subject: Home Treatment For A Yeast Infection [print this page] When dealing with a yeast infection, home remedies may be a more feasible solution than the over-the-counter products. A yeast infection is a totally normal occurrence that can affect both men and women, and like so many other conditions, they respond remarkably well to home treatment. The best part about this is that a yeast infection home remedy is generally a lot cheaper than a store-bought solution. For most people, they are also safer alternatives to the harsh chemicals that some over-the-counter products contain. In this article, we take a look at some of the most common home remedies for yeast infection and how they can benefit you.
Apple cider vinegar
Commonly used in weight-loss programs, apple cider vinegar can be a remarkably effective home treatment for a yeast infection as well. Taking it internally either on its own or mixed with food can provide you some benefits, but the best results can really be experienced when you use it directly on the site of infection.
Unfortunately, the same effect that apple cider vinegar has on the yeast also causes irritation in some people. Apple cider vinegar can be very powerful, and you might not be prepared for the burning feeling that you will experience. When going for the direct method of treatment, try just a little bit of vinegar at first. If you seem to be able to tolerate the sting, go ahead and add a little more vinegar for your next treatment. If it is too much for you to handle however, it would be best to discontinue use and to try some other at home treatment for yeast infections. You can also try adding a little bit of apple cider vinegar to your bathwater and use it for a long, relaxing soak.
Yogurt is another popular yeast infection home remedy. Like apple cider vinegar, you can take yogurt internally or apply it directly to the affected area. The good news is that this method does not have the same irritating effect as apple cider vinegar, which means that you can do it more frequently.
For this type of home treatment, you should only use organic yogurt with zero sugar added. Yeast will actually have a reaction with sugar and you may end up with a worse condition than when you started. Yogurt can be applied directly on the site of the affected area by using the fingers, or you could dab a bit of yogurt to a tampon and use that to apply the treatment. The duration of the treatment will depend on your preferences but most people seem to get the best results by leaving the yogurt on for 10 to 20 minutes before washing it off. 25 to 30 minutes is probably the maximum amount of time that you should leave the yogurt in the vagina, since any longer might cause an entirely new irritation.
Water can also be a helpful yeast infection home remedy. 8 to 10 glasses a day is recommended, although you can increase this for more severe cases.