Alternative Treatment Options for Yeast Infections

By HelloLife

If you're wary of taking an over the counter medication or doctors prescription for your yeast infection, there are many alternative treatment options available to cure the infection. Maybe you'll try these out first, and seek a prescription as a last resort.

What is a Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is caused by an excess growth of fungi or yeast, most commonly the strain Candida albicans. Yeast is present all over our bodies, but can occasionally grow in excess. It is most commonly found in warm, moist areas like underarms, between fingers and toes, the mouth, the vagina. Babies can get yeast infections if their diapers get too moist. In rare cases, recurring yeast infections can be a sign of a much more serious health problem like diabetes, AIDS or leukemia. Older adults are particularly susceptible to yeast infections, which can occur on the finger and toe nail beds, underneath skin folds of the breast or abdomen and around dentures. This type of yeast infection is usually just on the surface and clears up quite easily.

Alternative Treatment Options

Probiotics Probiotics are live microbial organisms that grow naturally in your digestive tract and vagina. They help control the rate of growth of organisms like Candida yeast, which causes most yeast infections. Probiotics can be taken orally or as a vaginal suppository. Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil can be diluted and applied directly to the affected are for relief of symptoms. Boric Acid Boric acid has antiseptic and antifungal properties. Apply topically or as a vaginal suppository. Yogurt Plain yogurt (not vanilla or flavored) can be inserted into the vagina as a suppository and is a well known home remedy for yeast infections.

Prevent Yeast Infections

The most important key to preventing yeast infections is to stay healthy. Maintain a well balanced diet and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. Keep your immune system healthy. Avoiding antibiotics can help, as they kill off the good bacteria in your body, as well as the bad. Birth control pills or pregnancy elevate hormone levels which can increase your chance of getting a yeast infection. Take care while on birth control or pregnant. If you have sex, use a condom. Wear looser fitting pants and keep your underwear dry. Change out of a wet swim suit as soon as you can. For the elderly and young children, be sure to keep skin clean and dry. Wash with a gentle soap, dry and power with talcum.

Men Can Have Yeast Infections

Men can have and carry yeast infections. If you are a man, make sure to wash thoroughly and use a condom when having sex. Symptoms of a yeast infection show as itching and redness, with no discharge for men. It's important to know that men can re-infect their female partner even after her yeast infection has cleared up. Always be cautious.

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Sources: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vaginal-infections http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsqtoz/a/yeast_infection.htm