Possible Triggers

Triggers of Yeast Infections

Yeast infection is also known as fungal infection; in the medical field it is called candidiasis or body thrush. There are many kinds of yeast infection, which may depend upon the triggering factor. Most of the time, yeast infections are not fatal and can be easily cured or treated. Depending on the infected part of the body, people commonly experience skin irritation followed by inflammation and itching. Symptoms may manifest differently, depending on the type of infection. In severe cases, yeast infections can lead to quite dangerous and difficult complications, especially for those caused by health related problems such as a compromised immune system.

Causes of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections often affect those who have weaker immunity such as those who are positive with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Deficiency Symptoms (AIDS), cancer, and all other diseases that damage the immune system. As mentioned, the initial response of the body to yeast infection is skin inflammation and itchiness. Sometimes more severe symptoms appear such as a burning sensation and painful chaps.

With and oral yeast infection, untreated conditions may lead to the spread of the yeast throughout the mouth area, down to the esophagus, pharynx, and even to the small and large intestines. Yeast infection commonly infects the genital and anal area, one of the body parts least exposed to sunlight and air circulation. The symptoms are the same as redness of the skin, followed by inflammation and itchiness. A genital discharge may also appear if the condition has already escalated to something severe. While yeast naturally occurs in the body and will not cause any harm if the body controls its numbers by natural physiology (or through the immune system), things can become harmful if the growth of the yeast exceeds beyond the normal level. Even if the person does not have any health problems, yeast overgrowth may still happen. How is this possible? For example, cleaning the body with good, hygienic products regularly is good, but too much of these may also cause harm.

This is especially if the pH levels of the cleaning agents are not in tune with the natural pH level requirements of the body, which is preferably neutral. Too much acid or alcohol will wash away even microorganisms that help protect the body against harmful elements.

Taking birth control pills, hormonal therapy, and third generation antibiotics can also affect the body’s hormone production, and hormonal imbalance can cause yeast overgrowth especially in the genital area.

Though yeast infection is not really categorized as a sexually transmitted disease, it can infect another person through skin contact especially in the genital area.

Yeast Infection Treatments

Treating the yeast infection is very important but this is not possible if the person is not diagnosed properly and thoroughly. Medical tests include blood exams, skin grafts, and swabs. Through these diagnostic procedures, doctors can determine the level or severity of the infection as well as the right and best treatments.

Most of the time, if the infection is not serious, treatments only include anti-fungal and anti yeast infection creams. If the yeast infection is already advanced and severe, a higher grade of treatments will be required. That usually involves a high dosage of medications and chemicals to directly affect or counteract the yeast infection, to reduce their number, and eventually eliminate the infection.

If yeast infection symptoms are present, consult a doctor immediately to get the right diagnosis and treatments. Ignoring the infection will only make things worse.

Boosting The Immune System: Naturally

Boost your Immunity to Treat Yeast Infections

Natural treatments are known to be the best treatments to use when a person is infected with simple cases of yeast infections. The use of natural remedies actually prevents the repeated experience of yeast infections. Experts advise that a person may even continue to take natural remedies to prevent the recurrence of yeast infections. Natural remedies have chemical substances that destroy fungi colonies in the body yet do not cause side effects.

Seek Advice from Professionals

Before taking any natural remedies, check with your doctor to be sure you are suffering from such a yeast infection. Always consult a medical doctor, subject yourself to the appropriate tests, and ask for alternatives before taking any medications. Doctors consider the signs and symptoms of your infection before giving you medications or treatment methods. In the most severe cases, the doctor may suggest known over-the-counter drugs instead of natural remedies. Any medications and other treatment methods must be able to fight Candida species (the microorganisms responsible for yeast infection) by boosting good bacteria in the body. An increase in good bacteria keeps yeast colonies under control and prevents overgrowth. The immune system maintains equilibrium between the number of good bacteria and that of the yeast colonies. When disequilibrium occurs, overgrown Candida yeast infections.

Natural remedies not only destroy the yeast that the body does not need, but they also prevent the development of candidiasis early on. After many years of research and experimentation, experts have found home remedies that lessen the suffering of people who experience yeast infections. One remedy found to be efficient was buttermilk. A glass of buttermilk before going to bed helps treat yeast infection by boosting good bacteria. Another remedy is yogurt. Taking yogurt on a daily basis also helps treat yeast infection because it contains good bacteria.

Home Remedies

Other home remedies found to help in treating yeast infections include vegetables and herbal products such as garlic, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. Garlic possesses strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil and tea tree oil also have antifungal properties and experts highly recommend them.

Despite the good effects of natural remedies, various yeast infections may also require different treatments. Because of this, consult a medical professional before taking any medications and discuss with him or her what treatment to take. Note, that in some cases, the improper misuse of natural remedies may cause harm.

