All About Yeast Infection

A Painful Situation

For the average, relatively healthy woman, a yeast infection is a non-imposing, slightly irritating situation that is generally cleared within a week using over-the-counter or homeopathic remedies. For those who suffer from additional diagnoses such as autoimmune deficiency disease or diabetes, a yeast infection can be one of the most painful symptoms of their illnesses.

When a patient’s system is such that yeast infections are prone to occur, it may take more than a week to clear up and, as frightful as it seems, the infection can resurface within a week or two. For patients with recurring yeast infections, annoying itching may be substituted with agonizing pain.

Most women recognize the signs of a yeast infection within a few hours of its onset, and may be inconvenienced for 24 hours until the medication, usually taken at bedtime, takes effect. For those with recurring yeast infections, the simple touch, tingle, or pain in the genital or pubic region can be the earliest alarm that the infection has returned.

Free Medication To Those Who Qualify

While many patients with recurring yeast infections are eventually placed on prescription medications, medical professionals are reluctant to use this course of treatment because of the possibility of becoming immune to the drug. It is often suggested that recurring yeast infections be treated by alternating over-the-counter medication for one course, and a prescription for the next. One of the most common prescriptions for stubborn or recurring yeast infections is Diflucan, in varying strengths as needed. Diflucan is a drug that is available free as a maintenance drug (if prescribed as such) from the pharmaceutical company if the patient requires and qualifies for such financial assistance.

Relieving The Pain

In addition to the itching, recurring yeast infections can be terribly painful. One suggested treatment, which works well, is to purchase a reusable ice pack of approximately five by seven inches (rectangular). If you freeze the pack and then insert it into a tube sock, it can be placed directly against the skin—between the outer vaginal lips. Caution should be taken in case of uneven or sharp plastic edges to the pack, as they can pierce the sock and cause minor (or major) injury in an already irritated area.

Treat The Cause

There are certain diseases and conditions that leave a patient prone to recurring yeast infections. While dealing with this intolerable situation, the best and easiest method of keeping it away may involve regulating your blood sugar or staying on a regular course of treatment for your underlying illnesses.