Is there a natural way I can get rid of a yeast infection? And is it normal w a yeast infection to have a rash that's peeling down there?

Answers (2)

James L. Whiteside (Ob/Gyn (Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery Specialist)) answered (1/31/2013)

Yeast infections can really be trouble. Yeast is everywhere so why one gets an infection has more to do with factors related to bodily resistance than to exposure. Diabetics, for example, are more likely to get yeast infections. Chronic abrasion can lead to a yeast infection - biking with wet shorts can get you a yeast infection - aka "monkey butt." As far as a natural way to get rid of yeast you need to first know you have a yeast infection and not something else. In the last 2 weeks I've seen two women sent in for recurrent yeast infections when the root problem was another dermatologic issue w/ secondary yeast infection. Next you need to sort out what is the risk factor predisposing you to the yeast infection and address this - wet shorts, poor blood sugar control, etc. One treatment for yeast infection that is sort of over-the-counter is boric acid (600mg suppositories x 14 days). You'd have to get somebody to make these suppositories since Borax isn't really a great idea to sprinkle in the vagina. Tea tree oil is another option and it has been used in other settings of fungus (e.g. toe nail fungus). I'm not so sure how well this works having never tried it.

Just a word about cleaning...no douches and no scrubbing. Both of these activities could promote yeast and other vaginal infections. The vagina is a self-cleaning oven is what one patient told me...seems about right.