Alternative Treatments for Yeast Infections

Anyone with a yeast infection has a right to know all of their options before making a decision about treatment. The following information can provide a good background for an upcoming discussion with a primary care physician.

What's Yeast?

Yeast is a fungus, and one type of yeast plays a critical role in the foods that we eat. For example, yeast is what makes bread rise and it can also be a key ingredient in cornbread. Furthermore, vintners and brewers use yeast to promote the fermentation of wine and beer. Another type of yeast, called Candida albicans, is far less benign and can cause yeast infections. It can be found all over the body, but prefers moist areas. The fungus can get into the body through open cuts or sores, irritating that particular area and potentially spreading throughout the body. Also, if antibacterial products are used frequently in a certain area, Candida albicans can multiply unchecked. (The bacteria usually keeps tabs, so to speak, on the amount of yeast in a certain region.)

Common Symptoms

Though most people associate yeast infection with the vaginal region, yeast infections can also occur in the mouth or the arm pit. Symptoms for vaginal yeast infections include pain or burning during urination or intercourse, thick discharge or an unusual smell. A topical yeast infection, like under the arm, will cause a red rash that can itch or hurt. An oral yeast infection will look like a very red tongue that may or may not have thick white patches on top.

Standard Treatments

While you will need a prescription for any treatment designed for oral yeast infections, antifungal creams or powders are commonly used to treat vaginal yeast infections and are available over the counter. Oral medications designed to fight the fungus are also popular among those with vaginal yeast infections. The two ingredients you should look for are fluconazole and itraconazole; ketoconazole should be avoided due to studies that showed it can cause damage to vital organs.

Alternative Treatments

Boric acid suppositories have shown promise in terms of treating yeast infections. You can get this powder at a pharmacy without a prescription, but you will probably need to pack it in an empty gelatin capsule yourself. One 600 mg capsule should be placed in the vagina nightly for 14 days. If you're not big on the DIY capsules, you can order the capsules online. One such example is called Yeast Arrest.

A garlic suppository can be made by peeling one clove, wrapping it in gauze, and inserting it into the vagina. Or you can insert potassium sorbate that has been diluted with water.

If you shy away from suppositories, you can douche with a mixture of yogurt and water, or water and vinegar, to promote a healthy balance between the yeast and the bacteria. In addition to any treatments, alternative or otherwise, unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry capsules are recommended.

So Which Treatments Are Better?

It is in your best interest to speak to a health care professional to determine which treatment is best for you. They may be surprised, or even concerned, if you say you would prefer a garlic suppository to the standard over-the-counter creams. But the statement will undoubtedly prompt discussion of the benefits and problems with homemade remedies. In the end, it is strictly a personal decision but do be careful with any DIY remedies because boric acid and potassium sorbate can be dangerous if not used correctly.