Yeasts are microorganisms which reproduce asexually by budding or even by binary fission. Most of them are unicellular though there are multi cellular yeasts also. Their size can vary greatly.
Generally ,the first thing that comes to our mind when we think about yeasts,is either the fungus which grows on stale bread or the yeast which is used while baking bread or cake. Yeast has been used for making wine and fermenting other alcoholic beverages since time immemorial. The species of yeast which is used in baking or in the making of alcohol, is saccharomyces cere visiae. This is a beneficial yeast. Let us now have a look at those species of yeasts which are opportunistic pathogens, which are the ones which cause infections.
There is a species of yeast called Candida albicans. The second most common candida pathogen is candida glabarta.This causes infections of the urogenital tract as also of the blood stream( which is called candidemia). The candida yeasts cause vaginal infections in human beings. Candida is found in the mucous membranes of human beings and other warm-blooded animals. At times they become pathogens and sprout an outgrowth which penetrates the mucous membrane which results in irritation and shedding of the tissues. Candida albicans is a fungus which is present in the human body. Its over growth causes irritation ,a white discharge and redness in the area. The question is,how does one treat yeast infections.?
Before we look into the treatment for yeast infections, we must know what exactly causes it. Preliminary to that,in fact, is to ascertain whether it really is a yeast infection. Yeast infection medications must not be administered without being sure of the ailment. Sometimes,the patient may not even be having a yeast infection. It is also important to ascertain whether it is the first infection or a chronic case. Over medication may result in having an adverse effect. Besides, pregnant women cannot be given drugs.
There can be many causes for yeast infections. Some of them are:
1. Stress
2. Lack of sleep
3. Consuming antibiotics,steroids and anti birth control pills
4. Having illness or diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
5. Having a weak immune system.
There is a species called cryptococcus neoformans which attacks people with low immunity levels.7 to 9% of Aids patients in the U.S. And 3 to 6% of western Europe, are affected by it. These yeast cells are covered by a rigid poly-saccharide capsule due to which they are not noticed and they are surrounded by white blood cells in the human body. The disease is called crypto-coccosis.
Some other yeast infections are the pink colored shiny abrasions we get in between fingers and toes. The swelling up of fingers near the nails are also yeast infections. Anti- fungal medications in the form of creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories that are inserted, are some of the yeast infection medications.
One important feature about yeast is that they do not need sunlight to grow. They use organic compounds as a source of energy. The carbon is taken from hexose sugars such as glucose and fructose, or di-saccharides like sucrose or maltose. Hence, those who are prone to yeast infections should reduce their sugar intake. Yeast thrives in moist places. So the area of irritation must be kept dry. Avoiding alcohol also helps as it has sugar in it. Consumption of too much of antibiotics leads to the destruction of helpful yeasts in the body which control the infectious ones from growing out of proportions. As a result the bad yeasts multiply and cause itching and irritation.
As a rule, the cause for the ailment must be found out ( especially in chronic cases),and efforts should be made to contain that first. Loose clothing and cotton garments must be worn. Synthetics aggravate the irritation.
Needless to say the doctor should be consulted before doing self medications. There are suggestions like use of boric acid suppositories or application of tea tree oil, but without knowing how much the tea tree oil should be diluted and that boric acid must not be administered on open wounds,we might end up harming ourselves instead of treating it.
Article by Sarah Lomas of RemedyForYeastInfection.com, a website with the best yeast infection help and home remedy for yeast infection information on the web.
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