In this article, we shall explore how to get rid of yeast infections. But first, let us briefly explore what a yeast infection is. We will also see how it is caused and how to identify it with a few signs. A yeast infection is scientifically known as Candidiasis. It is a fungal infection appearing on the skin or mucous membranes caused by the fungus Candida. This fungus is a genus of yeast that can grow in the human intestine, mouth or the vagina. It grows without causing adverse symptoms and is generally quite harmless.
A common mild condition, Candidiasis is noted to appear at least once for most women, and sometimes, men. This fungal infection is found to appear under the breasts, nail beds, in the mouth (more commonly known as oral thrush), beneath skin folds, and on the lower abdomen. Less commonly, it can appear on the penis.
Causes of Yeast Infections:
Yeast infections are caused by excessive Candida growth, but definitive reasons for this type of growth are not well understood. Circumstances that possibly encourage this growth can be,
- Excess moisture and body heat on closed off areas
- Excessive use of antibiotics
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Use of steroids
- Stress
- Weakened or underdeveloped Immune systems
- Chronic health conditions.
- High estrogen levels (mostly during pregnancy).
- Use of feminine hygiene products or douches to externally clean the vagina
- Menopause
Symptoms of a Yeast Infections:
The symptoms of the fungal infections vary depending on the affected area. The most common symptoms caused by infections that result in minimal complications are redness, discomfort, sensations of itching or burning or inflammation in and around the infected area.
- White patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat.
- Soreness in the throat, problems swallowing.
- White patches and/or tenderness of skin in affected areas on the skin, toenails or fingernails.
- Pain or discomfort in the vagina during sex
- Burning feeling when urinating, odorless vaginal discharge, redness around the vaginal opening that may leave it tender to the touch
- Vaginal itching that may be severe
- Small white spots, redness or dry, peeling rash on the penis. It can be followed by itching or burning feeling the penis in a manner similar to that of the vagina.
Remedies to Get Rid of Yeast Infections:
Most yeast infections are mild. It is simple to get rid of yeast infections using a standard yeast infection medicine. In addition to the available medications, many natural remedies exist as well to get rid of yeast infections. Some of the remedies are as follows:
1.) Yogurt to Get Rid of Yeast Infections
As a probiotic food, yogurt is thought to help in restoring the natural balance of yeast-bacteria in the body. This is because it contains lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a “good” bacterium.
- For treatment, only use plain and unsweetened yogurt. Apply topically to the infected area and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. It is preferable to keep it overnight.
- For vaginal yeast infections, use a tampon and soak it in about 2-3 tablespoons of yogurt. Insert into the vagina. Let it sit for a few hours to fight the yeast infection.
- Increase the intake of yogurt in one’s diet as well.
2.) Coconut Oil for Fighting Yeast Infections
The effective anti-fungal properties in coconut oil help to get rid of yeast infections. Coconut oil contains Lauric acid and Caprylic acid, both of which are potent natural yeast-fighting substances.
- For oral infections, use the oil like a mouthwash in your mouth for up to 5-10 minutes. Add a few drops of tea tree oil or cinnamon oil for flavor. Repeat this thrice a day.
- Topically apply a mixture of equal parts coconut oil and cinnamon oil to the affected area. Do this until the infection subsides.
3.) Garlic to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Garlic juice is thought to have powerful antifungal properties that aid in fighting the yeast cells. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties are good for fighting yeast infection. This remedy is easily available in any grocery store and it is inexpensive as well.
- Eating up to 4 organic garlic cloves every day can help prevent and treating yeast infections.
- If raw garlic causes irritation, chopping and lightly cooking them will solve the problem.
- Chop the garlic cloves and leave for 10 minutes. This allows the chemical reaction that produces anti-fungal properties, then ingest or topically apply to affected areas.
- Raw garlic can also be added to plain yogurt to increase the anti-fungal properties. Then apply this topically to the infected area.
4.) Boric Acid to Cure Yeast Infections
This is a chemical substance with a mild antiseptic and antifungal properties. It helps to inhibit the growth of the fungi that leads yeast infection. However, this method is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.
- Dilute some boric acid with water and apply the solution over the affected area (external use only).
- Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse the area thoroughly with water.
- Do this daily for 2 weeks.
5.) Cranberries to Get Rid of Yeast Infections
Another natural remedy for fighting yeast infections are organic cranberries. This fruit is loaded with both antibacterial and antifungal properties and so can be used to fight off yeast infections. Drinking the unsweetened juice of these organic fruits helps to restore the pH level in the vagina much faster.
- Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice at regular intervals in a day speeds up the process of healing and produces effective results.
- In case unsweetened juice is unavailable, take cranberry tablets twice or thrice a day as per recommended dosage. These tablets are readily available at any natural health store.
6.) Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infections Treatment
The essential oil extracted from tea tree leaves has been shown to act as an antifungal agent. These antifungal properties are effective in fighting yeast infections. Note: Use this with caution in case of an allergic reaction. In the case of irritation, this method is to be discontinued immediately.
- Apply some of the oil topically to the affected areas.
- In the case of vaginal yeast infection, soak a tampon lightly in the oil.
- Insert it into the vagina and leave overnight.
7.) Oil of Oregano to Get Rid of Yeast Infections
Unlike the oil of oregano found in grocery stores, the oil made from wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains thymol and carvacrol. These natural chemicals are powerful antifungal. Studies have found that oil of oregano either dramatically reduces yeast infections. It is also possible to get rid of yeast infections entirely. As oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner, it is recommended to take caution with its use. Do not use if you experience blood-clotting issues or are taking blood thinners.
- Prepare a diluted solution of oil of oregano.
- Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply topically over the infected area.
8.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Yeast Infections
This contains some distinctive components that can get rid of the Candida fungus that causes yeast infections. White Vinegar has also been shown to contain similar components. Organic apple cider vinegar will be murky brown in color.
- In a hot bath, add some vinegar and soak in this preparation for about an hour. This will help to soothe the irritations caused by yeast infections and reduce itching.
- Dilute the vinegar (white or apple cider) with plain water and apply topically over the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm to lukewarm water.
- Prepare a solution of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water. Drink this twice every day for a few days.
9.) Palmarosa Oil to Cure Yeast Infections
This essential oil comes from the same tropical grass family as lemongrass. It is derived from a plant called Indian, or Turkish, geranium. It is a highly antibacterial, antiseptic that contains antifungal properties. This will enhance the efficiency of any commercial ointment and help to get rid of yeast infections. Palmarosa oil also helps in soothing inflammation and restoring hydration to the skin.
- For this method, mix about 4 drops of Palmarosa oil with 2 drops of tea tree oil into a standard yeast infection cream. This will increase the efficiency of the standard cream.
- Apply it topically to the affected area.
10.) Wear Loose Clothes and Cotton Undergarments to Prevent Yeast Infections
A warm and moist environment leads the exponential growth of the yeast cells that cause yeast infections. Therefore, wear loose clothes that allow air circulation. Clothing like cotton underwear and skirts or loose pants dramatically reduce chances of yeast infections.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes during the time of infection, like panty-hoses or tight jeans.
- Change immediately out of wet swimsuits or gym clothes.
To get rid of yeast infections completely it is a 14-day time period. It is important to follow through this time period to prevent a “repeat occurrence”.
