Fungal infections, also known as candidiasis, usually occur on the skin, mouth, or vagina and are caused by various organisms of the Candida spp family.. More than 20 species of Candida spp. can cause fungal infections in humans. However, most yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans. Fungal infections can be painful. So, it's a good idea to start treatment as soon as possible after the first symptoms are noticed. Fungal infections are very common in the United States, in all age groups. Although not studied scientifically, in the United States, fungal infections are estimated to occur as many as 50,000-100,000 per year. If you suspect you have a yeast infection, stop it by using the following methods.
Step
Method 1 of 3: With Home Remedies
Step 1. Eat probiotic yogurt
There are yogurt products that contain bacteria that can help treat yeast infections. Yogurt containing the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus is often used, taken by mouth or applied to the vagina, to help treat yeast infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good bacteria that can help kill organisms that cause fungal infections. Shop for yogurt products that contain live and active Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures.
Research has shown that yogurt can relieve PMS symptoms in some women. However, other studies have also shown that yogurt is not effective for all women
Step 2. Take a shower twice a day
Although showering or bathing twice a day may be time-consuming, maintaining the best possible hygiene is essential to curing yeast infections. When bathing, do not use soap or body wash that contains strong chemicals. This type of soap / body wash kills good bacteria that are important for the healing process so that it actually worsens fungal infections.
- If a yeast infection occurs in the vagina, bathe in a bath instead of using a shower. Bathing helps cleanse the vagina of yeast.
- Make sure the bath water is not too hot because hot water helps the growth of mold.
Step 3. Dry the body with a clean and dry towel
After bathing or swimming, dry yourself as best you can with a clean, dry towel. Mold thrives in warm, moist areas. Therefore, use a dry and clean towel to dry yourself as best you can. If you use a wet/damp towel, mold can transfer to the towel and thrive there. So, wash the towels after every use.
Step 4. Wear loose clothing
If the yeast infection is on the skin or vagina, wear loose clothing that allows air to reach the skin. Exposure to air is very important to cure vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, choose panties made of cotton fabric, instead of silk or nylon, which do not allow air to reach the skin.
Do not do activities that can cause excessive heat, sweat, and humidity on the part of the body that has a yeast infection so as not to make the infection worse
Step 5. Don't use certain skin products
When you have a yeast infection, don't use skin products, especially soaps, sprays, or vaginal powders, which can kill good bacteria and make the infection worse. Certain lotions should also not be used because they can trap moisture, heat, and fluids on the skin.
While you may be tempted to use vaginal sprays or powders to ease the side effects of yeast infections, all of these products actually make skin irritation worse
Method 2 of 3: With Medical Treatment
Step 1. Cure fungal infections that occur on the skin with medical drugs
Certain drugs are effective in curing fungal infections that occur on the skin. Doctors usually recommend an antifungal cream applied directly to the skin affected by a fungal infection. Antifungal creams can generally cure fungal infections of the skin within two weeks. The two most common types of antifungal creams used to treat fungal infections of the skin are miconazole and oxiconazole. Antifungal creams usually come with instructions for use. However, it's a good idea to follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
Before applying an antifungal cream to a skin with a yeast infection, wash the infected skin with water and pat it dry until it is completely dry. Apply the cream according to the doctor's instructions or the instructions for use listed on the package. Wait until the cream is absorbed into the skin before wearing clothes or doing activities that cause the infected skin area to rub against clothing or other objects
Step 2. Cure yeast infections that occur in the vagina with medical drugs
Vaginal yeast infections can be cured with medications that are prescribed by a doctor or can be purchased without a prescription. Medicines that can be purchased without a prescription, in the form of creams, tablets, or suppositories (medicines that are inserted into the vagina), are effective in curing vaginal yeast infections with mild to moderate symptoms.
- The most common antifungal creams used to treat vaginal yeast infections are miconazole (“Monistat”) and terconazole (“Terazol”). This cream can be applied or inserted into the vagina (as a suppository) every day before going to bed, for the period stated in the instructions for use. The period of use of antifungal creams varies from one day to seven days.
- Oral antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole (“Myecelex”) and fluconazole (“Diflucan”), can also be taken to help treat vaginal yeast infections.
- Clotrimazole is also available in tablet form that is used vaginally, every day before going to bed; the 100 mg dose is used for six or seven days, the 200 mg dose is used for three days, and the 500 mg dose is used only once.
