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Yeast Infection Tips
Candidacies, commonly called yeast infection or thrush,is a fungal
infectionof any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is probablythe most common. Yeast organisms are always present in all people, butare usually prevented from "overgrowth" (uncontrolled multiplicationresulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms.
In immuno competent people, candidiasis can usually only be found inexposed and moist parts of the body, such as the oral cavity (oral thrush),the vagina (vaginal candidiasis or thrush), or folds of skin in thediaper area (diaper rash). Candidiasis is the most common cause of vaginalirritation or vanities.
Last Updated - 24th November 2005
At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis atsome point in their lives. The Candida albicans organism is found inthe vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no problems. However,when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora",such as lactobacilli (which can also be harmed by using douches), anovergrowth and symptoms can result. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptivesand some antibiotics, and diabetes mellitus increase the risk of infection.
The most common symptoms are itching and irritation of the vagina and/orvulva. A whitish or whitish-gray discharge may be present, sometimesresembling cottage cheese, and may have a "yeasty" smell likebeer or baking bread. The normal smell is a lactic acid smell, likecheese or yogurt, due to lactobacilli, "good" bacteria thatare also used to turn milk into cheese and yogurt.
In immunocompromised patients, the candida infection can become systemic,causing much more serious disease.
Treatment
Candidiasis is alleged to be successfully treated either with homeremedies or, in the case of a more severe infection, with either overthe counter or prescription antifungal medications. Home remedies forcandidiasis include the consumption or direct application of yogurt,which contains lactobacillus (a bacteria that kills yeast), acidophilustablets or salves, and even lightly crushed cloves of garlic which yieldsallicin, an antifungal. Boric acid has also been used to treat yeastinfections by filling gelcaps with boric acid powder and inserting twoat bedtime for three to four nights.
Whilst home remedies only offer relief in minor cases of infection,seeking medical attention is a necessity as the extent of the infectionoften cannot be judged well by the sufferer. Prescription medicationis often the only solution to an infection, the drugs commonly usedto treat candidiasis are clotrimazole, nystatin, ketoconazole or amphotericinB in varying concentrations and applications.
If indicated, an underlying reason should be looked for. As an example,oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled steroids in asthmamedication. Patients on long term inhaled steroids should rinse theirmouth after each dose of steroids. Babies with diaper rash should havetheir diaper areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible.Sugar assists the overgrowth of yeast. In the case of frequent yeastinfections, sugar can be looked to as a culprit and should be avoided.
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an excess growth of yeast organismsin the vagina. Yeast infections are not spread by sexual contact; however,treating your partner with antifungal medications may help prevent recurrentyeast infections.
COMMON CAUSES
- Antibiotic use
- Steroid use
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Illnesses that weaken the immune system
- Frequent douching
- Tight clothing
- Strong soaps
- Perfumed feminine hygiene products
COMMON SYMPTOMS
- Vaginal itching
- White, curdy, usually odorless vaginal discharge
- Pain when urinating
- Pain during intercourse
PREVENTION
- Wear cotton-lined underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting slacks and undergarments as they increase theheat and moisture to the vaginal area which allows yeast to grow
- Eat yogurt that contains live Lactobacillus organisms
- Avoid feminine sprays, talcs or perfumes in your vaginal area asthey affect the balance among the microorganisms in your vagina
- Do not douche unless instructed by your physician
- Wipe your vaginal area from front to back after using the toilet
- Limit your sugar intake if you have diabetes
HOME TREATMENT
- Use a nonprescription antifungal medication for yeast infectionsas directed
- Eat yogurt
- Avoid excessive cleaning of your vaginal area. Wash once a day withplain water or a mild soap
- Do not use tampons while using a topical treatment for a yeast infection
WHEN TO CALL A PHYSICIAN
- If you develop lower abdominal pain
- If you develop a fever greater than 101 degrees along with symptomsof a vaginal yeast infection
- If you are not sure you have a yeast infection
- If home treatment fails within 3 or 4 days
- If you are using antifungal creams repeatedly
- If you are pregnant
- If symptoms return within 2 months and you have not been taking antibioticsIf you plan to see a doctor, do not douche, use vaginal creams or havesexual intercourse for 48 hours before your appointment as your problemwill be more difficult to diagnose.
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Disclaimer: The Yeast InfectionTips / Information presented and opinions expressed herein are thoseof the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of TipsAnd Treats.