Home Remedies For Yeast Infection

There are many causes of yeast infections. Medications, hormonal changes, steroid use, diabetes, and diseases which weaken the immune system all contribute to the growth of yeast.

Infants often develop thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth; the warm, moist environment created by diapering also causes diaper rash. With aging, the likelihood of thrush is again increased. Where skin is not exposed to the air (in skin folds and under nails), Candida overgrowth is also likely to occur.

Use of antibiotics and birth control pills, as well as the hormonal changes of pregnancy and menstruation, are contributing factors in developing yeast infection in women. Yeast infections may be transferred between sexual partners, as well.

Diets high in sugars and carbohydrates may also be responsible for the occurrence of yeast infection, likewise the consumption of alcohol.

Recurrent yeast infections may in some cases be an indicator of a more serious condition, such as diabetes, leukemia, cancer, or AIDS. Patients with these more serious diseases, which weaken the immune system, are especially vulnerable to yeast overgrowth

Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location on the body. Oral yeast infection, or thrush, presents as a white, milky patch covering the tongue and other surfaces of the mouth. It resembles curdled milk, but cannot be wiped away easily. Attempting to swab at the patch may cause pain and bleeding.

Vaginal yeast infections in women appear as a whitish, cheesy discharge and may cause itching, burning, and occasionally abdominal cramps.

Yeast infections on the skin's surface, such as diaper rash, cause a flat, red rash accompanied by itching and burning.

Although rare, systemic (internal) yeast infections are characterized by cramping, fever, and abdominal pain, and urgent medical attention is necessary to diagnose and treat these symptoms.

Most yeast infections in healthy adults and children can be easily treated with an over-the-counter remedy.

Oral thrush requires a prescription medication, usually nystatin, which is swabbed inside the mouth; children and infants with thrush should be monitored for fluid intake and watched for signs of dehydration. If fever or prolonged feeding problems occur, a doctor should be consulted. Breastfeeding mothers should also be examined for signs of breast candida. For adults with thrush, antifungal lozenges and pills are available in addition to nystatin.

Yeast infections of the skin, including diaper rash, can be treated with over-the-counter nystatin creams or other topical anti-fungal lotions. Diaper rash can also be avoided by frequent diaper changes to ensure that the area is kept clean and dry. Babies who are prone to diaper rash should be left without a diaper as often as possible to leave the skin exposed to air. Application of zinc oxide ointments such as Desitin or Balmex also protect the skin of the diaper area and help to prevent diaper rash.

There are any number of over-the-counter remedies for vaginal yeast infections. The most common are Miconazole, Chlotrimazole, Tiocomazole, and Butoconazole. Any vaginal yeast infection lasting more than a week or accompanied by bleeding, cramping, or fever should be treated by a medical professional, as these may point to a more serious underlying condition. Women who are pregnant should consult a doctor before using any over-the-counter treatments for vaginal yeast infection.

Any person with a weakened immune system or serious illness should seek medical attention immediately if they experience yeast infection, especially if bleeding, fever, or abdominal cramping is present. In some of these cases, Candida may enter the blood stream and cause systemic yeast infection, which is life-threatening in some instances.

Even with treatment of vaginal infections in women or genital infections in men, sexual partners should use a condom until all symptoms have cleared. Doing so will prevent passing the yeast infection back and forth to one another.