subject: Is It Safe To Put Yogurt Directly On A Yeast Infection? [print this page] If you've heard of this popular home remedy but are unsure whether it's safe to put yogurt directly on a yeast infection, then you've landed at the right place. Here you're going to discover the pro's and con's of yogurt as a home remedy for yeast infections and how to use it.
First, let's look at why so many people use yogurt to treat their yeast infection...
HOW DOES YOGURT WORK TO FIGHT A YEAST INFECTION?
Plain, natural, unsweetened yogurt contains lots of good bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus which we also have in our intestines. This friendly bacteria helps to keep the Candida albicans fungus under control and so prevents it over-growing into a yeast infection.
But there are times in our lives when the Candida does indeed get a chance to grow into a yeast infection. One of the main triggers for this is when the numbers of good bacteria in your gut fall to such a level that they can't control the bad Candida anymore.
To counteract a yeast infection then, you need to build-up the beneficial bacteria in your gut and also at the local area where the symptoms have appeared. Note: most yeast infections are vaginal infections, which you may be suffering from right now.
One way of doing this is by using plain, unsweetened, natural yogurt. But the important thing here is that it has to have the live cultures. You need to check the tub and look for confirmation that it contains "live cultures." You're more likely to get this in a health-food store than in a supermarket.
Now, as for whether it is safe for you...
IS IT SAFE TO PUT IT DIRECTLY ON A YEAST INFECTION?
The first thing to consider is if you are lactose-intolerant. If you are, you may still be able to use this remedy. It depends on how your intolerance manifests itself. If it's normally severe, then don't try this remedy. If it's negligible then you may want to try it.
If you're still not sure, then you can get probiotics capsules and suppositories from the pharmacy. These contain Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, the same friendly bacteria found in the yogurt and your gut. You can take the capsules to help build-up the good bacteria in your gut and use the suppositories to fight the Candida in your vagina.
If you can use the yogurt, then simply eat it every day to take care of your digestive tract. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, then you can apply the yogurt over the vulva. For internal use you can simply coat a tampon and use overnight. Repeat nightly until the symptoms abate. Then again for 1 or 2 more nights just to make sure.
Some women fill the fingers of latex gloves with yogurt and freeze them like popsicles in the freezer before using as a tampon. They say that they get instant relief from the itching and inflammation. You'd be advised to wear a sanitary pad as well because it can be a bit messy when the ice melts.
For all methods, if your symptoms don't abate in a few days then you must refer to your doctor because there may be an underlying issue that also needs addressing.
SUMMARY
In summary then, yogurt can be very effective, especially when used at the earliest signs of the infection. It generally is safe to put directly on a yeast infection, however, if you are lactose-intolerant, it's best to talk to your doctor first. Of course, you can use probiotics capsules and suppositories from the pharmacy as an alternative.
