Yeast is a type of microscopic fungi that lives in the human
body. The most common type of fungi responsible for yeast infections is known
as Candida Albicans. Under normal circumstances, a certain amount of yeast is
necessary for the healthy functioning of the digestive system and a person's
overall health. The problem arises when the amount of yeast in the body
multiplies and overwhelms the normal functioning of the various systems. When
this happens a yeast infection occurs and immediate medical treatment is
required to prevent the condition from escalating or recurring.
Symptoms of Yeast
Infection
Depending on the area affected various symptoms will be
manifested. Symptoms of a yeast infection may include:
- Itching of the vagina
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Swelling of the skin and increased sensitivity around the vagina
- Increase in vaginal discharge. Discharge ranges from thick and chunky to watery and white
- Vaginal discharge that smells ‘yeasty’ (as compared to foul smelling vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection)
- Pain during sexual intercourse due to the irritation and inflammation of the skin around the vagina
- For men, a yeast infection may show up in the form of itching or irritation around the head of the penis. The head of the penis can become sore and red or there may be an appearance of white bumps. A skin rash can develop along the shaft of the penis as well, along with a burning sensation during urination. A discharge from the penis and pain during intercourse is not uncommon either.
- Babies or young children who suffer from yeast infections typically suffer from an infection in the mouth and in this case it is referred to as ‘oral thrush’. You may notice symptoms such as the appearance of cracks and dryness around the mouth and the most distinctive symptom would be the white patches on the tongue commonly described as having an appearance similar to ‘cottage cheese’.
- In elderly adults too, a yeast infection generally manifests as oral thrush.
- The problem with a yeast infection is that it tends to recur often. Repeated infections can affect a person's immunity and health. If a person consistently suffers from yeast infections or does not respond to any form of treatment it may also be an early symptom of HIV.
Causes of Yeast
Infection
The Candida yeast, responsible for infection is present on
healthy skin, but the onset of an infection resulting from an overgrowth is
prevented by the immune system and competing microorganisms like bacteria. A
weak immune system or any disease that weakens the immune system could
therefore be responsible for yeast infections. This is why elderly individuals
may also be more susceptible to yeast infections, especially oral thrush.
In the case of vaginal yeast infections, such an overgrowth
of Candida cells occur when the normal vaginal flora is disturbed reducing the
presence of ‘healthy
bacteria’ such as lactobacilli. Such disturbances to the vaginal flora can
occur for a variety of reasons - from the use of detergents to douches. Other
factors that could put a
woman at risk include the use of oral contraceptives, menstrual cycle,
pregnancy or medical conditions such as diabetes.
Penile candidiasis is rather uncommon and in most cases it is
cause through direct contact with an infected partner, such as through sexual
intercourse. The use of antibiotics, low immunity levels and diseases like
diabetes that affect immunity may also contribute to the development of yeast
infections in men.
In all groups therefore there are certain common causes or
risk factors that include:
- Reduced immunity
- Certain antibiotics
- Stress
- Birth Control Pills
- Being obese
- In very rare cases, a yeast infection can be spread via sexual contact with an infected partner
5 Yeast Infection Home
Remedies
So, you’ve been to the doctor, and now you’ve just got to go
to the store and get your medicine, right?
But what if you’re in the middle of a disaster? You’ve been
wet or sweaty all day, unable to change clothes, stressed to the hilt, so
you’re at increased risk, and you start feeling that itch. You can’t possibly
get to a doctor, or even a store.
Fortunately, there are boatloads of yeast infection home
remedies. Here are just a few. Men, just coat them externally.
Yogurt. A tablespoon of plain yogurt in the vagina or on the
penis will do. Leave on or in for a few hours. Do this daily until the symptoms
are gone. Warning: It’s messy!
- Boric-acid vaginal capsules. If you have some boric-acid powder and some 00 size gelatin capsules, open up the capsule, and fill both sides about half full with the powder. Close the capsule, and insert vaginally. Do this daily for two weeks. Many doctors recommend this for infections that don’t respond well to the usual medications. Warning: never take orally, and don’t use or if you might be pregnant. Don’t put on open sores or wounds. Added benefit: Boric acid is good for killing roaches, too. ☺
- Gentian violet. You’d have to keep some on hand. You can get it at your local pharmacy. Soak a long, large cotton swab with gentian violet, insert, and coat the vaginal walls. Do this daily until the symptoms are gone. Doctors used to use this before the current medications were available. Warning: Messy. Will discolor clothing.
- Tea tree oil douche. Mix a tablespoon of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water. Douche once or twice a day until the symptoms are gone. Warning: Can cause irritation. Stop if it does.
- Garlic. And then there’s our old friend garlic. Peel a clove, cut some shallow slits into it, sew a string into it, and shove it in if you dare. It’s supposed to work, but it can also cause quite a bit of burning. Since you’re already dealing with a sensitive place, I’d probably eat one a day instead.
- Eating yogurt or your favorite probiotic may help also. Avoid sugar and alcohol, and get that diabetes under control. No sex. It irritates the area and will flair up the infection.
No comments:
Post a Comment