You’ve probably heard of baker’s yeast that helps bread rise, or even brewer’s yeast that helps beer ferment. In the food realm, these are the good ones.
But there’s a bad kind of yeast too. At least, when it gets out of control. There is a type of yeast called Candida that occurs naturally in our intestines, genital tract and throat. Typically, this fungi is kept in balance in our body. But too much can lead to an infection.
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There are more than 20 different types of Candida yeasts, which can lead to infection. The location of the yeast infection will determine the symptoms that are produced.
Types of Candidiasis
- Thrush, or oropharyngeal candidiasis: Candidiasis affects the mouth or throat
- Yeast infection or Genital/vulvovaginal candidiasis: Yeast infects the vagina
- Invasive candidiasis: Yeast infects the bloodstream
Symptoms of candidiasis
Symptoms of thrush include:
- Redness and soreness of the throat or mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth – also known as angular cheilitis.
Symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Vaginal discharge
- Men can experience itchiness on their penis.
Symptoms of invasive candidiasis
The symptoms include fever and chills that won’t go away with treatment. People with invasive candidiasis often have other medical conditions so diagnosing the yeast infection can sometimes be difficult. Invasive candidiasis can spread to the heart, brain, eyes and joints.
Candidiasis of the skin
Another form of candidiasis affects the skin. Candidiasis of the skin may appear as a rash, more specifically, it can occur in places where the skin folds, such as armpits or underneath breasts.
Symptoms of candidiasis of the skin include itchiness, burning, blisters, soreness and cracking of the skin.
Contributing causes of candidiasis of the skin include:
- Warm weather
- Tight clothing
- Poor hygiene
- Antibiotics that kill flora
- Infrequent changing of undergarments
- A hindered immune system due to another medical condition such as diabetes.
Treatment of candidiasis of the skin is possible with proper hygiene, proper maintenance of blood sugar and the use of antifungal cream.
4 home remedies for a yeast infection
Along with antifungal creams and medications, there are home remedies that can help you get rid of a yeast infection naturally.
Yogurt: Yogurt contains healthy strains of bacteria that can help you get rid of a yeast infection naturally. Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt to the affected area for about 20 to 30 minutes. For a vaginal infection you can dip a tampon in the yogurt and allow it to sit overnight. The yogurt will ease the redness as well as the itching.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is known for its antifungal properties. Similar to the yogurt, apply the coconut oil to the affected area a few times a day. If you have a thrush infection, you can swish the coconut oil around in your mouth.
Cranberry juice: Cranberry juice has been praised for its ability to help with bladder infections and this is because of their antifungal properties. Try to drink unsweetened cranberry juice throughout your day; the sweetened variety contains too much sugar.
Oregano oil: Oregano oil, too, contains antifungal properties. It can irritate the skin so if you are going to apply it topically, dilute it with olive oil. If you wish to ingest it, capsules are available as the flavor is potent.
These are some tips as to how you can get rid of your yeast infection naturally. The best way to treat a yeast infection is to prevent it, so always practice proper hygiene, continuously change your garments – especially after sweating or being dirty – and wear loose-fitting clothes.
Related Reading:
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Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/symptoms.html
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/symptoms.html
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/
