Even though there are many rewards to being a woman, there are some downfalls in the health issues we are affected by. Yeast infections are one of them and if you've had one, you should know how irritating they can be. Keep reading for tips on how to deal with a yeast infection.
Make sure you drink tons of water. When you are dealing with a yeast infection, your body needs more than the usual eight glasses per day. Ingesting higher intakes of water will result in increased urination. Urinating naturally flushes out natural sugars that yeast feeds on.
Get proper rest. Your immune system is the largest defense against any yeast infections. But, not enough sleep will reduce the immune system and let a yeast infection grow. You need to get your 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night to stay completely healthy.
Avoid using scented products near your vagina. They have the ability to create a pH imbalance, which promotes yeast growth. These products might also disguise the odors which may be a sign of bacterial infection and require medical treatment.
As any yeast infection sufferer will tell you, the burning and itching sensations are particularly frustrating. These symptoms take a while to ease up, even after starting on medication. To get some quick relief from these symptoms, try using cool washcloths over the affected area, chilled ice packs or a sitz bath to soothe the itch. Remember not to scratch your yeast infection.
Incorporate garlic into your diet for yeast infection prevention. Garlic has a number of fungicidal and antibiotic properties. These help your body keep possible yeast infections away before they get a chance to flourish. Try to eat garlic on a daily basis.
Apply some garlic to the infected area. Consuming garlic is a good choice to help you rid yourself of that yeast infection. You can also use it as salve by smoothing it onto the area for immediate relief. If you don't wish to use a whole clove, you can cut it in half. It might be uncomfortable, but it works well.
Bubble baths are a poor idea if you desire to stop recurrent yeast infections. The perfumes used on these products can promote yeast infections. Also avoid pads and tampons that are scented since they can do this too.
Use cotton underwear to reduce moisture that can result in yeast infections. Clothing made of synthetic fibers hold moisture and create the type of wet environments that yeast thrive in. Full cotton undergarments are the best way to prevent yeast infections. Cotton will allow your vagina to breath and stay healthy.
One important thing to remember in avoiding yeast infections is to thoroughly dry yourself following a swim or bath. Yeast infections love dampness and moisture, so incomplete drying can cause a risk.
Bathing with colloidal oatmeal will offer you a lot of relief from some of the itching you'll have. Look for oatmeal which has been boiled and ground, called colloidal oatmeal. Simply fill your but and add about a cup of colloidal oatmeal to your bath. When you've soaked for a while, the itch should subside.
Clean, but do not douche. Clean your genitals while you bathe. Clean both the interior and exterior with unscented soap and water. This will help to prevent yeast growth in all of the moist, warm crevices of your genital area. However, it is not necessary to douche, which will actually cause infections.
When using a cream, stay away from condoms or other like birth control items. Your birth control device will not be as effective due to the cream. Try avoiding sex all together if you can, until the infection is completely healed. If you choose to be sexually active anyway, speak to a doctor and ask about effective birth control during this time.
Good hygiene is a smart way to avoid yeast infections. Make sure that you are thorough in washing your vagina; also remember to use soap and water. Ensure that you clean the folds of skin where yeast tend to grow. Make sure that you dry out your vagina after washing it.
Being a woman is not always easy, and issues like a yeast infection can prevent you from being your very best. It's best to prevent yeast infections using what you've learned here to guide you.