Fungus
Vaginal infection is an infection that is the result of fungus or yeast. These substances normally live on the skin's surface, but when there is an abnormal wet and moist condition they can cause infection. A yeast infection usually causes burning, itching and discharge. Antibiotic use is the most common reason for yeast infection, but a yeast infection can be a sign of something more serious, such as diabetes, leukemia or AIDS. Most yeast infections can be cleared up quickly with treatment.
Over-the-counter Treatments
Most yeast infections can be treated easily with over-the-counter treatments. Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal, Vagistat, Femstat, Femizole-7 and Gyne-Lotrimin are all over-the-counter creams that can be found at most drug stores and department stores. These creams are rubbed directly on the vagina and the surrounding tissues, two to three times a day for one to seven days depending on how long the symptoms last. If the creams cause irritation, they should be discontinued. They should also never be used if you are pregnant. If symptoms last for more than one week, you should contact your physician.
Home Remedies
There are a few home remedies that you can try for mild cases of yeast infection. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a two-to-one solution. Add a little bit of garlic in the mixture to help with itch and dab on the area that is prone to yeast infections. Yogurt is said to get rid of yeast infections. Soak a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina for approximately one hour. The culture in the yogurt is said to neutralize the infection. Drinking buttermilk daily is also said to prevent and cure yeast infections by restoring the pH within your system.
Medical Treatments
If your symptoms have not gone away with self-treatment, your physician may need to call in a prescription strength medication. Your physician may call in an anti-fungal medication that will block the production of the yeast. These medications will end with the suffix azole. Amphotericin B can also be called in for serious infections that do not respond well to other treatments. Amphotericin B is very strong and can make treating another outbreak more difficult as your body develops immunity.
Tags: yeast infections, yeast infection, infection yeast, infection yeast infection, Most yeast,