Yeast infection is an infection of the vagina, mouth or skin that leads to fast production of yeast. A vaginal yeast infection can be detected by common symptoms like vaginal itching and the presence of white, creamy discharge that looks like a cottage cheese. A mouth yeast infection can be determined by the presence of white spots inside the cheeks and tongue while a yeast infection in the skin will look patchy and white and is often itchy. These infections can be treated with medicines that can be availed over the counter, with home remedies or with a prescription from a doctor for severe conditions.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungi that normal live in the vaginal area. Candida albicans is the most common fungi in this area. The overgrowth of these fungi is usually a result of wearing clothing like lycra or nylon that isolates heat and moisture and previous use of antibiotics. Yeast infections are common to women who are infected by HIV and those who suffer from recurrent episodes of yeast infection must undergo an HIV infection examination. Other potential causes of yeast infection includes consumption of huge amounts of starch, sugars and yeasts as well as use of oral contraceptives.

Yeast Infections: Untreated

Leaving a yeast infection untreated can be caused by the absence of enough funds or health insurance. When a yeast infection is not treated, the yeast will continue to mutate and the condition will become complicated. Unluckily, you cannot expect a yeast infection to clear on its own. The burning or itching in the skin or vagina that is felt because of the infection will increase and the patchy portion in the mouth will look become bigger. However, there is no scarring or infertility involved with untreated yeasts infection. But, it is important to treat a yeast infection is treated immediately if you want to be pregnant or you are pregnant as this will stop pregnancy. Apart from the discomfort and ugliness of an untreated yeast infection, it can also weaken the immune system. The body will not be able if you are more exposed to other bacteria or germs.

In addition, the yeast may also spread in the blood stream and will lead to Sepsis, a possible lethal illness. This disease is characterized by tiny blood clots which can stop blood from flowing to the body’s vital organs. If not treated, this may lead to organ failure.

When should you see a doctor?

If you haven’t treated your yeast infection and you start to experience nausea, fever, sweating severe itching and burning or any symptoms that sounds alarming, use over the counter medications like Lotrimin AF for intertrigo or tinea versicolor and Monistat for vaginal yeast infections. You can’t get any over the counter treatment for thrush but you can use a home remedy for this illness such as one cup of plain yogurt. If your yeast infection does not show any progress with such remedy in two days, or the symptoms are becoming worse, visit your doctor as soon as possible.