Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is an infection that is normally caused by microscopic yeast or fungi. Accordingly, there are over twenty species that can cause different types of yeast infection. Under normal circumstances, fungi is really present in the outer surface of our body but there are conditions which may cause them to multiply can cause yeast infection particularly in moist areas of the body.
The typical areas where yeast infection grow are in mouth and diaper areas in children while for adults it is common in the underarms, under the breast, lower abdomen and in the genital area.
Most cases of yeast infection can go away without any medication however, if you have been affected from yeast infection for long or if your symptoms are severe, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
Yeast infection can lead to serious illness or it can be a symptoms of another serious disease like diabetes or HIV and AIDS.
Causes of Yeast Infection
There are different factors that may cause the yeast infection. The most causes of yeast infection may include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Menopausal stage
- Pregnancy
- Use of antibiotics
- Taking steroid medications
- Weak immune system
- Menstrual cycle
- Birth control pills
- Use of urinanry catheters
- Poor use of dirty IV needles
Among all the forms of yeast infection, vaginal yeast infection is one of the most common. This irritation is experienced by women in their genital area. The most cause of this is the excessive growth of yeast Candida. Though it is normal that yeast are found in the genital area, too much presence of yeast may cause an infection.
Accordingly, over seventy five percent of women have expereince vaginal yeast infection during their life and almost half of women may experience more than two yeast infections.
The most common sign of vaginal yeast infection may include:
- Itchy feeling in the vaginal area
- Pain while urinating
- Rednes and pain the in vaginal area
- Vaginal discharge which is white in color
- Pain while engaging in sexual intercourse
Treatment of Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are normally treated with antifungal medicines which are available in the form of tablets, creams or ointments. For vaginal yeast infection, medicines are in the form in the suppositories.
The most common medicines for yeast infection may include:
- Clotrimazole
- butoconazole
- Nystatin
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
- Terconazole
These drugs are normally available over the counter, you may ask your doctor which is the best antifungal medication for your condition.
If your yeast infection is a recurring condition, it is recommended that you visit your doctor anew instead of using your old prescribed antifungal medication because recurring yeast infections may need new antifungal treatment.
Likewise, if your pregnant or breastfeeding, you may consult first your doctor before using any type of antifungal medications.
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