Yeast Infections: How To Cure Them With Home Remedies

The symptoms of vaginitis affect most women at some point in their lives – the itching, burning pain, and discharge that comes with a yeast infection are uncomfortable and undesirable no matter what age you are unfortunate enough to develop this infection. Yeast infections are caused by organisms which inhabit the vagina – one of the most common causes is the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast infections can be successfully treated at home, but it’s still advisable what you speak to your GP to ensure that it is actually a yeast infection. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing your symptoms, so you should check before taking any medication or trying any remedies. But, if you’ve checked with your GP, or have had a yeast infection in the past and are sure that you’ve developed it again, these remedies may be useful to you. The first rule of thumb is to ensure that you keep the genital area dry and loose so that air can circulate. Yeast organisms like warm, moist conditions so by wearing fabrics that don’t breathe, you’re giving them the perfect environment to thrive. You should dry the vaginal area well after showering or bathing, then opt for a breathable fabric such as cotton underwear and loose trousers or a skirt to let the area breathe.

Practicing good hygiene is also important as yeast infections produce secretions when they are irritated. Yeast can also be passed on through sexual activity and through things like shared baths, so avoid bathing together or sharing towels. Try to wash your clothing in hot water too, to destroy the yeast organisms on your clothes. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the cycle to kill the yeast. Not only can alcohol and chemicals in certain body washes cause irritation, but they can also pH balance to the vagina, which gives the yeast chance to flourish. Routine douching isn’t wise if you don’t have vaginal symptoms, but it can help to balance the pH balance if you have a yeast infection. Live yoghurt can cool your symptoms and restore the friendly microorganisms in the vaginal area. Eating yoghurt can help, but you can also insert one to two tablespoons into the vagina and externally to the areas that are affected. As an alternative, you can also use a lactobacillus tablet vaginally once a day and douching with vinegar twice a day for two days.

 

Studies have also shown that boric acid is a safe way to treat yeast infections. If your doctor agrees that it is a good idea, you could try using a boric acid capsule as a suppository if you experience a flare-up of symptoms. However, if you’re pregnant then you should skip this. The most common treatment is an over-the-counter fungal cream which removes the yeast infection quickly and effectively. Both miconazole and clotrimazole are effective in treating this problem and are readily available in pharmacies and many supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packet, and complete the full course of medication even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared as the infection may still be present. If you regularly get yeast infections around the time of your period, you may find it useful to use an antifungal cream a few days before and after your period, as a preventative. Lastly, cranberry juice can be useful as the acidity in the juice can kill any bacteria in your urethra and create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria.

Categories: Bacteria, boric acid, infection, Infections, ph balance, vaginal area, women's health, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections, yeast organisms

Thrush: What Is It and Do You Have the Signs?

The majority of women will deal with a bout of thrush at some point in their lives, and it is a common infection. Thrush is caused by a yeast fungus which is known as Candida spp. There are a number of treatments available, including an oral tablet and pessaries which are inserted into the vagina to treat the infection internally. There is also an anti-thrush cream which staves off the itching symptoms which are commonly associated with this problem. Although treatment is usually effective, some women repeatedly develop thrush. Small numbers of candida spp live on the skin and in the vaginal area, which are normally harmless. Your immune system generally stops the bacteria from developing further, but due to the nature of where the bacteria thrives it can sometimes develop because the vagina is a warm and moist environment where bacteria can develop. Other areas where candida infections can be caused include the groin, mouth and nappy area in infants, for the same reason.

 

The second most common reason for vaginal discharge is thrush, with the first being bacterial vaginosis. The discharge from the vagina is usually creamy and white, but it can also be thin and watery. This can lead to itchiness and redness, as well as pain and discomfort in this area. You may find that having sex or passing urine is painful as well. Although thrush doesn’t harm the vagina, it can be uncomfortable – it sometimes clears itself without the need for treatment, but often it requires an anti-fungal treatment in order to clear the infection fully. If you’re pregnant, there is no risk to your baby. More than half of all women get at least one bout of thrush in their lifetime, usually with no specific cause. There are conditions which increase the risk though, such as new medications, the vagina naturally making mucus which gives the bacteria a place to thrive, or if your natural defences are down and your internal balance is shifted. Although you don’t always need a test to diagnose this problem, don’t assume that all vaginal discharge is thrush – there can be many causes for discharge, so you will need to speak to your GP in order to determine if what you have is indeed vaginal thrush.

 

As previously mentioned, there are several forms of treatment, which work quickly and effectively to treat the infection and stave off the itchy symptoms. But there are also ways you can prevent vagina thrush from developing. These include wearing cotton underwear, as opposed to polyester, so that the skin can breathe and your genital area doesn’t become too moist and hot. You should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes for the same reason. It may also be helpful to avoid using perfumed products in the vaginal area, such as soaps and shower gels which may cause further irritation. There are some ‘natural’ remedies which offer little scientific proof of effectiveness, but that some women find to be soothing and helpful with regards to symptoms. These include inserting live yogurt into the vagina, adding a little vinegar or bicarbonate of soda to your bath to alter the acidity of the vagina, or using a tampon which has been impregnated with tea tree oil. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, and male partners don’t need to be treated unless they have symptoms on the tip of their penis – these include redness or itching of the penis, or a soreness in the foreskin. However, women can’t catch thrush from men who have no symptoms.

Categories: area, Bacteria, candida spp, female health, thrush, vagina, vaginal, vaginal area, vaginal discharge, Women