Candidiasis is a type of fungal infection caused by the Candida yeast. More than twenty different species of the Candida yeast are involved in Candidiasis. Candida yeasts normally live on the surface of the skin. Certain conditions trigger overgrowth of the Candida yeasts in different areas of the body, leading to Candidiasis.
Candidiasis usually affects the skin, nails, mouth and vagina. The candidal infections can be fatal in people with severely weakened immune system. Although rare, in a small number of cases, Candida infection may spread into the bloodstream from where it infects the vital organs of the body.
In most cases, Candidiasis can be successfully treated at home with over-the-counter anti-fungal medications and home treatments. People with weakened immune system should seek prompt medical intervention as soon as the symptoms of the Candida infection develop.
Treatment Options For Candidiasis
Antifungal Medications
Antifungal medications used for treating Candidiasis depend upon the area of the body affected by Candida overgrowth. The antifungal medications are divided into two groups – azoles and polyene antifungal medications. Azoles are usually used as the first line antifungal medications for treating Candidiasis.
They work by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, an important material of the yeast membrane. Clotrimazole is a widely used azole antifungal available over-the-counter for treating Candida infections of the skin, mouth and vagina. Yeast infections of the skin are usually treated with antifungal ointments. Antifungal lozenges are taken to treat oral yeast infection or thrush.
These lozenges gradually dissolve in the mouth. Vaginal Candida infections can be treated with either antifungal ointments or vaginal tablets that are inserted in the vagina. Vaginal and skin Candida infections can also be treated with miconazole, butoconazole and tioconazole.
Nystatin is an effective polyene antifungal drug that can be used for treating all types of Candida infections. It works by damaging the yeast membrane. Another polyene antifungal amphotericin B is reserved only for severe Candida infections.
Herbal Antifungals
A number of plant extracts with antifungal components can effectively treat Candidiasis. Some of the common antifungal topical herbal preparations contain oregano oil, cloves, goldenseal, olive leaf, cloves, uva ursi and black walnut.
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Dietary Treatment
A Candida cleanse diet helps to reduce abnormal growth and replication of the Candida yeasts. Limiting consumption of foods that trigger Candida growth and adding foods to the diet that suppress yeast growth can provide relief from Candidiasis. Candida yeasts feed on simple sugar.
Cutting sugary treats from the diet helps to eliminate the key source of nutrition for the fungi, thereby arresting their growth. People with active Candida infections should avoid all forms of simple sugar such as sucrose, fructose and lactose, wheat, rye, barley, oat, starchy vegetables, mushrooms, foods containing yeast, processed foods, food containing preservatives and alcohol.
The typical diet of a Candidiasis patient should contain plenty of vegetables, gluten-free whole grain products such as brown rich, millet and buckwheat and moderate amounts of healthy protein and small amount of unsaturated fats.
Probiotic Supplement
Probiotic supplement can provide relief from Candidiasis. By maintaining the normal microbial balance, it slows down growth of the Candida yeasts.
Acupuncture
In traditional Chinese medicine system, acupuncture is an option for treating Candidiasis. It works by strengthening the immune system, which helps to cure yeast infections naturally.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.