Tips to Prevent Yeast Infections
The one good thing about yeast infections is that
they’re usually easy to treat. Even with home remedies, a mild yeast
infection will go away within a few days – and stronger, more
entrenched infections will disappear in a week or so if you use
medications available at the drug store without a prescription.
But two out of three women who get vaginal yeast infections get
another one – sooner, or later. And diaper rash, oral thrush
and male yeast infections, which are all caused by Candida albicans
yeast, also come back fairly regularly.
So, once you get rid of your yeast infection, how do
you keep it from coming back? There are over 17 different
environmental and health conditions that can trigger an infection,
so it’s important to become informed about everything on that list
to see how you can prevent future yeast infections. You and your
best friend could both have a Candida outbreak for completely
different reasons.
However, the most common triggers for the itching, the redness, the
swelling and the dripping are antibiotics, hormone changes, and a
poor immune system. You can’t control all these things, but there
are things you can do to remain healthy so your resident yeast won’t
go back on the warpath.
Stay Cool and Dry
Yeast loves to live in those warm, dark places that retain moisture.
In your underwear, for instance, or under your breasts, in your
armpit, or on your baby’s bottom.
To combat the little nasties, keep yourself as dry as you can. Some
people find that it helps to use an absorbent powder such as Zeasorb
Super Absorbent powder. Be sure you use the non-medicated kind,
unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Don’t wear clothing that
keeps in moisture – loose cotton is best. Men with a yeast infection
on the penis or with crotch rot, might want to switch to boxers for
a while, and stay away from those tight jeans. And air yourself out
occasionally – especially right after a bath or shower, so you know
you’re good and dry before you put your clothes back on.
Avoid Cuts, Scrapes and Irritants
Tiny cuts and scrapes in the genital area can give yeast a chance to
invade. You can get these itty-bitty injuries without knowing it.
You also want to avoid products that cause irritation to the
delicate skin on your genital area or on your baby’s bottom.
Common items that cause irritation are scented and colored toilet
papers; scented or harsh laundry detergents; and feminine deodorant
sprays with scents or chemicals. Sex without adequate lubrication
can cause abrasions in the lining of the vagina.
Some women find that tampons, especially the super-absorbent kind,
can cause microscopic cuts in their vagina. If you use tampons and
get frequent yeast infections, you might want to switch to unscented
pads or washable cotton pads for a while to see if it helps.
Many older denture wearers get oral thrush under their denture
plates. If this is the case, your doctor will probably suggest that
the dentures be treated to remove the yeast, or that you have the
dentures replaced for a pair that fits better.
Avoid Antibiotics
I know this isn’t always possible, but you definitely don’t want to
take antibiotics unless you have to. People quite often get vaginal
yeast infections, and children get oral thrush, right after a course
of antibiotics. Make sure you ask your doctor if the antibiotics are
really needed.
If you child gets frequent yeast infections and isn’t on antibiotics
and isn’t eating a high-sugar diet (a major risk factor for oral
thrush), you might want to switch to certified organic beef and
poultry. Our meat industry is notorious for feeding large quantities
of antibiotics to feedlot cows and caged chickens, to avoid the
illnesses that are caused by overcrowding. These antibiotics are
then passed on through the meat. The overuse of antibiotics by the
meat and poultry industry may be one of the reasons why the
incidence of yeast infections has doubled in the last 20 years.
This covers three of the 17 things that can cause yeast infections.
Be sure to learn as much as you can about this common condition to
protect yourself from this itching, irritating problem.
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Prevent Yeast Infection
Resources
To learn everything you need to know about yeast infections - what
causes them, how to treat them, and how to keep them from coming
back, as well as receive a free report called “4 Important Facts About Yeast
Infections” - visit:
Prevent Yeast Infections
© 2007 Jonni Good - Author of
"17 Things You Need To
Know To Prevent Yeast Infections"
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