Get Rid of a Yeast Infection at Home

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach, and urinary tract. Most women will get a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime, and almost all people with HIV/AIDS develop candida infections. Oral yeast infections, called oral thrush, are most common in infants, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system.

Steps

Using Traditional Medicine

1. Identify your symptoms. Your risk of yeast infection may increase if you are taking antibiotics, or if you are pregnant, overweight, diabetic, or have an impaired immune system. Symptoms of candidiasis may include:
   • itching, irritation, soreness, or a burning sensation in the vaginal area
   • an odor-free white, lumpy discharge
   • skin rashes, patches and blisters in the groin
2. Ask your doctor. You should see your doctor if you think that you may have a yeast infection, if you are experiencing symptoms for the first time, or if you develop other symptoms. Your doctor may take samples for testing, such as a vaginal wet smear, CT scan or test of your stool in case the infection has spread. If you have frequent candidiasis, your doctor may test you for an immune deficiency or some other disease. You may have a complicated yeast infection if you are:
   • experiencing severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to the development of tears or cracks (fissures) or sores
   • having recurrent yeast infections — four or more in a single year
   • dealing with an infection caused by a type of candida other than Candida albicans
   • pregnant
   • diabetic
   • using certain medications for a condition such as HIV
3. Use anti-fungal creams. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medication to help cure the infection or advise you to use an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. A true yeast infection is caused by a fungus, so over-the-counter antifungal creams are one of the most common treatments used.
   • If you don’t improve within 3-4 days, call your physician for advice
   • Do NOT use OTC products if you are pregnant or if you have had recurrent infections. See your doctor for help treating your yeast infection.
   • Make sure to use an antifungal cream specifically marketed for use as a yeast infection treatment. Other anti-fungal creams may not be formulated for use around the vaginal area.
   • OTC creams are used over the course of one to seven days. Follow the instructions on the package to learn how often that cream should be used.
4. Purchase a vaginal suppository. Like an antifungal cream, an over-the-counter vaginal suppository treats the infection by coming into direct contact with the fungus causing it. The ingredients may vary a bit, but usually contain antifungal medications like clotrimazole, butoconazole, miconazole or tioconazole.
   • Over-the-counter suppositories are also available as one to seven day treatments. Read the instructions that come with the suppository to learn how often you should use it and how to insert it properly.
   • The suppository is usually conical, rod-shaped or wedge-shaped, and they are inserted directly into the vagina.
5. Take an over-the-counter oral medication. Over-the-counter oral tablets do exist, but they are not as common as topical treatments and may not be quite as effective against stronger infections. Consult your doctor before trying new medication, as some medications can have side-effects when taken with other medicine, herbs or supplements.
   • Read the package label to determine the correct dosage and frequency. Treatment by over-the-counter oral tablet usually takes one to seven days.
   • These tablets consist of an antifungal medication that is safe to ingest.
   • Avoid overusing antibiotics as these can kill the friendly bacteria that normally keep Candida in check.
6. Apply an anti-itch cream. Anti-itch medication should be applied only around the vulva but not inside the vagina. Vaginal creams can be combined with low-strength corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching and usually come with an applicator for accurately measuring the amount of creams used.
   • Consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter creams.
   • Creams are thicker than lotions, but they can leak, so consider using a sanitary pad or panty liner. But don’t use a tampon because it will absorb the cream and decrease its effectiveness.
   • An anti-itch cream will not treat the infection, but it will ease the itching, irritation, and general discomfort associated with yeast infections. It should be used along with an anti-fungal cream, vaginal suppository, or oral tablet.
   • Only use an anti-itch cream formulated for the vaginal area. Other anti-itch creams could upset the pH balance of the area, thereby making the infection worse.

