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Over-the-Counter Yeast Infection Remedies

A yeast infection is a fungal infection that develops when yeast is allowed to grow uncontrolled in the body. It can develop at many locations, but the most common is a vaginal yeast infection. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 75 percent of women will develop a yeast infection at some point. Common symptoms include a thick, white vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, pain or burning during sex or urination and a rash. Several treatments are available for a yeast infection, including many over-the-counter treatments and home remedies.

  1. Antifungal Drugs

    • Probably the most common treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is a topical antifungal medication. These products, which can easily be found at drug stores and pharmacies, are available as lotions and creams applied in and around the vagina and tablets or capsules inserted directly into the vagina. Common products contain active ingredients such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terconazole and nystatin.

      If you think you have a yeast infection, you may want to consult with your doctor before starting treatment. The symptoms are very similar to those of other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted diseases. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as many as two-thirds of women who use topical antifungal products to treat a yeast infection do not actually have one. Additionally, if you have tried over-the-counter treatments and your symptoms have not improved after about a week, consult your doctor.

    Home Remedies

    • Home remedies have long been used to treat vaginal yeast infections, and there are several effective treatments. Yogurt is one of the most commonly used home remedies because it is easy to use and readily available. To use yogurt to clear a yeast infection, apply plain yogurt to a tampon and insert it into the vagina. Do this twice a day until you are no longer experiencing symptoms. Garlic can also be inserted into the vagina to treat a yeast infection. Simply insert a whole clove of garlic into the vagina every couple of hours for a day or two. Also take garlic pills or tablets.

      Another effective home remedy is tea tree oil. Take 1 tsp. of the oil and mix it with 1 tsp. of rubbing alcohol and mix it well. Then add 10 drops of the mixture to 1 pt. of water and insert the water into the vagina similar to a douche daily for one week.

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