Candidiasis Treatment

The term candidiasis, refers to the fungal infection that can affect the skin and the mouth. A specific type of fungus, known as 'Candida' (yeast) is responsible for causing this type of infection. Although, yeast is present on our superficial skin and in the oral cavity, when their population surpasses beyond the normal range, the person is likely to suffer from yeast infection. Treatment is usually not necessary for healthy adults as the symptoms that appear are not bothersome and go away on their own.

Symptoms

As aforementioned, candida symptoms in men and women are not worrisome but may cause mild to moderate discomfort depending upon individual health. When candidiasis affects the mouth, it leads to formation of white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks. The affected area showing white lesions is inflamed and swollen. A severe yeast infection may no longer remain restricted in the mouth only and can also affect the throat, making it difficult to swallow food. In such cases, it is necessary to treat the fungal infection. When yeast invades the skin, the affected area typically shows the presence of reddish rash and is typically marked by itchy sensation. Having sexual intercourse without using condoms with an infected woman can also cause candidiasis in the genital area. A diet lacking in essential nutrients creates an environment for yeast to grow in large, thereby causing candidiasis. Poor nutrition is one of the main yeast infection causes in men and women.

Treatment

Yogurt
Eating yogurt is one of the best home remedies to get rid of oral yeast infections. Yogurt contains acidophilus, a good bacterium that can help to combat yeast infections. Plain unsweetened yogurt is packed with good bacteria (active cultures of acidophilus) and so its consumption is crucial to overcome this infection.

Garlic
Garlic is an excellent antifungal agent and so one can always use it to cure oral thrush. Intake of garlic tables that are available at health stores, are equally effective. However, having 2 raw cloves of garlic everyday is the best way to make use of this potent natural antifungal. Adding crushed garlic to juice is another way to use garlic for destroying the fungus. The main constituent of garlic is allicin, which possesses excellent antifungal properties and so can destroy the fungi easily.

Buttermilk
As buttermilk is prepared by adding water to yogurt, one can drink it on a daily basis to eliminate oral thrush. Drinking a glass of buttermilk everyday increases resistance against candida, which eventually eliminates the infection.

Medications
In case, the aforementioned home remedies fail to improve symptoms of oral thrush, one will have to take prescription drugs which are strong antifungal agents. Some antifungal agents are available in liquid form. When it comes to using them, swishing with the liquid is first recommended. The person can then swallow the liquid.

Topical antifungal agents are often used to treat candidiasis that affects the skin. Most cases of candidiasis affecting the skin respond quite well to these antifungal creams. Over the counter antifungal ointments such as Monistat are useful to kill these microbes causing skin rash. Applying yogurt to the affected area can also ease the discomfort associated with yeast infections of the skin.

Yeast infections of the mouth or skin won't respond to natural remedies or prescription drugs, unless candida yeast infection diet is followed. In order to promote healing of yeast infection in men and women, one should stay away from sugary foods such as pastries, cakes and honey. One should also avoid or minimize intake of fruits, as they contain natural sugar. Gluten rich foods such as barley, pasta and wheat promote growth of yeast and hence have to be avoided.