Boric Acid for Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are quite common. Both men and women can be the victim of yeast infections. Most yeast infections are caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. Medically, this condition is termed as Candidiasis (Yeast infection). Yeast love a warm and moist environment to grow. Your body has many such areas where a yeast can grow and cause the infection. These are the vagina, mouth, in between the toes, the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, behind the ears and even in the underarms. Infants are more prone to yeast infection as they have many folds on their skin and it is difficult to keep those areas dry and clean all the time.

When you experience a yeast infection, you just cannot ignore it. It draws a lot of attention and can produce embarrassing situations because of intense itching. Some signs and symptoms of yeast infection in men and women, causes and a brief description on the use of boric acid for yeast infections treatment are as follows.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections

• Itching, irritation, or burning of the vulva
• Burning during urination
• Inflammation
• Swelling and cracking of the skin, or tearing on the vulva
• Discharge of a cotton-cheese-like fluid

Causes of Yeast Infections

• Frequent use of antibiotics that kill most of the good bacteria like lactobacilli. This, in turn, leads to an unchecked growth of yeast on warm and moist skin. This is how antibiotics and yeast infections are related to each other.
• A raised sugar level and pH level of the vagina due to some disease such as diabetes.
• Hormonal changes, especially those due to pregnancy
• Wearing tight underwear that keep the vagina warm and moist.
• A weakened immune system.
• Intake of medicines that suppress the immune system
• Use of deodorants or scented products in the genital area, including scented tampons and pads. Check causes of yeast infection in men for more information.

The occurrence of a yeast infection is common. It can be easily treated as well. However, it is very important that a yeast infection is diagnosed properly. When you observe the aforementioned symptoms of yeast infection, consult a clinician for evaluation. On confirmation, you can either opt for a medical treatment or try some home remedies to cure the yeast infection. The latter will be cheap as well as equally effective. One of the best home remedies for yeast infections is the use of boric acid.

Boric Acid Treatment for Yeast Infections

The use of boric acid to treat yeast infections is highly effective. Boric acid is a chemical substance with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Boric acid is a white, odorless powder or a crystalline substance available without prescription in pharmacies for topical usage. This powder is packed in an empty gelatin capsule and used as a suppository. Boric acid is made by combining borax and sulfuric acid. It works by making the skin acidic, rendering the surface unsuitable for yeast survival. It eliminates yeast infections by a chemical reaction while it soothes the affected skin and cleans the area. The dosage is 600 mg per day for 14 days. It is used in a capsule form. The capsule breaks open to discharge boric acid. Do not take more than one capsule, of 600 mg of boric acid, in one day. It is best to take it before bedtime. Boric acid may cause irritation and burning of the skin. You can minimize its ragging effect by taking vitamin E capsules or oil along with it.

The topical usage of boric acid for yeast infection treatment gerally gives positive results, however, it is poisonous if taken orally. On taking it orally, it leads to nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis, kidney damage and even death. This is because it damages the vaginal lining and internal organs. Never use it during pregnancy. It is also not meant to be used on open wounds. Boric acid is never recommended for infants. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets at home. Use a liner on your bed as there may be some discharge of fluid. Dispose the liner along with the discharged fluid and spills of boric acid, if any, the next day. In addition to understanding how to get rid of yeast infections, let's also see certain precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent yeast infections.

Precautionary Measures for Yeast Infections

• Maintain proper hygiene. Keep the area clean and dry as yeast need warm conditions to survive. Here, you can take the undermentioned steps to keep your skin, especially the vaginal area, free from excess moisture.
• Clean the affected area with plenty of water but avoid using soap. A soap can make the skin alkaline, which favors the growth of yeast.
• Wear cotton or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
• Wear loose-fitting pants.
• Do not wear underwear to bed.
• Change sweaty exercise clothing and wet bathing suits as soon as possible.
• Use boric acid capsules at the first sign of a yeast infection. If it appears prior to menstruation, boric acid can be used safely at that time as well.
• Take acidophilus tablets to minimize the risk of yeast infection. However, its usage in yeast infection treatment is not yet scientifically proven.
• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements to prevent the spread of yeast.
• Boost your immune system to save yourself from an yeast infection. Increase the intake of plain yogurt and garlic. With a strong immune system, your body can easily fight any type of infections, including yeast.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day and follow a balanced diet.

Read more on Candiasis: Yeast infection symptoms, causes and treatment. Thus, you see that boric acid and yeast infections are interrelated. If boric acid for yeast infections does not yield the desired results or the yeast infection persists, consult a health care practitioner for proper evaluation and treatment.