Prevent Candida Overgrowth

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives inside the body, but when there is an overgrowth of the yeast it can have a negative impact on the body's immune system and cause infections. Vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, and invasive infections of the bloodstream can all result from an overgrowth of Candida. Good hygiene, some medication, and an awareness of risk factors can help you protect your body against Candida overgrowth.

Steps

Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections

1. Let your skin breathe. Wear cotton underwear. 100 percent cotton underwear lets your skin breathe, preventing moisture from building up in your vulva. Your underwear should either be entirely cotton or have a crotch which is entirely cotton. Wear skirts or loose-fitting pants. Give your body a break from underwear when you can.
   • Sleep without underwear, or wear a nightgown and nothing beneath.
   • Change out of wet or sweaty clothes immediately. Change your bathing suit or workout clothes as soon as you can.
   • Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
   • Avoid sustained pressure on the crotch. Avoid tight-fitting underwear, pantyhose, shorts or pants.
2. Avoid antibiotics. Yeast is always present in the body, and is only an issue when overgrowth occurs. Antibiotics can kill off the other bacteria in your body, allowing yeast to take over. Avoid any instance of antibiotic use that your doctor says isn't strictly necessary, such as when you have a cold or virus that can heal with rest. If you must take an antibiotic, take extra precautions to avoid a yeast infection.
3. Keep irritants out of your vagina. Do not use scented soaps, sprays, pads, or tampons. Change your pads and tampons as often as recommended, and avoid sleeping with a tampon in. If you have vaginal intercourse, use a condom, as semen can change the PH of your vagina. Wipe front to back after using the toilet, and use unscented dye-free toilet paper.
   • Do not douche. Douching removes healthy bacteria from your vagina.
   • If you use lubricants, avoid oils, parabens, and glycerin. Buy water-based, glycerin free lubricant.
4. Eat yogurt. There is some evidence to support the theory that eating cultured food can help the healthy bacteria in your vagina flourish. Try eating eight ounces of yogurt with "live cultures" daily, or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus capsules. Some people report good results from the use of lactobacillus suppositories.
   • Although studies have not backed up the claim, many people think cutting down on sugar, beer, and bread can help prevent Candida overgrowth.
5. Go on a maintenance plan. If you have had more than four yeast infections in a year, you have what is known as recurrent yeast infections. Ask your doctor about maintenance therapy. At a time when you do not have a yeast infection, you will take a regimen of oral fluconazole tablets or clotrimazole as a vaginal suppository once a week for six months.
   • Recurrent yeast infections can be signs of a suppressed immune system. Ask your doctor if you should be tested for HIV and diabetes.

Preventing Oral Candidiasis

1. Keep your mouth clean. Rinse your mouth frequently. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily or as often as your dentist recommends. If you have to use a corticosteroid inhaler, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after taking your medication. If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, some studies suggest that using a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash can help to prevent thrush.
   • If you have dentures, clean them daily. Ask your dentist for the best way to clean your type of dentures.
2. See your dentist regularly. If you have diabetes, wear dentures, or have had oral Candidiasis before, you may need to visit more frequently. Ask your dentist how often you should come in. Ask your dentist if you need to change your diet or oral hygiene routine.
3. Eat more yogurt and less sugar. The bacteria in yoghurt may help you maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth. It also might help to cut down on sweets and breads. It is possible that sugar and yeast encourage Candida overgrowth. Maintain good blood sugar control if you have diabetes. Well-controlled blood sugar can reduce the amount of sugar in your saliva, discouraging the growth of Candida.
4. Protect infants from thrush. Small children are at risk for oral Candidiasis. Clean pacifiers and bottle nipples with hot water after each use. Store milk and prepared bottles in the fridge to prevent yeast from growing. If you are nursing and have red or sore nipples, you may be passing a yeast infection back and forth with your child. Talk to your doctor about obtaining an antifungal ointment for your nipples.
   • Treat any vaginal yeast infections that develop during pregnancy as soon as possible.

Preventing Invasive Candidiasis

1. Know when you're at risk. Invasive Candidiasis occurs when excess Candida enters the bloodstream and causes an infection. Invasive Candidiasis is most likely to happen in hospital patients or residents of nursing homes. If you are in an intensive care unit or are using a catheter, you are at risk of invasive Candidiasis. Having a weakened immune system, low neutrophil, or diabetes can also put you at risk.
   • You may be at risk if you have taken broad-spectrum antibiotics, experienced kidney failure, or had surgery, especially gastrointestinal surgery.
2. Take an antifungal medication. To prevent invasive Candidiasis, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal prophylaxis. If you have had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant, you might be prescribed this. Ask about it as well if you are a high-risk ICU patient or a chemotherapy patient. If you have had an infant born at less than 2.2 pounds, ask about the rates of invasive Candidiasis at the hospital.
   • Your doctor may recommend that your infant be given an antifungal medication if the rates of infection are high.
3. Keep an eye on hospital hygiene. Medical equipment can carry traces of Candida. Workers in hospitals might carry traces of it on their hands. While staying in a hospital, make sure your hands are clean, and ask anyone who touches you to wash their hands first. If you are wearing a catheter, ask how long it should stay in, and speak up if it isn't changed on time. If the skin around the catheter becomes swollen, red, sensitive, or painful, tell a healthcare worker immediately.

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Sources and Citations

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