Remedies for Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is also known as candidiasis or thrush. It is basically a fungal infection spread by candida species most common being candida albicans. The yeast fungi is present in the body in small amounts. However, they are harmless unless certain diseases or medications lead to rapid growth of yeast fungi. The yeast bacteria grows in the exposed or moist parts of the body like vagina, rectum, underarms, mouth, digestive system or toes. In most of the cases, the infection develops in genital areas. About, 80 percent of women suffer from the infection and it mostly develops in the genital areas. Some common symptoms are redness, itching and burning sensation in the affected area. This causes severe discomfort, uneasiness and irritation among infected people. Let's find out what are the available remedies for yeast infection.

Remedies to Try

Knowing some effective remedies becomes all the more important, because it not only affects the patient physically but it also affects psychologically. Firstly, when you are suffering with an infection, don't just mindlessly take over the counter pills or ointments. It is necessary to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Untreated infections can lead to several health complications in the long run.

Medication

Doctors may prescribe some anti fungal medications, which may include oral medicines or anti fungal ointments or creams which are to be applied on the infected area. The creams can reduce the burning sensation and irritation caused by the infection. Anti fungal medicines like topical nystatin, topical clotrimazole, fluconazole and topical ketoconazole can be effective remedy. In extreme cases medications like caspofungin, voriconazole and amphotericin may be prescribed by the doctor. In case of yeast infection in women, vaginal suppositories and medicated douches may be used. Acidophilus supplements also prove to be effective.

Home Remedies

Medications can have side effects in some people, especially pregnant women and toddlers will not be able to take strong medications. So in such cases, one can avail the different remedies listed below, which have proved to be very effective to get rid of the yeast infections.

Yogurt
Applying yogurt on the affected areas can ease the irritation and discomfort. This is one of the effective remedies in toddlers, as it is soothing and has no side effects. Yogurt is rich in probiotic bacteria which are good for the body. So eating unsweetened yogurt can also prove effective.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is said to be rich in anti fungal properties. Massaging tea tree oil on affected area can be beneficial. You can also add few drops of tea tree oil to the bathing water everyday.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has some antibacterial and anti fungal properties which can be effective in treating yeast infections. You can mix a cup of apple cider vinegar to warm water while bathing everyday.

Garlic
Garlic has anti fungal properties, hence it is used as one of the effective herbal remedies. Gently rub a clove of garlic on the affected area daily for few days. It can get rid of yeast infections considerably. Eating cloves of garlic with water for some days can also provide relief.

Cranberries
Eating cranberry can be beneficial as it lowers the pH level of urine. So when urine passes out of the body, it will increase the acidity of genital area, thus washing the infected areas clean of yeast.

Along with these suggestions, avoid foods which contain yeast, as it can lead to further complications. Don't ignore recurrent infections as they may be signs of sexually transmitted diseases. So keep in check of any infections and select the appropriate remedies as listed above.