The Best Home Remedies for Yeast Infections in 2023
What is a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus lives naturally on your skin, in your gastrointestinal tract, and in other moist areas of your body. It's usually harmless, but it can grow out of control if your immune system is weakened or if there's an imbalance of bacteria in your body. When this happens, you can experience the itching, burning, and discharge that come with a yeast infection.
What Causes a Yeast Infection?
Yeast infections are usually caused by an imbalance of bacteria in your body. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, stress, certain medications, or an illness. It can also be caused by douching or using perfumed body washes and sprays that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your body.
How Can I Treat a Yeast Infection?
There are several home remedies you can use to treat a yeast infection. These include probiotic supplements, garlic, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and boric acid. Probiotic supplements contain beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of bacteria in your body. Garlic has natural antifungal properties. Yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that can help fight off the infection. Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itching and burning from a yeast infection. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and can help clear up the infection. Coconut oil can help reduce inflammation and irritation from a yeast infection. Boric acid has been found to be effective against Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections.
What Else Should I Do To Prevent Yeast Infections?
In addition to using home remedies to treat and prevent yeast infections, there are some other things you can do to reduce your risk. Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and avoid tight-fitting clothing and synthetic fabrics. Change out of wet bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible. Avoid douching or using perfumed body washes, sprays, and scented tampons. And practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and wiping front to back when using the bathroom.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If your home remedies don't work, or if you experience recurrent yeast infections, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe stronger antifungal medications that are more effective at treating your infection. They can also help identify any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your yeast infection.
Conclusion
Yeast infections can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but there are several home remedies you can use to treat and prevent them. Probiotics, garlic, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and boric acid are all effective home remedies. You should also practice good hygiene, wear loose-fitting clothing, and change out of wet clothing as soon as possible. If your home remedies don't work, or if you have recurrent yeast infections, you should see your doctor for further treatment.
References
1. "Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention," Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999.
2. "Yeast Infections: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment," WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/yeast-infection-symptoms-causes-treatments#1.
3. "Yeast Infections: Overview," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/yeast-infection/overview.
4. "Home Remedies for Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diet," Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320290#home-remedies.