Changing Your Diet Plan

1. Steer clear of certain foods and beverages. Following a diet plan can help reduce the occurrence of the bacteria that cause yeast infections. Experts suggest avoiding alcohol, sugary foods and beverages including artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, and foods with a high concentration of yeast.
   • Certain dairy products, such as cheese and butter may also contribute to candidiasis, but further research is needed.
   • If you have low blood sugar or are unsure about which foods you should avoid, ask your doctor or dietitian to help you come up with a personalized diet plan.
2. Take a Vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an important natural antioxidant that helps promote immune function. Vitamin C can be taken as a dietary supplement with a recommended dose of 500 to 1000 mg split into two or three times daily. You can also add vitamin C-rich foods to your daily diet. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin C supplements if you are taking immunosuppressant drugs or have a weakened immune system. However, natural sources of vitamin C have no side effects. Good natural sources of vitamin C are:
   • sweet red or green peppers
   • citrus fruit such as oranges, pomelo, grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices.
   • spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts
   • strawberries and raspberries
   • tomatoes
   • mango, papaya and cantaloupe
3. Include a Vitamin E supplement. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and may be effective if your yeast infection is caused by a weakened immune system. The recommended dosage for adults is 15 mg per day. Vitamin E can be found in foods such as:
   • vegetable oils
   • almonds
   • peanuts
   • hazelnuts
   • sunflower seeds
   • spinach
   • broccoli
4. Eat foods with Omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and the burning sensation often experienced by people with yeast infections. A mix of omega-6, found in evening primrose extract, and omega-3, found in fish or flaxseed oil, is recommended. Take 2 tablespoons of oil per day or 1,000 to 1,500 mg in separate doses, twice a day. Foods that are rich in omega-3 include:
   • eggs
   • pinto beans, soybeans, and black-eyed peas
   • tofu
   • wild salmon and sardines
   • walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseed
   • canola oil, fish oil, and flaxseed oil
5. Take probiotics. Probiotics are a friendly bacteria that are commonly found in the inner lining of your gut and intestine, which function as an antifungal to keep Candida bacteria in check while boosting your immune system. Some studies also suggest that yogurt with active probiotics cultures can help prevent yeast infections from occurring. Some ways to boost your probiotic intake include:
   • Try taking probiotic supplements with a concentration of 1 to 10 billion bifidobacterium, up to twice a day.
   • Ask your doctor before taking probiotics if you take drugs to suppress your immune system or if you are taking antibiotics.
   • Eat 8 oz (250 ml) of plain, unsweetened yogurt daily to help reduce yeast infections.
   • You can also purchase a probiotic vaginal suppository to help restore balance to the bacteria in your vagina.

Using Home Remedies

1. Eat more garlic. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, because of a natural compound known as allicin. Consider eating one raw clove per day or adding 2-3 crushed cloves to meals. For supplements, take the equivalent of one clove per day or one tablet that equals 4,000 to 5,000 mcg of allicin.
   • Garlic may interact with a number of medications, including those used to treat HIV. Garlic may also increase the risk of bleeding in people with weak immune systems, people taking blood thinners, and those who have recently sustained injury or had surgery. Consult your doctor before using garlic or garlic supplements.
2. Drink echinacea extract. Echinacea is an herb with antiviral and antioxidant effects that boost immune function, reduce inflammation and restore hormonal balance. Echinacea may also be useful in combination with econazole, an antifungal agent used to treat yeast infections, which helps reduce the recurrence rate of infections. Studies show that taking 2 to 9 ml of echinacea juice or 1 cup of echinacea tea infusion may help control and manage yeast infections caused by Candida bacteria.
   • To make a tea infusion, simply steep one to two grams of dried echinacea root or herb extract in warm water for five minutes, then strain and drink.
   • Echinacea may interact with a number of medications, so ask your doctor before taking it.
   • Some people may experience minor side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, and dry eyes. Do not take echinacea on an empty stomach.
   • Do not take Echinacea if you have multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, connective tissue disorders, leukemia, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, or liver disorder.
3. Try a tea tree oil bath. Tea tree oil is known for its antiviral and antifungal properties. Studies suggest that tea tree oil may be effective in treating vaginal yeast infections, but applying tea tree oil directly to the vagina is not advised. Instead, try try taking a tea tree oil bath.
   • Add 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. Repeat this process up to two to three times per week. This may help control vaginal yeast infections and keep them from recurring.

Preventing Yeast Infection

1. Practice good hygiene. You can prevent having recurrent infections or future yeast infections by keeping your genital area clean and dry. Some other hygiene tips that can help you avoid yeast infection are:
   • Do not use soap in the genital area. Wash the area with warm water only.
   • Always wipe from front to back when you go to the bathroom.
   • Avoid using products such as fragrances, feminine hygiene sprays, or powders on the genital area.
   • Change your pads, menstrual cups and tampons every two to four hours
2. Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing clothing that is tight-fitting, such as tight pants, leggings, or pantyhose. These can cause that can cause irritation and aggravate your symptoms. Also, avoid wearing wet bathing suits or exercise clothing for long periods of time and wash sweaty or wet clothes after each use.
   • Wear cotton underwear or pantyhose instead of silk or nylon, as these can increase sweating in the genital area, causing irritation.
3. Avoid douching. Though some women believe douching helps clean out and freshen the vaginal area, the process of douching can worsen a yeast infection. Douching can change the natural pH balance inside the vagina, irritate and damage the skin and mucous membranes, regardless of whether you use herbal or medical products. Douching can also increase your risk of vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cause pregnancy complications.

Related Articles

• Cure Vaginal Infections Without Using Medications
• Prevent Yeast Infections from Antibiotics
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Sources and Citations

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