Yeast is a single-celled fungus. The infection caused by it, is also called candidiasis because it is caused by a yeast called candida and there are more than twenty species of candida. The location of yeast infection can be in dentures,mouth, nail-beds, beneath skin folds, lower abdomen, penis, under the breast and vagina. Babies can get in the mouth and diaper rashes. The common thing about all these locations is that there is moisture in them. Moisture coupled with warmth, darkness and dirt, is a perfect haven for the yeast infection to grow and multiply. The question arises, how does one cure yeast infections?

There are different methods of treating yeast infections. The common method is to apply creams or ointments which people buy from over the counter(OTC); suppositories and other medical remedies. All these are short-term remedies. The moment the effect of the medicines wear out, the yeast infection comes back with a vengeance. It would be educative to look into the natural methods of treating yeast infections. Some yeast infection cures are listed below.

Internal consumption or external application of plain curd, having raw garlic or placing garlic tabs on the affected area; treating with apple cider vinegar( this is done by taking a cup of apple cider vinegar, mixing it in the bath water and having a warm water bath with it); using oil of oregano; swabbing the area with gentian violet; applying Solution-4 for killing the yeast and some other traditional methods.

Plain curd is extremely good. It contains friendly bacteria and including it in our daily diet would prevent yeast infections. It is also good for digestion and very helpful in treating diarrhoea. Garlic is also good for killing germs apart from being good for reducing cholesterol which prevents heart ailments. How far apple cider vinegar is effective, is a little difficult to say. In my opinion, a simple warm saline water bath would be equally effective and definitely safer. The salt should preferably be natural, (not refined). Gentian violet stains clothes, so accordingly precautions have to be taken. As for Solution-4, it is a botanical, non-toxic, multi-purpose solution meant for treating yeast infections. Oil of oregano can also be used both internally and externally.

Yeast infection medication without taking other preventive measures, would  make the treatment incomplete. So, the following measures are to be taken:

1.    Wear cotton under garments for better air circulation.

2.    Avoid wearing tight clothes so that an environment of sweat and warmth is not created for the growth of yeast. It is better to keep the vulnerable area dry and clean.

3.    Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming. The pool itself can cause yeast infections. The sooner we to get off the wet and tight bathing suit, the better it would be.

4.    Avoid high sugar diet and refined foods like white flour because yeast  feeds on sugar. We must ensure that when we use curd for treatment, it should not be sweetened otherwise the purpose is defeated.

5.    Yeast generally attacks people with a week immune system. So efforts must be made to make the immune system strong by having vitamin supplements or food which is rich in vitamins and low in fats and sugar.

6.    Avoid having birth control pills or consuming drugs for treating acne.

7.    Avoid douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper or deodorant tampons. Douches kill friendly bacteria thereby enabling the yeast to multiply easily.

The root cause of the yeast infection should be found out before looking out for yeast infection medication. Too much of antibiotics can cause mouth yeast infection as the antibiotic instantly kills the beneficial bacteria in the mouth. Pregnancy brings about hormonal changes and this may lead to mouth yeast infection. Stress can also cause the yeast to grow. After examining the cause, measures should be taken to get rid of the root cause, instead of instantly resorting to OTC medicines. Personal hygiene is also very important. The diaper rashes can be easily avoided by simply not allowing the child to remain wet for a long time. Sweat must also be washed off to avoid infections. Basic cleanliness should be diligently observed.