Yeast Infection Medications and Itch Relief

Yeast Infection Medications and Itch Relief

A vaginal yeast infection is a type of vaginitis inflammation of the vagina characterized by vaginal irritation, intense itchiness and vaginal discharge. A vaginal yeast infection affects your vagina and the tissues at the opening to your vagina (vulva).  Vaginal yeast infection also called vaginal candidiasis is very common. As many as 3 out of 4 women experience a yeast infection at some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience two or more yeast infections.

Most women have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often found in small amounts in the vagina, mouth, digestive tract, and on the skin. Usually it does not cause disease or symptoms.

This can happen if you are:
• Taking antibiotics used to treat other types of infections. Antibiotics change the normal balance between germs in the vagina by decreasing the number of protective bacteria.
• Pregnant
• Obese
• Have diabetes

A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted illness. However, some men will develop symptoms such as itching and a rash on the penis after having sexual contact with an infected partner. Having many vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of other health problems. Other vaginal infections and discharges can be mistaken for a vaginal yeast infection.

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by the fungus candida. Candida is a microorganism that's normally present in your vagina, along with bacteria. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast and bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria produce acid, which discourages overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. But disruption of the healthy balance can result in an overgrowth of yeast. Too much yeast in your vagina can lead to vaginal itching, burning, and other classic signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

Overgrowth of yeast can result from:
• Antibiotic use, which leads to a decrease in the amount of lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina and a change in your vaginal pH that allows yeast to overgrow
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Impaired immune system
• Anything that changes the type and amount of bacteria normally present in the vagina, such as douching or irritation from inadequate vaginal lubrication

Symptoms
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate and include:
• Itching and irritation in the vagina and at the entrance to the vagina (vulva)
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance

Treatment
Medications to treat vaginal yeast infections are available in either creams or suppositories. Most can be bought without a prescription.

Treating yourself at home is probably okay if:
• Your symptoms are mild and you do not have pelvic pain or a fever
• This is not your first yeast infection and you have not had many yeast infections in the past
• You are not pregnant
• You are not worried about other sexually transmitted diseases from recent sexual contact

Medications you can buy yourself to treat a vaginal yeast infection are:
• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Tioconazole
• Butoconazole

Read the packages carefully and use them as directed. Do not stop using these medications early because your symptoms are better. You will need to take the medicine for 3 - 7-days, depending on which medicine you buy. If you do not get get repeated infections, a 1-day medicine might work for you.

You doctor can also prescribe a medicine called fluconazole. This medicine is a pill that you only take once. If your symptoms are more severe or you have repeat vaginal yeast infections, you may need:

• Medicine for up to 14 days
• Clotrimazole vaginal suppository or fluconazole pill every week to prevent new infections

Factors that increase your risk of developing a yeast infection include:
• Antibiotic use. Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics those that are effective against a wide range of bacteria kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast.
• Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections appear to occur more frequently in women with increased estrogen levels for instance, in women who are pregnant, those taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or those taking estrogen hormone therapy.
• Uncontrolled diabetes. In women who have diabetes, those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels are more likely to develop yeast infections than are women who have diabetes under control.
• Impaired immune system. Women with lowered immunity such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection are more likely to get yeast infections.
• Sexual activity. Although yeast infections aren't considered sexually transmitted infections, one way the candida organism can be introduced into your vagina is through sexual contact.

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:
• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, bath may help your symptoms.
• Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to prevent a yeast infection.
• Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
• Avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting pants or shorts, which may cause irritation.
• Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbant and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
• Use pads and not tampons.
• Keep your blood sugar levels under good control if you have diabetes.

Home Remedies to Cure Yeast Infection
While most of the following remedies have been recommended for vaginal yeast infection, they could also be used to treat the same on other areas of the body. Also, you need to take care in following these, if you happen to be allergic to any of the ingredients used. Home remedies may not have side effects, but they may cause an allergic reaction.

1. Garlic is known for its antifungal properties. So, make sure that you include 2-3 cloves of garlic in your daily meals. You can also try to gently apply garlic on the affected area, if your skin is not blistered or raw. Wrap a minced garlic clove in a cheesecloth and dab it on the area very gently. Please do not try this on broken skin as it may cause severe burning.

2. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal agent. Pour a few drops of diluted tea tree oil on a tampon coated with a lubricant and insert into the vagina. Let it remain for at least half an hour. Do this every morning and night for a couple of days. This will help get rid of the infection.

3. Yogurt Making yogurt a part of your daily diet will work wonders. Just consume a bowl of unsweetened yogurt everyday, as it is helpful in curing fungal infections. Alternatively, you can use it as a topical application as well. Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in the vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and at night, till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and dab it on the inner walls of the vagina. This is best done at night, just before going to bed.

4. Apple cider vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Take a soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent tissues.

5. Cranberries are quite acidic, which makes them a handy cure for yeast infections. Drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice everyday, and you're sure to observe the changes.

To get relief from the itching and burning, boil rosemary leaves in water and use it as a douche. Drinking 3-4 cups of thyme tea can also help you get rid of the infection.

Precautions to be Taken:
Taking these precautions will ensure that you do not suffer from recurring bouts of vaginal yeast infection.
• Prefer wearing well-fitting cotton undergarments to let your skin breathe
• Tight underwear, leotards and pantyhose should be avoided
• Skinny pants, tight denims, jeggings, and leggings are a strict no-no
• Have an immediate change of clothes if you get wet
• Prefer clothes made of natural fibers
• Keep the affected area dry with super absorbent tissues.
• Avoid using deodorants and perfumes in the genital area. Also stay away from deodorizing sanitary pads and tampons.
• After using the toilet always wipe from front to back; never back to front.

Yeast infection can be embarrassing and if it is not treated on time, it can lead to complications as well. Preventing it is the best you can do, but if you have developed the infection, following the above mentioned home remedies should ensure that you never have to suffer from a yeast infection again.

Myotcstore Related Products:

NatraBio homeopathic candida yeast infection relief - 1 oz.

Yeast Gard Homeopathic Gel Treatment - 1 oz

Enzymatic Therapy Yeast Balance Softgels For Womens Health - 90 ea

Natural Medicine homeopathic yeast free relief - 2 oz

Boiron Yeastaway, yeast infection vaginal suppositories - 7 ea