How to Prevent Candida Infections
Candida infections, or yeast infections, are caused by the Candida species of yeast and are more frequent than you might imagine.
Yeast infections are considered superficial diseases, a group of diseases that also includes oral diseases. However, this group also includes some illnesses that affect people with compromised immune systems.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to prevent and treat Candida infections.
What You Need to Know About Candida Infections
When Candida yeasts grow out of control in our body, it can cause certain diseases. One of these is a vaginal yeast infection. However, this yeast can also cause respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal disorders.
First of all, you should know that this fungus already lives inside you. However, it doesn’t affect you at all if it’s kept in check.
When you notice symptoms of a yeast infection, you should not only monitor your symptoms, but also talk to your gynecologist.
The symptoms are:
- Itching or irritation
- Ulceration (caused by scratching)
- Pain, inflammation, and redness
- Thick, white vaginal discharge
- Stinging while urinating
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Frequent bad odors
Yeast infections are a very common problem for women. That being said, you shouldn’t be too worried the first time you get one.
Approximately 75% of women over 15 years old have suffered or will suffer from a yeast infection in their lifetime.
However, the symptoms can become bothersome and even painful. If this happens, pay attention to them if they keep coming back.
There are certain times and conditions where you are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection. These include:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Antibiotic or corticosteroid treatments
- Immune system problems
- Hormonal changes
Like this article? You may also like to read: 10 Foods to Stop Candida Growth
How to Prevent Candida Infections
Treating this genital disease can require medications and take time.
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than the cure.” This remains true with Candida infections. Here are some helpful daily habits to prevent unhealthy Candida growth in your body:
1. Be careful which medications you take
Some illnesses require that you take antibiotics. If you need to take antibiotics, talk with your doctor to find out what the effects and side effects are of the medicine you are taking.
Many antibiotics destroy good bacteria. This includes the ones that keep Candida and other fungi in check.
Ask your doctor if there are any other medicines you can take that treat your problem. If there are, try to find one that won’t hurt the good bacteria in your body.
If not, consider taking probiotics to balance the healthy bacteria.
2. Maintain good intimate hygiene
This is a very important step in preventing Candida infections. It is a good idea to use a neutral bar of soap. It isn’t a good idea to use perfumed or acidic soaps. You also shouldn’t take bubble baths.
It also isn’t a good idea to use a vaginal douche, but you should clean that area after having sex.
You should also practice good hygiene every time you go to the restroom. To avoid spreading germs from your rectum to your vagina, always wipe from front to back.
We think you may alos like to read this article: How to Test for Candida at Home
3. Change pads and tampons regularly
You need to be especially careful with your personal hygiene during menstruation.
Avoid using the same pad or tampon for several hours. Change it every time it is dirty or when you use the restroom.
4. Use clean towels
Bath towels can also encourage the growth of yeast infections. If you don’t change them regularly, they will become dirty and damp
We recommend that you change your towel every day or every other day.
5. Wear cotton underwear
Some synthetic materials like spandex increase perspiration in your genital region. This can help bacteria and fungus grow more easily.
It’s always better to wear natural cotton underwear. Also, it shouldn’t be too tight. This allows good airflow and dries any humidity.
The same can be said for pants. Tight-fitting pants don’t help with the removal of sweat. They also increase the temperature. In turn, this increases the proliferation of Candida.
6. Control your blood sugar levels
There is a long relationship between diabetes and yeast infections.
When your blood sugar levels are out of control, yeast in your body grows faster. At the same time, you are more at risk to suffer from an infection.
Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
If you’re suffering from a Candida yeast infection, remember to follow all of the tips above to prevent the infection from returning.
In the meantime, here are some home remedies you can use to fight it:
Yogurt
Eating yogurt is good for you. Because of this dairy’s probiotics, it helps your body fight several fungi. Yogurt can also be used to avoid getting infections.
Some women also apply yogurt to the affected area as a topical treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This chemical has the ability to heal wounds. This makes it useful if you have any ulceration due to scratching. It can also treat any other wound or tissue damaged due to a yeast infection.
Either apply it with a cotton ball or use it in a vaginal douche. If you want something less harsh, mix it with equal parts water.
Natural Herbs
There are two teas in particular that you should drink to fight this issue: echinacea and comfrey. The first has the ability to strengthen your immune system. The second can relieve the burning and itching.
You can drink them every day you have an infection.
Essential Oils
You can also use the two recommended essential oils: tea tree oil and coconut oil. Don’t forget to dilute them in water to use them. You can also use a smoother oil like almond or olive oil to dilute them.
These oils are excellent for fighting vaginal yeast infections.
- After bathing, use a cotton ball to apply the oil.
- Be sure to rinse afterward.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Spampinato, Claudia and Darío Leonardi. “Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents” BioMed research international vol. 2013 (2013): 204237.
