Intertrigo, oral thrush and vaginitis are all forms of yeast infections or Candidiasis, as it is called in medical terminology. It is caused by fungus (mycosis) of Candida species. The most common fungus to cause Candidiasis is Candida albicans. As long as Candidiasis is superficial, it is harmless, though very painful and irritating. The superficial Candidiasis can be treated quite easily too. However, if by any chance it enters your blood stream it becomes systemic. It then becomes life threatening. Such candidiasis is known as candidemia.
It is absolutely necessary to get rid of yeast infection, before it reaches the candidemia stage. Generally, our skin membrane stops the candidiasis from turning inward and infecting the internal system of the body. However, there can always be breaks and cuts on the upper surfaces of our epidermis. Candida uses those cuts and breaks to enter our system to form candidemia.
Other than the fear of candidiasis becoming life threatening, one is too eager to get rid of yeast infection because it is so very irritating. Candidiasis generally starts with a red patch in those parts of the body that are perpetually warm and moist. You generally do not think much about it and try to take care of it by putting some smoothening cream on it. The area soon starts itching and you simply change the cream on advice of somebody you know. You take note of it when instead of becoming better it turns worse. The red patch is soon covered with scalloped edged rash and the area does not itch anymore, but a burning sensation make you almost insane.
Before we discuss how to get rid of yeast infection, it is important to know why you got it in the first place. Candida is a parasite, which is always present in our body. However, they are always kept under control by our own immune system, especially by a group of beneficial bacteria called probiotic, residing in the same niches. These parasites manifest as infection only when:
1. our immune system is compromised
2. we suffer from metabolic illness such as diabetics
3. certain hormone changes takes place in the body
4. excessive use of birth control pills, steroids and antibacterial antibiotics kills the probiotics
5. wearing of clothes cut off air circulation from the body for a long time
6. wearing of clothes keep parts of the body warm and moist for a long time
7. using of artificial things like dentures and artificial finger nail
8. too much use of douches, especially that are harsh
9. we suffer from disease or conditions like HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis, cancer, nutrient deficiency and stress
The conditions that encourage the growth must be taken care of if we want to get rid of yeast infection. However, certain conditions are irreversible and total cure of yeast infection is almost impossible in such cases. Otherwise, if you take proper medicines and proper care of yourself you can easily get rid of it.
Yeast infection medicine can be bought over the counter and even over the internet. There are prescription medicines as well. Other than that, there are some excellent home remedies. Yeast infection should not be treated with any kind antibacterial medicines because these medications will kill the probiotics that keep the yeast infection colonies under control and increase the severity of the condition.
Yeast infection medicine generally consists of antimycotics. The most common anti-fungal drugs are:
1. clotrimazole
2. nystain
3. fluconazole
4. ketoconazole
However, such medicines should not be taken except on the recommendation of the doctors because they have specific uses. For example, fluconazole is a good medicine. It has a specific one-time dose that is beneficial in 90% cases of vaginal infection, but not in other type of Candidiasis. Gentian violet can be used for oral thrush in breast feeding babies. However, they may have severe side affects like throat and mouth ulceration if taken excessively. Only a doctor can say how much is excessive.
There are also medical douches and vaginal suppositories that are excellent for local treatment. However, unless the underline conditions that gave rise to the infection is taken care of first, mere yeast infection medicine cannot help you to combat the disease. It will recur repeatedly and soon resistance to the drugs will grow. If you want to get rid of yeast infection, get rid of the conditions that encourage the growth of the infection. Eat a balanced diet to improve the immune system and your general health, keep yourself clean and dry, and wear proper clothes and accessories that will not cut off air circulation. Oh! Avoid sweet food as much as you can! The Candida loves it too.
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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