Yeast infections result from an overgrowth of yeast in the body. They can occur in both men and women, and often happen after antibiotic treatment, which kills both good and bad bacteria in the body. Infants can even get yeast infections as diaper rashes. At-home treatments for yeast infections are available as over-the-counter products in drugstores, and home remedies using products as simple as household vinegar have been shown to be effective in eliminating yeast infections.
Vinegar Douche
Female yeast infections can be treated using either white or apple cider vinegar in a douche. Vinegar should never be used by itself and should always be mixed in water to avoid irritating delicate vaginal tissue. Mix 2 tbsp. of vinegar in 1 quart of warm water, according to Apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com. Douching shouldn’t be performed more than once a day to prevent altering the pH of the vagina and to prevent vaginal dryness.
Vinegar Bath Soak
Men and women experiencing external yeast infection symptoms such as itching can find relief with a vinegar bath soak. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into a hot bath and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. When repeated daily, external yeast is killed quickly, as reported by Home Remedies for Yeast Infections. Particularly troublesome areas can be treated by dabbing vinegar directly on the area with a cotton ball. For this method of treatment, diluting the vinegar with water may be needed to prevent skin irritation.
Yeast Diaper Rash Treatment
Infants are not immune to yeast infections. Most frequently, yeast is present on the external genital area in the form of a diaper rash. Yeast rashes do not respond to traditional diaper rash treatment like over-the-counter creams. The area will be intensely red. Yeast rashes normally cover a large area and may have smaller dots around the border, which is also yeast. Diaper rashes that do not improve after several days may be yeast and require special treatment. Make a solution of 1 tbsp. vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Use a cotton ball to dab this mixture onto the entire affected area and let dry completely before applying a clean diaper.
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Writer Bio
Amber Canaan has a medical background as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and pediatric oncology. She began her writing career in 2005, focusing on pregnancy and health. Canaan has a degree in science from the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and owns her own wellness consulting business.