Navigation

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

As if you didn’t already have enough problems in your life, let’s add, to that fine mix, the horrible reality of a yeast infection. It is itchy, it is irritating, it can almost be debilitating and who wants to walk around with a “bread-smell” all day? Yeast infections are the worst, but luckily there are some home remedies for yeast infection that you can try for yourself.

A bit about yeast infections

Yeast infections are common among women. There are several naturally occurring bacteria around your vagina that contribute to its general wellness, its hygiene and its unique naturally occurring odor. Yeast infections are caused by the Candida Albicans fungus. Yeast gains free reign over your privates and can cause some serious discomfort if not treated immediately. You will mostly know a yeast infection by the symptoms.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

First will be a burning itching sensation. It is thoroughly irritating and can occur around the labia and sometimes in the upper thigh if it spreads that far. Itching does not help but makes it hurt all the more. There may also be a discharge which has the smell of baked bread. This is probably because yeast is also used in baking bread. The infected area may also get red and irritated. It is important to check with your physician if this is truly a yeast infection or not.

Home remedies for yeast infection may not work with another kind of infection so you have been warned. If you have never had this before, make sure to take it up with your doctor and take note of the symptoms for the next time. The treatments you can do at home should NEVER substitute a doctor’s advice and may not be effective on more serious infections. DO NOT use lotion to try and lessen the itchiness or try to counter it with something tingly to your skin. Aside from not working at all, it may worsen the burning sensation.

If you do have a yeast infection, there are ways to get it treated at home as well as preventive and protective measures you can take to keep it from recurring and/or infecting others in your home. Here are some preventive measures you may want to try.

Prevention and treatment

Yeast is a fungus that thrives most in certain conditions. These conditions do not naturally occur in around your vagina but may be caused by a few things.

Prevention of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Wetness causes yeast to flourish for one thing. If your vagina remains damp throughout the day, this may present perfect conditions for the fungus and you will end up with an infection. The same can be said for any fungal infection you may have. If you also wear tight underwear, you are compounding the problem. Whether you have the infection or not, it is important to keep that area dry. Make sure you dry thoroughly with a towel after bathing and wear breathable underwear at all times. If you must wear nylon, wear panties with breathable cotton interior.

Practicing good hygiene should be fairly obvious. Even if you are infected, you can pass the fungus on to other people in the household if you share, for example soap and so on. Clean thoroughly. If you run your panties through the washer, the heat should essentially kill the remaining fungi but you can also add a bit of vinegar to the rinse cycle to be doubly sure.

If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection, it is prudent to have your partner treated for it as well. The reason for this is that the infection may pass from partner to partner as you engage in intercourse so you will probably get infected again. Also, to avoid passing the infection back (if you do have sex during the infection) use a condom to protect yourselves. Check that your contraceptives are not the reason for your infection if it recurs after that.

As stated before, there are naturally occurring bacteria around your vagina. If you douche regularly or use harsh feminine products or soaps, you may be tipping the balance of the pH of your vagina in favor of the yeast. Slow down on douching. Your vagina is designed to naturally clean itself so you don’t have to worry too much about it. If you are, use soaps designed especially for vaginal cleansing.

Treatment

If you have a yeast infection, there are some things you can try to get rid of it. Once again, you are warned to consult your doctor before you try these methods to ascertain that you indeed have a yeast infection.

One of the treatments for a yeast infection is to use a special douche. This may be one made of a mild vinegar solution or yoghurt (plain or in a solution). Yoghurt is especially good because it contains some bacteria that lower the pH of your vagina and kill off the yeast fungus. These special douches usually only work for very mild infections and may not make the problem go away. Make sure you are not compounding the problem. Follow the instructions of making these douches carefully.

Another treatment you can try is an over the counter fungal cream. Make sure to tell your pharmacist what the problem is and they will be able to direct you accordingly. If you know what kind of cream works for you (or that has been prescribed by your doctor) you can skip the awkwardness of this part. Use the cream as directed by your doctor or on the box. Do not stop the medication early even if the symptoms are gone. Follow the prescription to the very end.

More serious infections may need prescription pills. This may work in tandem with an herbal douche or any of the other treatment douches you have. Boric acid capsules and garlic caps may help with the infection. Some are to be taken vaginally so follow instructions for the best results. Some may require you to use a tampon dipped in solution and leave it in for a period of time. Exercise caution when inserting anything into your vagina.

When in doubt, make sure to see a doctor. It is much better to err on the side of caution and make sure you are doing the right thing. Prevent cross-infection and get the current infection treated. Make sure you follow all the instructions especially with the home remedies for yeast infection for a much healthier vagina.

To see more useful home remedies click here.

Resources

10 Other Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
Causes Yeast Infections
How to Recognize Yeast Infection Symptoms