal yeast infection may find relief in a few drops of diluted tea tree oil or a dollop of yoghurt. Application should be done at least twice a day through inserting a tampon with either oil or yoghurt into the vagina. This remedy must be continued one day after the symptoms disappear.
Ingesting licorice helps sufferers of endocrine yeast infection by stimulating hormones without causing side effects. This sweet also can counteract the estrogen loss endured by women with vaginal yeast infection through the release of estrogen-like friendly steroids.
Another great cure is taking in electrolyte-heavy drinks. To make your own, squeeze in half a lemon (full of essential minerals) in a glass of filtered water, then add 1/4 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt (with 84 minerals). Drink it six times during the day, with three of those six times during meals.
Cleansing your colon naturally washes out the toxins made by Candida albicans and also makes the digestive system receptive to friendly bacteria. Recipes may vary, but they usually involve a mixture of garlic or garlic extract, cayenne peppers, apple cider or apple cider vinegar, and the spicy oregano oil.
So there you have the ten best cures for yeast infection. Take note that these are not the only cures available, but these are the ones which have been proven to work time and again. Do your research, and you may find one which works best for you. Good luck!
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What to do with a yeast infection
Okay, that being out of the way, we now proceed to what other things you need to do after confirming that you have yeast infection. The infection occurs when there is an abnormal growth of fungi and yeast in your vaginal area. You need to understand that yeast prefer the surfaces of bodies since it is warm and moist especially in areas like down there. Now, yeast has been found to be present in at least 20% to 50% of women. However, their presence does not mean they will result to immediate infections. It is the overgrowth of the yeast that would possible cause an infection and for it to spread in the vaginal area.
Making certain that one has a yeast infection is a great thing to do. Your doctor will confirm this with you. Once confirmed, he will be able to advise you on the most efficient treatment available. Why do we have to consult a doctor? One of the main concerns is the fact that allied yeast infection shows some similarities with sexually transmitted diseases. Applying some medications after performing do-it-yourself diagnosis is not always recommended. You might end up worsening your current situation.
Aside from the vaginal area, yeast infections also occur in the underarms, in babies’ mouth, in babies’ diaper areas, and for adults even in the areas under the breast or underneath the folds of skin. You should know that yeast infection could spread throughout the body. Fortunately, these cases are very rare. Nevertheless, take note that yeast infection when left untreated could result to a more complex condition, one which would no longer respond to normal treatments. This is of course a big bother.
Asking your doctor for the right medication would greatly help you get rid of the infection. However, sometimes home remedies and proper health care would be sufficient. Some basic health care that you should adopt include not wearing wet underwear for long periods of time, avoidance of tight jeans and pants, and not using those hygiene products like feminine sprays and deodorant pads.
A number of over the counter medicines are now available which claims to eliminate yeast infections. There are medicines that can be taken orally or creams that are to be applied on the affected area. These commercially available products offer schemes like a seven-day infection free treatment. Some offers relief in just three days.
However, be aware that abuse of these antifungal medications can lead to the fungi becoming resistant to the medicine. This is the reason why it is better to have the infection studied closely in medical laboratories to get a more accurate diagnosis. It is not worth buying all those medicines and then finding out later that you spent all your time and money on an infection that you did not have in the first place.
The question what to do with a yeast infection should have been answered by now. There are a lot of materials which you can read to get a more detailed discussion on the infection. Plus, y our doctor can fill in.
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Yeast Infection Test
Once you are in the clinic, the doctor will ask you some questions. These include what symptoms are you feeling, for how long have you experienced it and what medications are you currently taking. You have to be honest about everything especially if this has happened before. If this is the first time, then that is good if you have had previous history, then there is a good chance it will happen again.
But perhaps the most basic test will be for the doctor to take a sample and then wait for the results to come out. There are two kinds. The first is called the vaginal culture which is usually taken during a wet mount test. If you happen to have more than the usual amount of yeast down there then you have yeast infection. The doctor may also do a blood test because yeast infections are sometimes caused by diabetes or another health related problem.
Some doctors also conduct a pelvic examination because an inflammation of the skin of the vulva which is within the vagina and on the cervix. What the doctor is looking for here is if it is dry or if there are white plaques on the vaginal wall.
If the tests have confirmed that you have yeast infection, it is time for the doctor to figure out the type of treatment to be administered.
So what happens then? If this has happened for the first time, your doctor can prescribe something to make it go away after 7 days. If however this has happened again, you can try to use tablets, creams or suppositories depending on the recommendation of your physician.
Studies show that having a yeast infection makes you more susceptible to contracting HIV as vaginal irritation may allow the easier package of this fatal virus into the bloodstream. Although this does not happen often, women who experience it and are resistant to treatment should already be checked for other causes because the doctor has already ruled out the overuse of antibiotics which happens to be one of the causes of this disease.
Some people have used some items at home to get rid of yeast infections. Some examples of these include cranberry juice, vinegar, yogurt, curds, olive leaf and grape fruit extract, potassium sorbate, acidophilus as well as a water solution.
The entire time that you are being treated for yeast infection, make sure that you do not engage in any sexual contact because you could also infect your sexual partner with this problem. You can still spread the disease even if your partner is wearing a condom and you applied cream already because the oil based creams damage it as this is only made from latex.
The yeast infection test is the best way for doctors to tell if you have this problem or not even if you already show these symptoms. You might think that this is unnecessary and a waste of time but your doctors has to follow certain procedures so they will be able to recommend the right treatment for your condition.
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