subject: How To Cure Yeast Infection At Home [print this page] How To Cure Yeast Infection At Home How To Cure Yeast Infection At Home
There are numerous home remedies for yeast infection, commonly known as thrush', but first let us understand what yeast infection is and then we can proceed to prevention and cure.
Yeast infection can affect men women and children, and can occur in many parts of the body including underarms, between toes, etc. For women it commonly occurs in the vagina and although it is not a very dangerous condition, it is extremely uncomfortable and irritating. Yeast consists of minute organisms, candida fungus, that can live in the human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond the normal amount the body can tolerate. Characteristically, the acid in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low, but if the acidity level falls, due to various conditions like menstruation, pregnancy, birth control pills, stress or other reasons, the quantity of yeast increases and causes infection.
The most common symptom of yeast infection is itching and burning in the vagina. It can start as a mild irritant and increase gradually. Swelling and inflammation is one of the major symptoms. The skin around the vagina can swell and become very tender and sensitive to even the lightest contact. Constant rubbing of the irritated skin causes chaffing and this in turn increases inflammation and discomfort. You may also experience a vaginal discharge, which is white, thick and odourless. Please note that a bacterial infection will generally have a strong fishy smell while the vaginal discharge associated with yeast infection may have a slight yeasty smell at the most. Also pain during sexual intercourse or when passing water can occur.
Now here are some simple tips to avoid and alleviate yeast infection. Synthetic underwear such as nylon can aggravate the symptoms and increase the discomfort, so cotton is to be preferred. It is also best to avoid wearing jeans as the material is thick and can cause a build up of heat and moisture, which provides the environment for infection. And avoid wearing leggings and panty hose on a regular basis. You should also see your doctor as soon as you suspect yeast infection if only to confirm that you do have the condition. Doctors usually recommend a medicated douche but if this is not effective there are some home remedies you can try.
Yogurt
Take a tampon dip it in yogurt and insert in the vagina, twice a day. Continue this treatment for two days after the symptoms go away. Yogurt is one of the most well known home remedies for vaginal yeast infection as it contains benign bacteria, which counteract the yeast cells.
Tea Tree Oil
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with olive oil. This mixture poured on a tampon and inserted in the vagina will provide some relief. Tea tree oil has anti fungal properties, which will control the yeast infection and reduce the symptoms. But consult your doctor before use as some women can have an adverse reaction to this oil.
Garlic
Mix garlic oil along with Vitamin E oil and a few drops of coconut oil. While garlic oil helps to control the infection, Vitamin E oil fortifies the skin and coconut oil provides several fatty acids that help to prevent the infection from spreading.
These remedies should prove an effective cure but if all fails, return to see your doctor!
