Yeast infection or Candidiasis is due to an over growth of Candida Albicans. It can affect the oral cavity or the genitals. Recurrent infections are a concern because they can be very bothersome.
- Candida Albicans occurs naturally in the body
- When there is a disturbance in the Flora balance of the body, there is a chance that Candida Albicans is going to proliferate and cause a yeast infection
- Infections are considered chronic when they persist continuously or appear on and off for a period of 6 to 8 months.
- Treatment of chronic infections will not only involve medicine to get rid of the yeast, but also lifestyle changes and preventive methods.
Chronic Yeast Infection Causes
- Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels – this can cause a disruption in the flora balance
- Wearing tight clothing
- Birth Control Pills – having yeast infections can be a side effect of taking the pill
- Washing too often
- Autoimmune Diseases – certain autoimmune conditions can lead to chronic infections
- Excessive intake of carbohydrates
- Taking steroids
- Excessive alcohol intake
Chronic Yeast Infection Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of yeast infections include:
Oral Infection:
- White patches on the tongue
- White cottage cheese-like patches on the walls of the mouth, these are not painful, but bleed when removed
- Flaking on the borders of the mouth
- Sore throat with a white layer
Genital Infections:
- Men may experience a rash on the penis, which is itchy
- Women can experience burning, severe itching, and observe cottage cheese-like discharges
Other Symptoms of a Yeast Infection Include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Belching
- Bad Breath
- Colds hands and feet
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Problems concentrating
- Heartburn
- Nasal congestion
Chronic Yeast Infection Home Remedies
In treating recurrent yeast infections, it may be necessary to combine external treatments with drugs that can help deal with the infection internally.
There are a number of effective home remedies for a yeast infection, they include:
- Acidophilus and Yogurt – Taking acidophilus or products with acidophilus, some women choose to place unsweetened plain yogurt in a vaginal cup and introduce it directly to the vagina
- Garlic – this may be taken orally, a clove of garlic properly washed, cleaned, and peeled may also be introduced into the vagina as a suppository
Prevention
Here are some preventive methods that can help deal with the condition:
- Control blood sugar
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
- Avoid washing vagina too often – twice a day will do and use washes that have been designed for the purpose
- Use condoms during intercourse