- Some more severe cases of yeast infection should be treated for 7-14 days instead of 1-7 days.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about using boric acid
To treat yeast infections of the vagina, boric acid is used as a suppository, which can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription. Boric acid is used to treat fungal infections that are common and cannot be cured by conventional methods. In addition, boric acid is effective in killing Candida which has become resistant to antibiotics.
- Boric acid is toxic, especially to children (if swallowed), and can irritate the skin.
- Do not perform oral sex during treatment with boric acid so that these harmful substances are not swallowed by the partner.
Step 4. Treat a yeast infection in the mouth with a medical mouthwash
Fungal infections of the mouth can be treated with medical mouthwashes that contain antifungal ingredients. Swish this medicine all over the mouth for a few moments, then swallow it. This medical mouthwash acts on the surface of the mouth as well as, once swallowed, from within the body. In addition, also discuss with your doctor about the use of oral antifungal drugs, in the form of tablets or lozenges, which must be purchased with a prescription.
If the patient has a very weak immune system or has cancer or HIV, the doctor may also prescribe amphotericin b, an effective drug for treating oral candidiasis that has become resistant to antifungal drugs
Method 3 of 3: Studying Fungal Infections
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a yeast infection
To stop a yeast infection, you must be able to recognize the symptoms of the disease. Fungal infections are divided into three types, based on location: skin, mouth, and vagina.
- Symptoms of a yeast infection in the mouth, also known as oral candidiasis, are white patches in the mouth or throat and cracks at the corners of the lips.
- Symptoms of a fungal infection of the skin include blisters, red patches, and a rash. This type of fungal infection most often appears under the breasts, between the toes or hands, and the genital area. This fungal infection can also occur in the penis with the same or other symptoms, such as white patches, moist areas, and a white substance that collects in the folds of the skin.
- Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include irritation and redness of the skin on the inside of the vagina, white, thick, curd-like vaginal discharge, and mild to moderate itching. Vaginal yeast infections are very common.
Step 2. Learn the risk factors for yeast infection
There are many risk factors for fungal infections. Diseases or disorders that cause a weakened immune system, such as HIV, increase the likelihood of fungal infections because the body is unable to defend itself against attacks by outside organisms. Taking antibiotics also increases the risk of fungal infections. Antibacterial therapy, such as the use of antibiotics, is intended to fight infection, but can also cause a decrease in the number of bacteria in the body that play a role in preventing certain infections, such as yeast infections. In such cases, a yeast infection can occur in a part of the body with conditions that favor the growth of the fungus, such as the skin, penis, or vagina.
- Being overweight also increases the risk of fungal infections. Excess weight causes multiple folds of skin, which are perfect breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria.
- Babies are prone to fungal infections in the genital area (due to the use of diapers) and in the mouth.
Step 3. Learn about sex-related risk factors
Women who experience hormonal fluctuations, due to menopause, birth control pills, pregnancy, or PMS, are at higher risk of developing yeast infections due to physical stress caused by hormonal changes. The use of douche products and chemicals, which can cause irritation, also increases the risk of yeast infections. These products, even when used for good purposes, upset the natural pH balance of the vagina. The natural pH of the vagina is an environment that inhibits the proliferation of foreign organisms.
Men are more susceptible to fungal infections if they have not been circumcised because bacteria can thrive on or under the foreskin
Step 4. Lower the risk of yeast infection
Several common methods can be used to prevent yeast infections. Use antibiotics only when needed to keep the body's natural bacteria from preventing yeast infections. Limit the use of steroids, inhaled or other forms of drugs, because they can interfere with the immune system. Avoid humid environments. Don't wear damp clothes. If your clothes get wet/damp, change them as soon as possible.
- Fungal infections can occur in the mouth, especially in diabetic patients and denture wearers. Keep your dentures clean and make sure they fit snugly to prevent fungal infections. In other cases, the fungus does not cause infection until it is triggered by something, such as the use of antibiotics.
- Women should not do douching.
- It's good for diabetic patients to always control blood sugar levels and maintain skin hygiene.
Warning
- If you have frequent yeast infections, talk to your doctor instead of just continuing to use over-the-counter medications. The infection may be caused by a rare species of fungus or not caused by a fungus at all. In addition, tests to detect other diseases, such as diabetes, may need to be done.
- Although some home remedies are effective in relieving the symptoms of yeast infections, and even have a direct impact on the infection, it is a good idea to use home remedies in combination with medical remedies. The risks and benefits of alternative medicine should always be consulted with a doctor before trying. Some studies do prove that alternative medicine gives positive results. However, more research is needed before doctors can confidently recommend alternative medicine.
