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A yeast infection is a common type of fungal infection. One place it
targets is the genital area, which leads to pain, itching, and
discharge. But what ways can a yeast infection be treated at home?
Women are more prone to genital yeast infections, with 75 percent
experiencing at least one in their lives. However, men can also get
a genital yeast infection.
A yeast called candida albicans is the most common cause of these
infections. However, other types of yeasts can also be responsible.
A range of treatments is available for yeast infections, including
many self-administered home remedies. This article explores eight
home remedies for a yeast infection to help people find what works
best for them.
Symptoms of a yeast infection
The symptoms of a yeast infection include:
pain, itching, or burning in or around the vagina
vaginal burning upon urination
painful intercourse
rash
a thick, white vaginal discharge, resembling cottage cheese
redness
swelling
skin fissures or sores
In men, symptoms are noticeable at the head of the penis and
include:
redness
irritation
itching
discharge
Treating yeast infections at home
In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully
treated at home. This is done with either over-the-counter products
or alternative therapies.
Anecdotal reports suggest that many women experience relief from
such home treatments. However, scientific evidence varies for the
effectiveness of these alternative therapies.
1. Over-the-counter treatments
Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be
purchased over the counter to treat yeast infections. These are
available without a prescription and are found in:
pharmacies
drugstores
grocery stores
Depending on the product, the treatment may be for external or
internal use and treat the infection with:
a single application
a 3-day application
a weeklong application
Treatments that are applied internally have been shown to cure more
than 80 percent of vaginal yeast infections. These contain powerful
antifungals called azoles.
2. Boric acid
Vaginal boric acid capsules can work for women with a yeast
infection. These may be especially useful for women with recurrent
infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a
dosage of 600 mg of boric acid in a capsule inserted vaginally once
a day for 14 days.
Some research reports that topically applied boric acid, along with
the antifungal flucytosine, successfully treats approximately 70
percent of women. This study looked at women with yeast infections
that did not respond to azole-based antifungal treatments.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. A
review of research on this essential oil confirmed its ability to
kill a range of yeasts and fungi.
In the majority of the studies reviewed, tea tree oil was tested on
candida albicans, one of the most common yeasts in vaginal
infections.
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to
treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from
adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the
vagina overnight.
However, extreme caution must be used when using tea tree oil, as it
can irritate the skin, and the vaginal walls are particularly
sensitive.
Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a
carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of
warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the
tampon regularly.
Also, people can be allergic to tea tree oil. Test the diluted oil
on an area the size of a dime on the forearm, and if there is no
reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use on the more
sensitive genital area.
Other research indicates that a component of tea tree oil
(terpinen-4-ol) enhances the activity of the common antifungal drug
fluconazole. This is in cases of drug-resistant candida albicans.
4. Probiotic supplements
Some probiotic supplements may offer a natural solution to yeast
infection. These are available in pharmacies and health stores.
Some brands of probiotic supplements sell specially formulated
products for female reproductive health. These aim to restore the
balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina. The supplements are
taken orally or inserted vaginally.
In a 2012 study, women with chronic yeast infections inserted a
specially formulated probiotic pill into the vagina. Nearly 87
percent reported an improvement in their symptoms. The treatment
also had a long-term effect on the yeast responsible for the
infection.
In the study, the women used one pill a night for a week. They then
inserted one every third night for 3 weeks. After this, they used
the treatment just once a week on an ongoing basis as a preventative
measure.
Other research suggests that the probiotic lactobacilli can increase
the effectiveness of antifungal medications being taken by women
with vaginal yeast infection.
5. Natural yogurt
Natural, unsweetened, non-flavored yogurt contains beneficial
bacteria, called probiotics. These contribute to health and help
restore the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
A 2006 review of research found that certain types of probiotics may
combat some of the yeasts that cause vaginal yeast infection. While
the reviewers flagged issues with several of the studies they cited,
many people report relief from:
eating yogurt
applying to the vulva around the vagina
inserting it vaginally
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to combat
the Candida albicans yeast. Raw organic coconut oil can be applied
internally or externally to ease symptoms.
Warmed coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more
powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oil of
oregano.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a known antifungal and antibiotic. However, recent
research suggests that eating garlic has no effect on the levels of
yeast in the vagina.
As an alternative to eating garlic, some women have tried using
garlic internally. They claim to experience relief from yeast
infection, by placing a garlic clove, threaded with a string, into
the vagina overnight. While there is no evidence to say this works,
it is a low-risk home remedy for yeast infection.
People with sensitive skin may experience burning and even skin
damage. As such, people should not use garlic if they have sensitive
skin. If the burning sensation worsens, people should discontinue
use.
Also, a vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was found to be as
effective as clotrimazole vaginal cream in the treatment of yeast
infection.
8. Oil of oregano
Most oregano oil is made using the common oregano, origanum
marjoram, which has no special properties.
However, oil of oregano made from the wild oregano, origanum vulgare,
contains two potent antifungals: thymol and carvacrol.
Using wild oregano oil was shown in some research to halt or inhibit
the growth of Candida albicans. Capsules containing oil of oregano
may be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, it can be
applied to a tampon before insertion.
Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and
never applied directly to the skin. People can mix 3-5 drops of oil
of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed
coconut oil, or olive oil. A tampon should be soaked in this mixture
for a few minutes, then insert and change every 2-4 hours during the
day. People should not leave a medicated tampon in for more than 6
hours. It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on
the forearm before use.
When to avoid home remedies for yeast infections
Many home remedies are safe for the majority of people with yeast
infections. However, a person who falls into one of the following
categories, should not try to treat themselves:
pregnant women
anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
people with a recurrent yeast infection
people who are unsure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast
infection
Prevention
Vaginal yeast infections are a common complaint preventable by
taking simple precautions. These include:
wearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear
avoiding tight jeans and pantyhose, as yeast thrives in moist and
warm environments
changing out of wet swimwear or gym clothing, as soon as possible
avoiding vaginal sprays, perfumes, and lotions, which can irritate
the vagina and cause an imbalance of bacteria and yeast
drying the genital area thoroughly after showering or bathing
avoiding douches
using a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse
showering after intercourse and oral sex
taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods
reducing sugar consumption, as yeast feeds on sugar
taking antibiotics only when necessary, as these upset the body's
balance of bacteria and yeast
considering contraceptive choice, as estrogen-based contraception
may promote the growth of yeast
When to see a doctor
While home remedies can resolve many cases of yeast infection, they
are not effective in all situations.
Source
It is important that people seek medical treatment if:
they are pregnant
this is their first yeast infection, as a medical diagnosis is
necessary
the yeast infection is severe, or there are fissures or sores
infections are recurrent, appearing 4 or more times a year
symptoms do not improve within a few days of self-administered
treatment
there are underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or a
compromised immune system