Yeast infections, or candidiasis, develop when the amount of yeast (most commonly of the candida albicans variety) on or in the body gets out of control, no longer held in check by the bacteria that normally regulates it. Whether on the mouth, skin, or genitals, these infections are painfully itchy and uncomfortable. If you’ve had a yeast infection before and are comfortably confident that you know what you’re dealing with, there are lots of over the counter alternatives.
If you’ve never seen anything like what’s happening to your body before, the best thing you can do when faced with a potential yeast infection is go to the doctor for proper identification and prescription medication specifically for the variety and placement of candidiasis. There are several kinds of infection that can mock the symptoms of yeast infections, and some of them can have some serious consequences (chlamydia being a prime example).
However, if going to the doctor isn’t an option, or you’re just looking for something to sooth or halt symptoms until you can get a visit scheduled, there are a couple of home remedies some people find effective, although it is important to note that there is no definite evidence these are effective, and yeast left without proper treatment can can cause serious side effects of its own.
Yogurt
The acidophilus in yogurt is one of the bacterium in the body that helps keep yeast in check. Eating yogurt daily can help prevent infections, and eating extra yogurt when an infection has developed may help symptoms. Some people apply yogurt directly to the area, so that the bacteria can work from contact, and it also provides a soothing feeling to help ease itching. If you don’t like yogurt, there are acidophilus supplements that can be taken daily or as a preventative during times when the body is at a higher risk of developing candidiasis, such as when taking antibiotics.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the essential oil of the narrow-leaved paperbark, a shrublike tree native to Australia. The oil itself is useful for many things, due to its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, including candidiasis. According to some sources, it can even be used for vulvovaginal infections.
While some experts recommend dunking a tampon in the oils for overnight relief, not everyone shares that opinion, especially for those that have never come in contact with tea-tree oil before and do not know how their bodies will react. Start with a few drops, or simply rub a small amount on the external vagina. For epidermal candidiasis, rub a small amount of the oil on the developing rash, and for oral candidiasis (or “thrush”) mix a drop or two of oil with a full glass of water. Swish it around in your mouth before swallowing. Regardless of where the infection is occuring or how you’re using the tea tree oil, be sure that is is therapeutic grade, or results may be varied and dangerous.
