Yeast infections are fungal infections from too much yeast in a specific region of the body. It can be quite painful and cause deeper tissue damage if untreated. The best yeast infection treatments are available both with and without a prescription.
Women naturally have a certain amount of yeast in their vagina. Vaginitis is caused by oral medication including contraceptives and antibiotics. Weak immune systems from taking steroids or chemotherapy, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases are also possible factors.
Symptoms include soreness, itching, burning, and general discomfort. A thick, white discharge with an evident odor is experienced, and pain during intercourse may be felt. Celibacy should be practiced until the infection clears up.
The best yeast infection treatments for women include over the counter antifungal wipes, creams, suppositories, and tablets containing clotrimazole, miconazole, butoconazole, or tioconazole. One dose of a prescription pill containing fluconazole is taken orally for cases not remedied by these products. Minimal side effects include nausea, rash, and headache. This medication cannot be taken by pregnant women in their first trimester.
Using a chamomile, thyme, and warm water douche is also an effective home remedy. Changing to cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton panel allows the area to breathe instead of retaining moisture. Personal products such as soaps or douches may also need to be changed.
Although not as common, men can also be afflicted with this painful infection. Nutrition deficiency, stress, low white blood cells or stomach acid, and some condoms cause this occurrence. Symptoms include red blisters at the tip of the organ, dry skin, white discharge, burning, constipation or diarrhea, bloated stomach from gas, and indigestion. The same wipes and creams can be used by men in addition to prescription fluconazole or ketaconazole.
When this infection occurs inside the mouth of males and females, it is called oral thrush. Symptoms include white or red spots that may bleed, excess phlegm, and sinus problems. Eating and drinking may become difficult and lead to dehydration.
Diet changes to prevent future occurrences include more garlic, yogurt, and whole grain products. Drinking blueberry, red or black raspberry, tomato juice, or tea made with thyme, fennel, or aniseed is also recommended. The amount of sugar, white flour, dairy products, peanuts, alcohol, dried fruits, and melons consumed should also be reduced.
The family physician should be consulted the very first time that yeast infection symptoms appear in order to make a proper diagnosis. The best yeast infection treatments remedy the problem in seven days or less. Pelvic inflammatory disease, harm to deeper tissues, scarring, and infertility may result if left untreated.