Curing a Yeast Infection and How to Relieve the Symptoms

Women who are prone to vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis should be well-informed on ways of curing a yeast infection. However, it should also be understood that candidiasis is just one type of yeast infection. It can also happen in the mouth or around the mouth and in other moist areas of the body. Men and women may become affected in such cases; while women are particularly affected by candidiasis which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, an organism which is known as a natural vaginal inhabitant. Candida Albicans or C. Albicans is also the most common organism that causes the condition but other yeast organisms may also be causative factors.

Patients with this problem need to see a doctor to alleviate the symptoms and to prevent them from getting worse. Curing a yeast infection, depending on the severity, may require oral or topical prescription medication. Antifungal creams that are applied topically include butoconazole (Femstat 3), miconazole (Monistat), terconazole (Terazol 3) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin). Medical advice is important prior to use of any of these topically applied antifungal creams because infections other than yeast also present similar symptoms such as bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

Antifungal vaginal tablets are also commonly prescribed by doctors for curing a yeast infection. Examples of these are clotrimazole (Mycelex and Lotrimin), nystatin (Mycostatin) and terconazole (Terazol). Oral medication includes fluconazole (Diflucan). Most medical practitioners prefer to prescribe vaginal tablets or suppositories to their patients due to the side effects associated with oral antifungal medications. Some of these side effects are headache, abdominal pain and nausea. Vaginal tablets and suppositories are unlikely to cause any of these unpleasant side effects. Oral antifungal medications are also unsafe for pregnant women.

Although not supported by medical evidences and clinical studies, there are also alte
ative treatment options in order to cure a yeast infection. These are classified as home remedies. One of the most common is the use of plain unsweetened yoghurt. It can be taken internally or applied exte
ally to the affected area. Exte
al application should be brief and the area should be wiped off afterwards. Essential tea tree oil is another option. It should be diluted in water prior to exte
al application. Water therapy has also been found effective. It cleanses the system from within and helps the body to achieve its natural balance for wellness.

In order to prevent an infection, it is important to make the right choice of underwear. Wear loose cotton underwear to prevent trapping the heat within. Thong underwear is not recommended because it makes it easier for the Candida organisms in the colon to reach the vagina. Avoid tight clothing because this can trap the heat and moisture thereby creating a suitable environment for yeast to grow.

Curing a yeast infection is important in order to get rid of the discomfort and to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Anyone can suffer from it. Therefore it is important to get as much information as you can about the subject.