Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach, and urinary tract. Almost all women get a yeast infection at least once in their life, just as almost all people with HIV / AIDS develop candidiasis. The yeast infection affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth, commonly called "thrush", is especially common among children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Relying on Traditional Medicine
Step 1. Identify the symptoms
The risk of yeast infection can increase if you are taking antibiotics, are pregnant, overweight, diabetic, or have a compromised immune system. Symptoms of candidiasis may include:
- Itching, irritation, soreness or burning sensation in the vaginal area.
- White, odorless and lumpy secretions.
- Skin rashes, spots and blisters in the groin area.
Step 2. Contact your doctor
You should see your gynecologist if you think you have a yeast infection, if you are experiencing symptoms for the first time, or if you develop any other ailments. He will take samples for analysis, such as a vaginal smear, he can do a computed tomography or a stool exam if the infection has spread. If you suffer from frequent thrush, your doctor will want to find out if you have immune deficiencies or other health problems. You may have a complex yeast infection if:
- You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to lacerations, fissures or sores.
- Suffer from recurring yeast infections - four or more in just one year.
- You are dealing with an infection caused by another type of candida besides Candida albicans.
- You're pregnant.
- You are diabetic.
- You are taking certain medications for certain conditions, such as HIV.
Step 3. Use antifungal creams
Your doctor may prescribe some antifungal medications to treat the infection or recommend some over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines. Yeast infection is caused by a fungus, so over-the-counter antifungal creams are among the most used remedies.
- If your symptoms don't start to improve within 3-4 days, call your doctor for advice.
- Do not take over-the-counter medications if you are pregnant or have recurring infections. In this case, contact your gynecologist to find suitable treatments.
- Be sure to use an antifungal cream specifically designed to treat yeast infections, as other antifungal medications are not formulated to be used in the vaginal area.
- Depending on the type of over-the-counter cream, the treatment cycle could last from 1 to 7 days. Follow the instructions on the package to know the frequency of applications.
Step 4. Purchase the vaginal suppositories
Like antifungal creams, these over-the-counter drugs also help treat infections by coming into direct contact with the responsible fungus. The ingredients may vary a little, but eggs typically contain antifungal active ingredients, such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or tioconazole.
- Also in this case the treatment can last from 1 to 7 days. Read the leaflet to find out how the eggs are inserted and how often you need to use them.
- They typically have a conical, stick or wedge shape, and must be inserted directly into the vagina.
Step 5. Take over-the-counter oral medications
While there are medicines that you can take by mouth, they are not really as popular as topical ones and are not as effective against more serious infections. Consult your doctor before taking a new drug, as some have contraindications when taken concomitantly with other medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies.
- Read the instructions on the leaflet to determine the correct dosage and frequency. Generally, oral medications should be taken in a daily dose for one week.
- These are usually safe antifungal tablets to swallow.
- Don't overdo the antibiotics, as they also kill the "good" bacteria that usually have the function of keeping Candida at bay.
Step 6. Apply an itch cream
This type of medicine should only be applied around the vulva area, but not inside the vagina. Vaginal creams can be combined with low-dose corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation, itching and are usually sold with an applicator to measure the exact amount of cream to use.
- Talk to your gynecologist before using any of these over-the-counter creams.
- Creams are thicker than lotions, but they can make your underwear dirty, so consider wearing a sanitary napkin or panty liner. Do not use internal tampons, however, as they will absorb the cream, thus reducing its effectiveness.
- Keep in mind that the itch cream does not cure the infection, but it does provide relief from the itchy sensation, irritation and general discomfort associated with the fungal infection. You can also apply it while using antifungal cream, vaginal pessaries, or oral tablets.
- Make sure the itch reliever is formulated exclusively for the vaginal area; other types could alter the pH balance of the area, with the risk of aggravating the infection.
Method 2 of 4: Change Your Diet
Step 1. Avoid certain types of foods and drinks
Having a diet plan can help reduce the proliferation of pathogens that cause yeast infections. Experts recommend avoiding alcohol, sugary drinks and foods, including artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, and foods with high concentrations of yeast.
- It appears that some types of dairy products, such as cheese and butter, may also contribute to candidiasis, although more research is needed.
- If you have low blood sugar or are unsure which foods to avoid, ask your doctor or dietician to help you set up a personalized diet.
Step 2. Take Vitamin C Supplements
This vitamin is also known as ascorbic acid and is an important natural antioxidant that stimulates the functions of the immune system. You can take it as a food supplement in recommended doses of 500-1000 mg divided into two or three daily intakes. You can also supplement your diet with foods that are rich in it. Consult your doctor before taking supplements, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or if you have a compromised immune system. However, natural sources of this vitamin carry no side effects. Vitamin C is naturally present in the following foods:
- Red or green peppers.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, pomelos, grapefruits, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices.
- Spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
- Strawberries and raspberries.
- Tomatoes.
- Mango, papaya and cantaloupe melon.
Step 3. Include Vitamin E supplements in your diet
It is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and can be effective when yeast infections are caused by a compromised immune system. The recommended dose for adults is 15 mg per day. You can find vitamin E in the following foods:
- Vegetable oils.
- Almonds.
- Peanuts.
- Hazelnuts.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Spinach.
- Broccoli.
Step 4. Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids
Essential fatty acids help reduce the inflammation and burning sensation women often experience when they have a yeast infection. It is recommended to take a complex of omega-6, found in evening primrose extract, and omega-3, present in fish or flaxseed oil. Take 2 tablets a day of oil or 1000-1500 mg in two separate daily doses. Foods rich in omega-3s are:
- Egg.
- Pinto beans, soybeans and black-eyed peas.
- Tofu.
- Salmon and sardines.
- Walnuts, almonds, chia and flax seeds.
- Rapeseed, fish and linseed oil.
Step 5. Take probiotics
They are the "good" bacteria naturally present in the inner lining of the intestine; they perform an antifungal function because they keep the pathogen responsible for candidiasis under control and at the same time strengthen the immune defenses. Some studies have found that yogurts with active probiotic cultures can prevent the development of yeast infections. To supplement the intake of probiotics you can:
- Take supplements with a concentration of 1 to 10 billion bifidobacteria up to twice a day.
- Consult your doctor before taking these dietary supplements if you are taking immunosuppressive medications or antibiotics.
- Eat 250g of sugar-free plain yogurt per day to help reduce yeast infections.
Method 3 of 4: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Eat more garlic
This plant is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties due to its main ingredient, allicin. Try to eat one raw wedge a day or add 2-3 mashed cloves to your dishes. As a supplement, you can take the equivalent of one clove per day or one tablet which corresponds to 4000-5000 mcg of allicin.
Garlic can interact with several medications, including those to treat HIV. It can also increase the risk of bleeding in people with compromised immune systems, who are taking blood thinners, and in those who have recently had an injury or surgery. Talk to your doctor before taking garlic in food or supplement form
Step 2. Drink echinacea extract
It is a plant with antiviral and antioxidant effects that strengthen immune functions, reduce inflammation and restore hormonal balance. Echinacea is also used in combination with econazole, an antifungal agent important in the treatment of yeast infections that helps reduce relapses. Studies have shown that taking 2-9 ml of juice or a cup of echinacea tea helps manage and control infections caused by Candida.
- To make the tea, soak 1-2 g of dried root or echinacea extract in hot water for 5 minutes. At the end filter the infusion and drink it.
- This plant can interact with different medications, so check with your doctor before starting to take it.
- Some people have experienced several minor side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, and dry eyes. Do not take echinacea on an empty stomach.
- Do not take it even if you have multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, connective tissue disease, leukemia, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, immune or liver disorders.
Step 3. Try taking a bath with tea tree essential oil
This oil is known for its antiviral and antifungal properties. Studies have found that it is effective against vaginal yeast infections, but you don't have to apply it directly to the vagina; take an oil bath instead.
Add 10-15 drops of oil to the hot tub water and soak for 15 minutes. Repeat the process 2-3 times a week. This remedy helps keep vaginal infections under control and prevents possible recurrence
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Yeast Infection
Step 1. Follow good hygiene rules
You can avoid recurrence or new infections by keeping the genital area clean and dry. Some other hygiene rules you should adhere to for this purpose are:
- Do not use cleansers inside the vaginal area. Wash the area with warm water only.
- When you go to the bathroom, always clean yourself from the front to the back.
- Do not use products that contain perfumes and fragrances, feminine sprays or talc in the genital area.
- Change your sanitary pads, menstrual cup, or tampons every 2-4 hours.
Step 2. Put on comfortable underwear
Avoid clothing that is too tight, such as tight pants, leggings, or tights, as these can cause irritation and aggravate symptoms. Also, don't wear wet swimsuit or exercise clothing for too long; wash sweaty or wet clothes after each use.
Wear cotton underwear or tights instead of silk or nylon; the latter are not breathable and cause greater sweating of the genital area with consequent irritation
Step 3. Avoid douching
Although some women find these douches help cleanse and refresh the vaginal area, the procedure can actually aggravate the fungal infection by altering the natural pH balance, irritating and damaging the skin and mucous membranes, regardless of whether the product is medicinal or herbal. A lavender can even increase the risk of vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and cause complications during pregnancy.