Effective Home Remedies For Yeast Infections

Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

While doctors typically prescribe medications as part of the treatment for yeast infection, this is not really a must unless the condition is already severe. Most, less complicated health problems have been treated by simple home remedies for thousands of years already without further problems at all.

Home remedies have already proven themselves effective in treating simple health problems. In fact, most modern medications usually contain natural ingredients such as plants, herbs, and other elements coming from natural sources. Still it is best to consult a medical expert if you feel something unusual in the body to see if natural treatments or remedies can be utilized.

Sometimes, home natural treatments or remedies work well when administered together with prescribed medications to treat yeast overgrowth in the body. Sufferers from yeast overgrowth may also consider using whatever method they feel most comfortable with. This is no issue, especially if their doctor agrees.

Many natural or home remedies still treat or heal, equally well or better, without the unwanted side effects given by prescribed medications that contain clinically engineered chemicals. Yeast overgrowth in the body often reoccurs, especially for those people who have problems with their immune system. The appearance of yeast infections can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable though they seldom cause major problems to health when kept under control. Also, keep in mind that home remedies are the easiest way to relieve symptoms because they are quick and easy to find in the usual kitchen like boric acid, coconut oil, garlic, and yogurt.

Garlic

Garlic is a very common ingredient in daily cooking all over the world. It contains natural antifungal and antibacterial ingredient that have never failed to promote healing for thousands of years. Studies have shown that eating one to two servings of garlic everyday reduces yeast growth and the uncomfortable effects of yeast overgrowth. The combining of garlic with tea tree oil can also reduce the spread of yeast, reduce its uncomfortable effects, and even eliminate them.

Yogurt

Natural or unsweetened yogurt contains a high level of good bacteria that are known to promote better health as well to strengthen the digestive system. Eating natural yogurt enhances the immune system as well by improving the performance of the small and large intestine to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins from the body. You can also apply yogurt directly to the infected area like a regular lotion or topical cream.

The yogurt’s probiotics work as an antiseptic and control the growth of yeast in the area.

Boric Acid

This natural acid has been proven to effectively control and eliminate fungal infections, just like common prescription medications. You can apply boric acid on the skin’s surface just like a lotion or any medicated cream.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has effective antiseptic and antifungal elements as well. Some researches suggest that coconut oil even has the power to enhance the immune system and minimize the growth of yeast in the body. Just like any other essential oils, you can also apply it directly to the skin. Modern medicine has already created supplements in liquid or capsule form.

Most people think that yeast infections can only happen to women. Yet men can also have yeast overgrowth problems. In fact, nobody is immune from yeast infection.

Oregano and Tea Tree Oil

Some people suffering from yeast infections, and who have tried using the home remedies tea tree oil and oregano leave extract, observed great improvements. Oregano leaves contain a very effective and active chemical called carvacol, an enzyme that destroy the yeast components. Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which is very effective in stopping several types of infections including yeast problems by acting as an antifungal agent.

Children and Candida

Even newborn babies have immune systems, only they are not yet fully functional. The mother passes on the immune system during pregnancy. As the baby ages this initial immune system weakens, while the permanent immunity sets in during the breastfeeding period. If breastfeeding is not possible, pediatricians may recommend infant formulas (milk) to replace mother’s milk.

Normally, if the child’s immune system is well developed, infections are rare but they are still not exempt from developing yeast overgrowth or getting yeast infection. How is this possible? Yeast infection may occur with babies, especially in the lower back areas where diapers usually cover it. If the guardian or parent of the baby does not monitor and change the diaper in a timely fashion, diaper rash may appear.

Candida

Candida is a type of yeast that thrives in warm, moist, dark body parts. Infants are commonly the target of yeast infection due to a few factors. They often wear diapers or cloths since they cannot wear underwear yet and because they cannot control urinate yet, the wet diapers or cloth are perfect triggers for yeast infection or yeast overgrowth.

Both men and women can be infected by yeast; women often have yeast overgrowth in the vaginal area, while men often have yeast overgrowth in the groin and the surrounding area. No matter where the yeast infection occurs, it must be treated immediately in order to make sure that the yeast infection does not spread to somewhere else in the body.

If there is a yeast infection in the body, then there is also a chance that yeast overgrowth may also occur anywhere else in the body. This may also be an indication of other health issues, particularly the overall immune system. That is why it is important to get the correct diagnosis of the main cause of the infection aside from simply treating the yeast infection alone. After getting the right diagnosis, the doctor must choose the most appropriate treatment in order to prevent the spread of yeast infection to other body parts such as internal organs.

Ways to Prevent Yeast Infection

When it comes to yeast infection as for all other types of diseases, preventive care is way better than the cure, especially for infants. Babies do not have any control of their environment, and that is why it is important to monitor them constantly to ensure that their clothes are clean and dry to prevent accumulation of moisture on the skin.

