Many people know about yeast infections or know someone who has suffered at some point in their lives, but what is not known about them is something that this article will clarify. Yeast infection causes can vary, but they are mainly caused by candida which is a bacterial organism. This can affect many different parts of the body including the mouth, the genital areas and skin folds.
The reasons yeast infections mainly occur is because the body’s PH is disturbed. This can happen by taking certain drugs too, as they kill the bacteria which keep the candida balanced so that yeast infections do not occur.
Although the most common infection is thrush of the genital area there are others that people do not realize, and these can occur if the skin is in damp conditions which is why they are common in areas such as in between the toes and fingers. The reason they are so common in such areas is because of the heat exposed, and you must also be aware that certain perfumes and washing products can cause an imbalance in the genital areas.
Yeast infections of the vagina and penis are NOT an STD. The yeast infection however which is known mainly by the name thrush can be spread by sexual intercourse but it is not necessarily the cause of the infection. It can occur in anyone no matter what age sex or whether they are or are not sexually active.
There are symptoms of thrush that you should look out for which could include one or more of the following symptoms. A cottage cheese like discharge which can be foul smelling, as well as a burning sensation when urinating as well as itching in the affected area.
Babies can be born with thrush also, and it can be common more so with babies that are breast fed. This can also infect the nursing mothers breasts and cause a lot of discomfort making them itch and very uncomfortable when feeding. It can be characterized in this instance by sore nipples and in the mouths of nursing babies by a white coating of the tongue, which can cause a foul taste in the mouth, as well as spread to the throat causing more discomfort when eating.
Once someone has had thrush, they may keep on getting it afterwards. It can just be an indication that the infection was not cleared properly the first time round, or it can mean that there is still an imbalance of the PH level. There are over the counter medicines available which come in a variety of forms depending on the whereabouts as well as what is best for you.
But the best medicine for any type of ailment is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Although there is no set way to stop it from happening altogether it can be prevented by taking a few simple measures.
If you wear loose clothing and cotton underwear, it can help to stop areas getting wet and hot which can stop such areas turning to an infection. Soaps that have perfumes should also be avoided. The best kind to use are ones that contain only natural ingredients and/or are PH balanced. You should also ensure you dry all areas as soon as possible after they have become wet whatever the reason and even applying a non perfumed talc can help to dry up excess moisture. In areas that are harder to dry using a cotton bud could help, especially in the case of a child.
To stop the infection being spread you need to make sure you do not share towels, and ensure that underwear is washed each day, douching is not a good idea as this can take away natural oils that are naturally present in the vagina and cause imbalances further which lead to thrush.
Don’t be embarrassed if you do end up with thrush. It is not dangerous and can affect anyone at any age. Some people seem to get away without ever getting it while others are continuously infected. It is just one of those things. There is however help available from your pharmacist and as shown in this article preventative measures you can take at home.