Yeast infection happens mainly on women but there are also cases wherein men experience such. These are fungal infections wherein Candida Albicans are themost common. Medically, it is referred to as candidiasis and it can be an oral thrush or vaginitis. In men, yeast infection can also happen and like women, the usual location is at the genital organs. This condition can be life-threatening when foreseen and not taken cared of right way. And apart from the medical treatment, home remedies for yeast infections are also helpful.
Picture 1 – Yeast Infection
Yeast infection can be transmitted especially when having an intercourse. In women, it can happen when the amount of yeasts in the vaginal area are more than enough. The body can only contain a certain amount of bacteria and more than that can cause trouble like infection. Men can get the infection through intercourse with a woman who has candidiasis. It is important to remember thought that it cannot be categorically be called an STD if a woman or man has yeast infection especially when celebate. But if after an intercourse the problem happened, it is another story. Furthermore, when a woman is undergoing chemotherapy, the body is susceptible to infection and when there is injury in the vaginal area, yeast infection can happen. Those taking steroid like prednisone or drugs that will suppress the immune system can likely have the infection. Patients with conditions like diabetes mellitus and even pregnancy are susceptible for yeast infections. And although feminine wash are popular and widely used by many women, using these often can lead to developing yeast infection.
Before any yeast infection home remedy, it is crucial to know the signs and symptoms if what they felt is the yeast infection and not just any urinary tract infection. The remarkable sign of having a yeast infection is the itching of the genitals. In women, vaginal or vulvar itching is commonly felt. It also includes burning sensation, a sore feeling, and sometimes some vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge appears to be like a cottage cheese wherein the texture is thick and white. It is also odorless. There is pain during an intercourse and when urinating.
Since yeast infection is mainly caused by fungi, it can be cured by antifungal medication. It can be taken orally or creams are applied on the affected area. Butoconazole, Cotrimazole, Miconazole and Terconazole are some of the antifungal creams that can be taken. When taking the medications, side effects like nausea, abdominal pain and
even headache may be felt. For pregnant women, oral antifungal medications should not be taken.
As of today, there are many ways on how to treat yeast infection using home remedy for yeast infection. The ingredients can be found at home where there is no need to go out and buy pricey medications in drug stores. Nothing beats drinking ample amount of water. Keeping the body hydrated keeps the body from certain problems like yeast infection so be sure to
drink about 8 glasses of water everyday. Another effective natural remedy is using yogurt. Yogurts are not only applicable for those who want to live a healthy lifestyle but it can also be useful in yeast infection. It is important to use plain yogurt and not the flavored ones. Apply 1-2 teaspoons into the vaginal area or for men, around their genitals or other affected area. Yogurt contains good bacteria wherein it fights off yeast infection.
There are also kitchen ingredients that are beneficial to those who have yeast infection. Taking about 1 or 2 cloves of garlic each day or whether infusing it to different dishes are helpful. Yeasts are afraid of garlic so oral thrush will be gone. Brushing the teeth with baking soda for patients who has oral thrush can help relieve some mouth sores. Rinsing the mouth off with a mixture of ½ cup of water with a tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide can completely solve the problem.
Vaginal douche should also be done. Using vinegar like apple cider vinegar is a good option and it offers many benefits to other health problems as well. However, it is not advisable to directly wash the genitals since it can burn the skin even if it kills the yeast. Incorporating about 3 tablespoons of vinegar into a quart of water is enough when douching the genitals. Additionally, it helps the patient have a relaxing and soothing feel when taking a bath. Mixing up a
licorice powder is also a good vaginal douche. All a patient has to do is boil water and add a teaspoon of licorice powder. Tea tree oil is helpful in any fungal infection all a patient has to do have a few drops of tea tree oil into the tampon or sterile gauze that is placed into the affected area. But tea tree oil is not recommended to pregnant women. Honey can also be used as a home remedy. It does not contain sugar so it can be applied on the affected area without any fear of bacterial growth.
Spices are also helpful in treating yeast infection as a natural remedy. Since itching and burning are felt in any yeast infection, rubbing on the affected area some rosemary can help relieve itching sensation. Basil leaves can also be boiled and gargled after so that it will cure oral thrush. Using of salt when gurgling by adding it in ½ cup of lukewarm water promotes healing.
Lastly, it is essential to have a clean and proper hygiene in order to avoid any complications. Washing the genital organs or gargling water in oral thrush should be done frequently. To avoid infecting others, using of condoms are essential during an intercourse.
References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candidiasis
