When you have a yeast infection, focus on drinking water and probiotic-rich beverages like kefir or unsweetened yogurt to help restore healthy bacteria, while avoiding sugary drinks that feed yeast; some people try diluted apple cider vinegar for pH balance, but see a doctor for proper treatment as home remedies don't cure infections.
In addition to cranberry juice, several other natural remedies are commonly touted for their potential to prevent or treat yeast infections. These include yogurt, garlic, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics, each believed to offer unique benefits in managing yeast overgrowth.
You can safely treat a yeast infection during pregnancy with antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories. You can get these medicines without a prescription. But it's best to check with your healthcare professional to make sure that your symptoms are due to a yeast infection before starting treatment.
Antifungal medications treat most vaginal yeast infections. They work by fighting yeast overgrowth in your body.
Treatment for candidiasis
Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infection or infections in an immunocompromised child may be treated with oral anti-yeast medications.
A yeast infection is usually harmless, but irritating, and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks for more severe infections. Mild yeast infections can go away on their own, but it is always recommended to seek treatment regardless of the severity of the infection to prevent it from coming back.
The fungus Candida albicans causes most vaginal yeast infections. Most often, the vagina has a balance of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria called lactobacillus work to prevent too much yeast. But some factors can affect the balance.
How Is a Yeast Infection Treated?
Starve the Yeast
First, you want to starve the Candida, which feeds off of sugar,2 refined carbohydrates, and yeast-containing foods. For this reason, you will remove all gluten, sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dried fruit, fruit juices, and fermented foods as part of your anti-Candida diet.
Take antifungal medications.
There are many medications available, including oral medications, topical creams, ointments, as well as suppositories for vaginal yeast infections. If you're sure you have a yeast infection, you can find some treatments over the counter. If you aren't sure, see your doctor.
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus.
For mild cases of vaginal itching, home remedies may help alleviate discomfort. These include using over-the-counter antifungal creams for yeast infections, applying cold compresses to reduce irritation, and ensuring proper hygiene (but avoid over-washing, which can make the problem worse).
Symptoms of a serious yeast infection
A serious yeast infection may cause severe swelling, raw or broken skin, intense pain, or a fever. These symptoms often signal a more complicated infection or a different condition entirely. Prompt medical care can help confirm the cause and prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Antibiotics, which decrease the levels of healthy bacteria in the body. Uncontrolled diabetes. Potential irritants, such as douching washes, spermicide, soaps, powders, or deodorants. Tight-fitting clothing and synthetic materials, such as bathing suits and sportswear.
Cranberry juice may help cure yeast infections. When taken regularly, it's said to prevent recurrent yeast infections. The high levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice may aid in upper respiratory infections. It may reduce the frequency and severity of these infections.
Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap. Air-dry the vulva. Change out of wet or damp clothes as soon as possible. If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment.
Self-Care
Avoiding the following foods (also known as a Candida diet) can curb the growth of yeast in your body.
Using an antifungal medicine for 3 to 7 days most often clears a yeast infection. Antifungal medicines come in the form of creams, ointments, tablets and small objects you put into your vagina, called suppositories. They include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
These include fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt with live cultures. Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that help your body manage yeast populations and prevent overgrowth that can lead to infection. Garlic and onions contain natural antifungal agents that could improve your symptoms.
Vaseline may temporarily soothe itchiness related to eczema or irritation caused by shaving and waxing, but it won't treat an active infection. Although it's safe to apply vaseline to your vulva, we wouldn't recommend applying it directly inside the vagina.
If a yeast infection is mild, it will usually clear up after a few days. More severe yeast infections, however, can last for up to two weeks. If for some reason a yeast infection is left untreated, it won't cause any serious long-term medical complications, like infertility or scarring.
Symptoms and Causes