Yeast infections result from the overgrowth of yeast on certain areas of the body. Effective yeast infection treatments, therefore, necessitate a thorough understanding of affliction.
Vaginal yeast infection is a common problem. The primary cause is the over-proliferation of a fungus called Candida albicans. Thus the common vaginal yeast infection is also called candidiasis. Candidiasis symptoms include itchiness, soreness, rashes, sometimes pain during urination or uncomfortable sexual intercourse. Frequently there’s white, cheese-like vaginal discharge.
When the situation is ripe, Candida fungi can get to unhealthy, infectious levels. This happens often when the host has a compromised immune system, or contraceptive pills, antibiotics or steroids. Concentrations of Candida can be found in the warm, moist areas of the body, like the vagina, the mouth and the armpits.
In the mouth, a yeast infection is called an oral thrush. Elsewhere, it turns up as a skin or diaper rash. It is sometimes found as infection of the nail-bed. Normally, the skin defends itself with natural oils that protect against fungi. However, these may be severely compromised by excessive washing, harsh chemicals, or cuts in the skin.
Yeast infections on the skin surface are treated easily with antifungal medicine. Nail-bed infection generally takes longer to treat. In rare cases, the yeast infection may penetrate into the bloodstream, causing a potentially dangerous systemic disorder that must be treated immediately. Again, antifungals are the standard treatment.
In the case of systemic infection, amphotericin B is the most common treatment. Otherwise, for milder cases of yeast infection, nystatin and drugs of the “-azole” family will suffice. This family includes butoconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, tioconazole and clotrimazole. Of these, fluconazole is the most used. It’s given in a single oral dose that effectively eliminates the yeast infection. The other drugs in the family are used as the active ingredients in antifungal lotions and creams, which are topically applied some number of times before the infection clears. They are also be found in vaginal suppositories. Different strengths of these drugs are recommended as both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
A large number of effective home remedies for yeast infections have been in use for many decades or even centuries. The list of natural remedies is comprehensive and includes vinegar douches, vaginal creams made with boric acid, garlic and/or tea tree oil. Rounding out this collection are probiotics such as yogurts that contain lactobacillus.
After about a week of using these natural remedies, many women find relief from the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. The efficacy of these home treatments is increased when women take the following measures to prevent aggravating the infection:
-Take showers. Avoid taking baths. Particularly avoid hot tub baths and whirlpools.
-Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pantyhose and pants. Let your skin breathe.
-Avoid scented feminine hygiene products such as vaginal sprays, tampons and pads. Perfumes irritate.
-Boost your immune system with supplements and vitamins. E.g. vitamins A and E, garlic, echinacea, and pau d’arco
-Do not douche.
-Use condoms to practice safe sex
-Wear breathable cotton underwear not synthetic underwear
-Take off wet clothes immediately and put on something dry
These yeast infection treatments, in combination with home remedies, are often effective in inhibiting yeast infections. But when the infection recurs within two months, or does not go away after a week of home treatment, a doctor should be consulted for other curative methods.
Kathleen Stevens is an expert when it comes to Candida Cures. To find out everything about yeast infection and vaginal odour remedies, visit her website at vaginal-odour.com.