What is yeast infection? Yeast infection is a fungal infection commonly caused by Candidas or specifically the fungus Candida Albicans. Although it can occur in different parts of the body, it is most often found in the body where it is moist, such as the mouth, vagina, and skin. The most common types are vaginal yeast infection, (oral) yeast infection, diaper rash, and nail bed infection. Although studies have shown that 3 out of 4 women get yeast infection at some point in their lives, it is also common among men and children.
Physical symptoms: When the infection affects the skin of children or babies, it presents as dry, rough skin, sometimes with rashes, redness, and itching. Symptoms of a male yeast infection include a red rash, which may be accompanied by itching or a burning sensation at the tip of the penis. Most women who suffer from candidiasis experience itching around the vaginal area. They will also feel pain during intercourse and when urinating. Some women also describe a white vaginal discharge that looks like cheese. Some other symptoms include fever, chest pain, and blood in the urine.
Internal and behavioral symptoms: Possible side effects due to over-the-counter remedies are dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, upset stomach, anemia, damage to the liver, intestines, and digestive system. Repeated use of prescription drugs can even cause behavioral symptoms such as lack of energy, clumsiness, slow reflexes, depression, impaired thinking and judgment.
Transmission: A misconception in many people is that only women get genital yeast infections. It can happen to anyone because we all have yeast in our body system but the problem occurs only when there is an overgrowth. However, anyone with diabetes or impaired immune systems (for example, HIV) or long-term use of antibiotics is more prone to this infection. It is possible for a man to get a genital yeast infection if he has unprotected sex with a partner who has an infection. However, just because his partner has a yeast infection doesn’t mean you’ll have one too. Getting yeast infections through sex is rare. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives or birth control pills, and steroids. Women of menopausal age are also more susceptible.
Prevention: You can prevent the occurrence of candidiasis by taking some simple preventive measures. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar. Consume probiotics, which are live microorganisms similar to “good” bacteria that live in and on the body. A good source of probiotics is organic yogurt with live bacterial cultures.
If you are experiencing the infection, make sure you are not wearing tight underwear or jeans or wet clothes, especially those made from synthetic materials. Stay dry and sleep without underwear if the infection is near the genitals. Also avoid using perfumes or other spray products on the affected areas, as these can worsen the condition.
Remedies: If this is your first time experiencing this infection, it may be advisable to see your family doctor for a proper diagnosis. There are many conventional over-the-counter treatments available. However, due to the high chances of recurrence, along with the possible side effects mentioned above, it would be better to go for yeast remedy through natural means. Long-term drug use can also cause the infection to become resistant to these medications, rendering them ineffective.
1. Yogurt. One of the best ways to get natural probiotics is to include yogurt in your daily diet to prevent the onset of candidiasis. Apart from eating yogurt, you can choose to apply it directly to the affected area. The yogurt has to be unflavored and without any sugar content. In the case of vaginal candidiasis, applying yogurt to the vulva and vagina also works directly or using a tampon covered in yogurt. Do this before you go to sleep.
2. Tea tree oil. It contains natural antifungal properties and is considered a powerful antiseptic. Diluted tea tree oil and apply it on the affected area. It can only be used for topical application, do not consume this product.
3. Honey. Honey is also considered as another natural cure for yeast infection. Simply apply honey to the affected area and rinse it off after 30 minutes with lukewarm water.
4. Vinegar, apple cider. You can choose to do step 3 using apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment, leaving it on overnight before rinsing it off.
5. Water. By far the most cost-effective and effective way to treat the infection is to increase your water intake. The water helps to maintain the natural PH levels of the body, this heals the infection quickly. If you drink all the water your body needs, you’ll see a huge reduction in all sorts of illnesses, including thrush.
These holistic yeast remedies are effective and proven methods that can be used for recurring conditions without side effects. If you and your partner have symptoms of the infection on your genitals, it’s important that you both get treatment. Refrain from sexual contact until all signs and symptoms of the infection are gone, otherwise they may re-infect each other. If a woman experiences vaginal yeast infection 2 or 3 times in a year, it is usually recommended that she have a culture taken to find out the best way to treat it. Again, if you are unsure of her condition because it is the first time, a chronic or recurring case of infection, seek consultation with a doctor. Although this article is not a complete guide, the author hopes that it will help a great deal in finding the remedy for candidiasis.