A yeast infection is an infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a fungi that naturally lives on the skin, in the mouth, digestive track and in the vagina. When Candida (yeast) overgrows it can cause a vaginal yeast infection, thrush, rashes or nail infections. This page provides information on how to cure a yeast infection with over-the-counter, prescription or natural remedies.http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/candidiasis-yeast-infection

• Yeast infections are common and usually not serioushttp://women.webmd.com/tc/vaginal-yeast-infections-topic-overview

• Yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of 'good bacteria' due to antibiotics or hormonal changeshttp://women.webmd.com/tc/vaginal-yeast-infections-topic-overview

• Treatments for yeast infections include natural remedies, OTC medicines or prescription treatments

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

A yeast infection or Candidiasis infection occurs when yeast overgrows. Yeast can overgrow when the protective bacteria that usually stops the overgrowth of yeast are disrupted.http://www.medicinenet.com/yeast_vaginitis/article.htm#toce Yeast infections often follow a course of antibiotics or cortisone drugs. If the symptoms are mild they may clear up on their own. If you are a women and have never had a yeast infection before, it is wise advice to check with your doctor to make sure you in fact have a yeast infection and rule out any other condition. In the case of recurrent yeast infections, a doctor will may do tests to check for underlaying conditions like diabetes.http://women.webmd.com/tc/vaginal-yeast-infections-topic-overview

Yeast Infection Causes Include:

• • Use of antibiotics
  • Oral/dental surgery (thrush)
  • Cortisone based medications like prednisone
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal changes like pregnancy, menstruation or birth control pills

• Types of Yeast Infections:

• • Vaginal Yeast Infections
  • Oral candidiasis (thrush)
  • Skin infections or diaper rash

There are several natural treatments and folk remedies for yeast infections including the use of yogurt with acidiphildous, garlic, tea tree oil and boric acid.

1. Yogurt with acidophilus
   • The L. acidiphilus found in yogurt produces lactic acid, which can help restore the PH levels in the vagina to normal levels and stop the overgrowth of yeast. Yogurt can either be added to the diet or acidophilus capsules can be taken. Some women claim that yogurt applied vaginally can provide relief.http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1002.html
2. Garlic
3. Feminist Women's Health Center suggests inserting a "garlic suppository" consisting of a peeled clove of garlic wrapped in gauze.http://www.fwhc.org/health/yeast.htm
4. Tea Tree Oil
   • Diluted tea tree oil is often used to treat fungal nail infections and is an alternative treatment for oral thrush. Some women claim that applying a few drops of tea tree oil to a tampon can be helpful in fighting a vaginal yeast infection. http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/cam/hn-1057009.htmhttp://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/vagInfections.html/ref>

Common over-the-counter medications for yeast infections are:

• Miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal)
• Tioconazole (Vagistat Vaginal)
• Butoconazole (Femstat)
• Clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin)

These types of store-bought treatments are between 1 and 7 day courses depending on the brand and medicine. Over-the-counter yeast infection treatments are either sold as vaginal suppositories or in pill form.http://women.webmd.com/yeast-infection-treatments-over-the-counter-vaginal-creams

Prescription drugs may be necessary to fight a yeast infection when a person takes antibiotics for a longer-than-usual course, if the sufferer has diabetes or weakened immune system.http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch247/ch247d.html

For oral thrush following antibiotics doctors often prescribe clotrimazole lozenges or a nystatin liquid that is swished around the mouth and swallowed. Oral fluconazole may also be prescribed.http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/candidiasis_gi.html#12

Vaginal yeast infection prescriptions include doses of anti-fungal drugs in a pill form or as a cream. Fluconazole or Itraconazole is given as a capsule and can be taken twice a day for as long as six months.http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch247/ch247d.html