This advice goes for adults as well; as mentioned, yeast infection does not have any age preference. It can affect anyone, anytime. Do not leave any chance for yeast to infest the body and at any part of the household. Dispose of moist trash properly, sealed and segregated. Personal hygiene is very important as well because candida or yeast infection can easily spread.

Make sure that the skin is toweled and dry after taking a bath or after perspiring. Wash hands thoroughly before and after skin contact. When cleaning or washing clothes, add a few ounces of vinegar to the water to help disinfect the clothes from bacteria, viruses, and yeast. Drying the skin is just as important as drying the clothes after washing, and it is better to dry with the heat of the sun rather than relying on dryers. Cleaning the bed sheets is also important since yeast can also infest dirty and moist filled textiles especially from bedwetting. Make sure that routines for cleanliness are followed. This will diminish the chance that yeast will survive to infest the household or the body.

Children and Yeast Infection

It may sound a little cruel, but children or infants can get yeast infections, too. Unfortunately, babies cannot determine and complain about the infection and its symptoms. A yeast infection can spread further to other parts of the body or worsen if not spotted and treated right away. Therefore, it’s important to know the physical signs of yeast infection; they are:

Rectal or Genital Rashes appear frequently and repeatedly. For new parents, they may simply disregard the symptoms, but this should be treated right away after consulting a pediatrician.

Usual Skin Rashes are often mistaken as summertime rashes or effects of poison ivy.
The usual skin rashes often appear in the arm area, legs, and even the belly where moisture accumulates from the upper parts of the body.

White Growth on The Lips and Tongue is often mistaken as milk residue. New parents often have this misdiagnosed because the oral thrush can be easily eliminated after water or fruit juice is given to the baby. Though, these liquids may eliminate the thrush, they are not sufficient to prevent the yeast infestation from reoccurring.

Escalating and Reoccuring Skin Rashes that usually appear during the rainy season are an indication of yeast infection. But new parents often disregard these symptoms and think that these physical conditions are nothing but normal.

Recurring Ear Infection can also be an indication that there is an overgrowth of yeast in the ear. It is important to have a pediatrician check the ear condition right away in order to get the right treatment and prevent the spread of the infection inwards where it can cause greater damage to the ears. Simple ear yeast infection, doctors usually treat with ear drop medication, which contains antifungal chemicals.

Sugar-filled Food Cravings are not really unusual, especially for kids, but too much sugar can make the yeast grow faster and uncontrollably. This is why it is important to monitor the sugar intake of kids and even adults to make sure that it is not exceeding the daily intake allowance.

Headache is one of the symptoms of yeast infection as well, and children, especially infants, may not be able to tell their parents or guardians what they are really feeling. Nevertheless, if the infant shows any signs of discomfort, consult a pediatrician immediately to determine what is really going on.

It may seem odd but hyperactivity among children can also be a symptom of yeast overgrowth somewhere in the body. While children are normally active and playful, watch out for hyperactiviity beyond the normal level. Hyperactive disorders are pretty normal nowadays, especially with the kind of food that we have in the market. In medicine, hyperactivity is usually treated with acceptable medications that alter the internal or natural cause, such as hormonal or chemical imbalances in the body.

Irritability is also common among children and even adults, but when it exceeds the normal frequency of mood swings, this may be an indication that something is wrong in the body, which includes yeast overgrowth.

Respiratory Problems like Stuffiness of the Nose, and Frequent Coughing are easily treated by common pharmaceutical medications, but these medications also contain chemicals or ingredients that affect the physiology of the body responsible for regulating the growth of foreign elements including yeast and fungi.

The medication used to treat asthma as well as ear infection antibiotics can also lead to yeast overgrowth, especially if used frequently. These types of medication include chemicals capable of eliminating natural enzymes in the body that help regulate the growth of yeast and fungi as part of the overall immune system.

This is especially true for children’s not fully developed immunity makes them vulnerable to candidiasis and all other yeast overgrowth complications. Daily food intake, nutrients, or diet are also considering factors for yeast infection. Keep in mind that such people, young or adult, with high sugar levels in the blood are more prone to yeast or fungal infection due to the fact that yeast feeds on sugar as well.

Sugar is like the fertilizer making them grow faster than usual. Feeding children with healthier choices of food, especially those that are less in carbohydrates and sugar, helps make sure that the yeast is maintained and controlled. Although it can be hard sometimes to prevent the kids from munching on the usual snacks like sweets, artificial or flavored juices, colas, and all other manufactured snacks in the market, parents should limit their intake of these. Educating kids about the consequences of eating too much unhealthy food helps, especially if done at an early age. Doing this helps children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet in order to keep their body in good shape all the way. Keeping the sugar down to an acceptable level of intake will ensure that good condition of the immune system particularly reducing the risk of developing diabetes.