Candida Home Remedies For Vaginitis

By Tess Thompson

Women face a typical problem from the yeast, Candida albicans, which is otherwise a harmless fungus that lives in all of us. Just like there are bacteria in our mouths, Candida albicans is a part and parcel of the intestinal flora. The problem arises when the friendly bacteria that eat up the yeast are less than required for effectively combating the yeast. Reduced numbers of the friendly bacteria is one of the main causes behind a typical problem called vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina that is usually associated with candidiasis. The itch that it causes is a source of major embarrassment to women who suffer from genital candidiasis.

The healthy balance between friendly bacteria and Candida albicans is usually disturbed by the reckless use of antibiotics, birth control pills, spermicidal agents, hormones for menopause, chemical douche and nicks in the vaginal wall due to use of tampons. Pregnancy and diabetes too are commonly responsible for vaginitis.

Once the gynecologist or an obstetrician diagnoses the condition as Candida albicans, it is normal that she will initially advise topical creams as part of Candida treatments. However, home remedies are an essential part of any Candida cure and as effective in conjunction with other treatments or as a standalone yeast infection treatment.

Keep the area ventilated. A moist vaginal area is an invitation to yeast as it thrives in damp environments. Make sure that you take off your panties before sleeping to allow for air circulation.

Wear fabrics that breathe. Plastic, leather and polyester fabrics do not allow for the free circulation of air. Whenever possible, prefer skirts over tight pants. If you are wearing jeans, do not wear panties under the panty hose. Remove extra layers of clothing once you reach home.

Avoid after bath powders. Never dust powders in your panties. Most of the powders are starch- based and therefore a perfect medium for growing yeast cultures.

Keep chemicals out. Unnecessary addition of chemicals to an already delicate situation leads to an aggravation of the problem. Avoid chemical douches, contraceptive jellies and sprays. If you must douche, use plain cool water as the vagina has natural self-cleaning properties.

Vinegar mixed with water is another natural substitute for a douche liquid. Vinegar has practically the same acidity as the vagina.

Keep spermicides out of the vagina and place them in the reservoir tip of the condom, which is exactly where they should be.

Stick to cotton panties. Cotton not only allows for air circulation but also absorbs moisture and keeps your skin dry. Prefer panty hoses that have a cotton crotch. If you do not have one, use a panty liner or a mini pad instead.

Keep yourself clean. It is always better that both partners urinate before and after an intercourse. This helps in preventing infection from each other.

Observe a period of no sex if you have vaginitis. Sex can cause more irritation in an already itching vagina. It can also lead to the risk of re-infection from your partner.

Vaginitis is a problem faced exclusively by women but

Candida can also cause rectal irritation in men. It can also affect the nervous system and cause other physiological symptoms as well. Long term prevention is better than looking for a Candida cure after it has surfaced. Avoiding too much sugar and simple carbohydrates and proper hygiene are some of the long term solutions that can keep Candida albicans at bay.

References:
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/139.cfm www.home-remedies-yeast-infection.com http://candidaanswers.blogspot.com/2006/06/effective-candida-home-remedies.html