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Coping with Chronic Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are common and easily treatable afflictions. In some cases, however, normal care and preventative measures do not prevent the frequent recurrence of yeast infections. Chronic yeast infections require additional consultation and increased treatment.

Candida Albicans

A yeast infection occurs when there is an increase in the presence of Candida Albicans in a specific part of the body. Candida Albicans is yeast that is present on our bodies at all times. In certain situations, however, it can reproduce to a level that can cause infections in the nails, vagina, mouth and/or skin.

Most chronic yeast infections occur in women in the form of vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are characterized by genital itching and burning and may be accompanied by a discharge. Males with genital yeast infections may experience an itchy rash on the skin accompanied by redness.

Causes of Yeast Infections

There are many causes of chronic yeast infections. The most common cause is recent antibiotic use. Antibiotics can upset the balance between good and bad bacteria in our bodies. When this happens, Candida Albicans can multiply at a rapid rate.

Wearing tight clothing can be another cause of yeast infections. Such clothing does not allow the skin to breathe and creates a moist environment conducive to yeast reproduction.

Chronic yeast infections can also be caused by diabetes and other diseases. In addition, diet and lifestyle can contribute to recurrent yeast infections.

Diagnosing and Treating a Chronic Yeast Infection

To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor will perform a visual exam and will take a sample of the discharge or skin from the affected area. The doctor will view the sample in a microscope to determine if Candida Albicans is the cause of the infection.

If your doctor determines that you have a yeast infection, he will generally prescribe one of the following treatment options:

The most common form of treatment is an over-the-counter topical ointment and suppository. Men will use only the topical ointment.
In extreme cases, oral anti-fungal prescriptions or even injected anti-fungal medications may be necessary.

Preventing Chronic Yeast Infections

Once a chronic yeast infection has been treated, preventative measures need to be taken to avoid recurrence. Here are some tips:

If diet is causing the chronic yeast infections, consider changing to a low-carbohydrate diet that features no simple carbohydrates and a limited number of complex carbohydrates.
Make sure to properly dry all genital areas after showers, exercise and swimming.
Women and men can avoid recurrence by wearing loose cotton underwear to allow the skin to breathe freely.
Women should remember to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and should avoid wearing pantyhose and tight jeans.
Women may want to consider using tampons instead of sanitary pads during menstruation.

Chronic yeast infections can be irritating and frustrating. Those who suffer from these infections should take care to have their condition properly diagnosed by a doctor. They should then work to eliminate the causes of the infections.

Resources

Hill, Ashley MD (n.d.). Yeast Infections. Retrieved July 12, 2007, from the OBGYN.net Web site:http://www.obgyn.net/displayarticle.asp?page=/women/articles/yeast_dah.

Jelovsic, Frederick R., MD (n.d.). Chronic Recurrent Yeast Vaginitis – What Can Be Done? Retrieved July 12, 2007, from the Gynocological Resource Web site:
http://www.wdxcyber.com/nvulva08.htm.

Turner, Natasha ND (n.d.). Treating Chronic Yeast Infections. Retrieved July 12, 2007, from the Truestar Health Web site:
http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/
cm_archives14ML3P1A8.html.

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