Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms

There are ways to identify vaginal yeast infection symptoms.

Not so normal sensations

The simplest way for a woman to know if she has yeast infection is that she itches severely in and around her vaginal area. The itching may not be present at all times. But when it does, it itches a lot so badly she finds it difficult to walk. It may also be accompanied by a burning sensation or be generally painful for her to urinate.

A contained redness

Another yeast infection sign is the slight redness localized in the vaginal and vulvar areas. Soreness and irritation of the said areas are also present, which makes it for the woman to experience pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Separating the issues

Another good way to make a distinction of the burning sensation that is due to a yeast infection and a urinary tract infection is to take notice when exactly the burning occurs. If the burning sensation is felt when the urine reaches outside, then she is most likely having yeast infection. This is due to the acidic, coming into contact with the irritated of the vulva. Urinary tract infection, on the other hand, causes a burning sensation as the urine passes through the urinary tract on its way out.

A nasty clump of white stuff

Most women bracket together a thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese with vaginal yeast infection. However, not everyone gets a discharge. In fact, only about 20% of infected women experience it. The discharge may have a starchy odor to it or sometimes none at all. Its consistency may typically range from thick and not clumpy at all, faint yellow to white, and to thin and clear.

The best and easiest way for a woman to tell whether or not she is experiencing yeast infection symptoms is that she itches in and around the vaginal area.

Aside from the vaginal infection

Male yeast infection, although less common, include symptoms such as red patch sores of the glans penis and the foreskin.

There will be some differences to its vaginal yeast infection symptoms counterpart, but for the most part they are similar. In people with weakened immune system, candidal infection may also affect the esophagus and the stomach. Understanding about vaginal yeast infection symptoms is a critical step to prevent and cure infection.

Yeast Infection Treatments

Yeast infection is a treatable disease that virtually goes away without any complications. There are several yeast infection treatments for each type of infection and here are some of them.

Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infection is easily treated with over the counter antifungal creams like Miconazole, Tioconazole, Butoconazole, or Clotrimazole which should be applied to the infected area for one to seven days.  Using birth control methods like a condom or a diaphragm is not advisable during this period.  For pregnant women it’s suggested to consult a physician for a remedy.

To prevent vaginal yeast infection from happening, avoid using douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons. It is also best to wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight pants or panty hoses. When wearing a wet suit or a bathing suit, it is recommended to change out of it right away.

Treating Thrush

The yeast infection of the mouth called thrush can be treated with medicated mouthwashes or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. A recommended mouthwash to use should contain nystatin that can kill the yeast fungus.

The best prevention for thrush is maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using a mouthwash.  For those using dentures, clean them thoroughly before using it.  For breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to have a breast check up for yeast infections.

Treating Nail Bed Infections

Yeast infections of the nail bed are more difficult to treat.  A prescription for an antifungal pill is needed but it can also be treated with antifungal laquer which is only proven to work in mild to moderate infections when the nails have not yet been infected by the fungus.

To prevent this infection from occurring and recurring is to regularly keep the skin dry and clean. It is also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is infected with this disease. Wearing gloves when gardening also lowers the chance of nail bed yeast infection from happening. Another way to go about this is to avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers or socks.

Treating Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes caused by yeast infection can be treated with over the counter antifungal creams that contain nystatin or through supplements like acidophilus.

Protecting infants or adults from diaper rashes means keeping the covered area clean at all times.  It also helps to allow the skin to breathe by not using a diaper at least an hour a day.  It’s also recommended to use cotton diapers more regularly than the disposable ones because cotton allows the skin to breathe more easily.

Yeast infections are highly treatable and preventable diseases which should last an average of one to two weeks. But for complicated states of yeast infection it’s always best to consult a doctor.