Common Questions on Candida Yeast Infection

Topically applied antifungal creams include butoconazole (Femstat 3), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), and terconazole (Terazol 3). The over-the-counter topical treatments are an option for some women when yeast is the cause of the infection. However, it should be noted that infection other than yeast can cause similar symptoms. These include bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not eliminated by over-the-counter products, patients should see their doctor for evaluation. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex), miconazole (Monistat; Micatin), terconazole (Terazol), and nystatin (Mycostatin) are other antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets.

Yeast organisms are normally present in the rectal and vaginal areas. Yeast causes trouble only when there are too many of them. Sometimes the yeast grows (multiplies) quickly and causes an infection.

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that normally lives in healthy balance in the body and is found mostly in the intestines, genital tract, mouth and throat. When the balance is upset, infection results. This is known as Candidiasis and the fungus travels to all parts of the body through the bloodstream. In the mouth, it is called thrush; in the vagina, it is called a yeast infection. Candidiasis affects both women and men but is rarely transmitted sexually. Women with diabetes have more yeast infections because their vaginal environment is more conducive to the yeast growth.

Some girls may react to certain dyes or perfumes in soaps, bath gels or lotions, sanitary products, and laundry detergents. When the reaction causes irritation, that can set the stage for a yeast infection. Your best bet is to steer clear of perfumed products and to use mild and fragrance-free products when possible.

Systemic yeast is a system-wide infection/overgrowth throughout the body. It requires dramatic changes in diet and long-term attention to avoiding things that encourage yeast to grow.

Having a yeast condition can increase your susceptibility to contracting HIV, since vaginal irritation may allow easier passage of the virus into the bloodstream. For years women's health advocates worked to demonstrate that the common perception of HIV and AIDS was based on men's experiences, and it is now recognized that nearly-constant yeast overgrowth can be a marker of HIV infection in women. The immune system suppression from HIV can cause an imbalance in the vagina's chemistry, resulting in persistent yeast overgrowth.

Many herbs have the ability to conquer yeast. Calendula, goldenseal, rosemary, cedar, and myrrh all have antifungal properties. Make strong decoctions or infusions of these herbs to ease itching and burning; use either internally as a douche or apply externally with pads that have been soaked in it.

Unfortunately, many doctors misdiagnose a yeast infection as being bacterial in nature and they will treat it with antibiotics. This can lead to the elimination of the yeast's natural competitors and actually increase the severity of the yeast infection.

Sarah Rhodes suffered from chronic yeast infections for many years before finally discovering a natural, permanent cure that works. Read about Sarah and the secret that permanently cured her yeast infections at: yeastinfectionsnomore.com

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.

If you are copying this article for publishing on a website or ezine, please use the "Ezine Ready" button from the righthand menu.