Many women have to deal with at least one yeast infection during their lifetime, and though common it is not an easy thing to cope with, or admit to. The symptoms make life difficult and tend to infuse you with a sense of urgency in getting rid of them. They include swelling, pain, itching, a rash and redness. Depending on how long you have left a yeast infection depends on how severe it might be, so lets look at what it is and what to do if the infection is severe.
As mentioned it is a common issue for women in particular but it is not limited to just them. Children, and babies of both genders can get yeast infections as can adult men. The micro organism that leads to a yeast infection is a fungus called Candida Albicans and it lives in small numbers on most of us. The healthy bacteria keep those numbers limited, but sometimes something happens to that balance and the fungus is able to grow leading to a yeast infection.
You really need to respond as soon as you can, in some cases if treated soon enough it only takes a couple of weeks to get rid of a yeast infection! A yeast infection that is ‘forgotten’ just becomes a severe infection, it does not really ever go away. Severe infections take longer to clear up. If you have a severe yeast infection, are struggling with diabetes or have a weakened immune system this needs help from your doctor.
There are two main ways to treat a yeast infection, naturally or medicated. Medicated means over the counter products you can buy from a pharmacy or stronger drugs from a doctor. Sometimes over the counter methods become ineffective if the infection keeps returning and you keep using the same one. Again if an infection keeps recurring you should talk to your doctor.
Treating yourself naturally can be very effective but does need more work from you. As well as using natural items like yogurt, garlic or tea tree oil to deal with symptoms you also need to make lifestyle and diet changes. However this way treats the core cause of your infection and means you are far less likely to have recurring or severe infections again. Avoid wearing tight clothing, wet clothing, and wear cotton underwear. Reduce your stress, sleep well, exercise and eat well.
For more info on how to deal with candida, check out our candida symptoms and cure website, where you can find plenty of information on the subject. Today’s special: yogurt yeast infection cure