In fact, treating yeast infections of the skin is not difficult, and most infections clear up within a few weeks. Remember, yeast is a type of fungus that grows naturally in the body. But sometimes, an imbalance in the body's system will make it infected. If you have a yeast infection, chances are your main goal is to get back on track, no matter what. Don't worry, as annoying as it may seem, yeast infections are very easy to treat as long as you are able to identify the symptoms, anticipate the cause, and apply topical medications regularly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Yeast Infections
Step 1. Find the red, scaly patches on the skin
Yeast infections will generally look like a dark red or pink rash with a scaly surface. In addition, the rash will look like a pimple. Rashes from yeast infections can be small or spread to larger areas of the skin. Therefore, do not ignore the rash that appears just because it is relatively small.
- Sometimes, these reddish patches are round, although generally they will look irregular.
- Make a more detailed look at warm, moist areas of the body.
- Generally, the center of the spot will be lighter or lighter in color than the surrounding area.
Step 2. Watch for patches that itch or make you want to scratch them
Generally, yeast infections of the skin will be itchy and in some cases, can cause a burning sensation. Therefore, observe how often you scratch the spot or adjust the position of your clothes to make your body feel more comfortable. If the patches you find don't itch, it's most likely not a yeast infection.
- Just because a spot is itchy doesn't mean it's definitely caused by a yeast infection.
- If the infection is in the foot area, chances are that the itching will get more intense after you take off your shoes or socks.
Step 3. Find the reddish pustules
Red pustules may look like pimples and appear more often at the edges of the patches. The itching that appears will make the pustule worse, and scratching it can cause the fluid to drain out.
Step 4. Observe the location of the rash
Yeast infections are more likely to appear in areas of warm, moist skin, such as under the armpits, around the groin, in the folds of the buttocks, under the breasts, on the feet, or between the fingers and toes. Yeasts tend to thrive more easily in skin folds, such as under the breasts or other skin folds.
- Warm, moist areas of the skin are at higher risk for yeast infections.
- Pay special attention to the red rash near the folds of your skin.
Step 5. Understand your risk factors
In fact, people who are overweight, have diabetes, are taking antibiotics, or have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to yeast infections. In addition, yeast infections are also more common in people who do not maintain hygiene or like to wear clothes that are too tight.
Temperatures that are too hot and humid are also a risk factor for yeast infections. Therefore, also think about the environmental conditions around you at this time
Part 2 of 3: Applying Topical Medicine
Step 1. Check with a doctor
Doctors can help analyze skin cell health using a microscope to get the most accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, doctors may need to prescribe oral antifungal medications and topical creams to treat yeast infections.
In fact, there are quite a number of skin diseases that resemble yeast infections, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or Lyme disease. Therefore, consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of the actual disease you are experiencing
Step 2. Try treating yeast infections using natural methods
Coconut oil and tea tree oil are natural remedies to kill fungi, including yeast, so they can be used to treat yeast infections on your skin.
- Apply coconut oil to the infected skin 3 times a day. Supposedly, the redness of the skin will subside after the treatment is carried out for one week.
- Pour 2-3 drops of tea tree oil on the infected skin 3 times a day. Be patient because most likely, the results will be visible after a few weeks.
Step 3. Use an over-the-counter antifungal medication
Most pharmacies sell various brands of antifungal drugs that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Although often found in outlets that sell foot care products, you can also use water flea medication to treat yeast infections, you know! Try using an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole, which is sold under the brand name Lotrimin AF, or miconazole, which is sold under the brand name Desenex and Neosporin AF. All of them are brands of antifungal drugs that you can easily find in various offline and online pharmacies.
- Apply the product all over the infected skin area.
- Do the process twice a day.
- Chances are, the results will only be seen after the treatment is carried out for 2-4 weeks.
- Read the product packaging to find more complete usage information.
Part 3 of 3: Anticipating the Cause
Step 1. Keep the skin condition dry
Whenever possible, wear loose-fitting clothing or don't cover the area of skin affected by the yeast infection with a cloth. In other words, let the air in the area circulate properly. If the infected area is too hidden to get fresh air, try the steps below to keep it dry.
- Avoid places that are too humid or hot.
- Wipe the area with a towel throughout the day.
- If possible, leave the area exposed to fresh air. Don't cover it with tape and choose clothes that are loose or don't even cover the area.
Step 2. Use a powder that can absorb excess moisture
Cornstarch and talcum powder can be used to absorb excess moisture, including sweat from your body. In addition, both contain ingredients that can soothe the skin and make it feel more comfortable while the rash recovery process takes place. Don't worry, good quality talcum powder can be purchased at various supermarkets. If you have trouble finding it, you can also use plain cornstarch.
- Don't inhale the powder or cornstarch, okay?
- Some people think the use of talcum powder in the genital area can trigger uterine cancer. If you have the same concerns, you should minimize the use of talcum powder to treat yeast infections that occur around the groin.
Step 3. Wear clothes that are loose and can absorb moisture well
Choose breathable clothing, such as those made from natural fibers or microfibers that can absorb excess moisture. On the other hand, don't wear clothes that are too tight and can trigger yeast growth.
- Wear socks and cotton underwear. Cotton is a type of fabric that is breathable, so it is effective in preventing yeast infections.
- Don't wear layered clothes when it's hot. If the weather is cold, you can wear layers of clothing and can remove the layers one by one when working in a warmer room.
Step 4. Keep yourself clean
Good hygiene is a very important factor for recovering and preventing yeast infections. In addition, poor hygiene can also exacerbate the infection you have! Therefore, in addition to bathing regularly, you can also bring a disposable towel to clean yourself when you sweat.
Step 5. Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
Fungal infections, such as yeast infections of the skin, are actually common in people with diabetes. If you are one of them, try to control blood sugar levels and keep your skin dry and clean.
Follow the doctor's instructions on how to control blood sugar levels, and take medicines according to the way recommended by him
Tips
- Never share shoes, socks and towels with other people so you don't catch another yeast infection!
- A person who is overweight will have more warm and moist areas on his body. As a result, yeast also has more land to thrive. Therefore, try to lose weight to eliminate these areas and reduce the risk of yeast infection on the skin.