Yogurt and vaginal itchiness
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free skin care · Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:24 pm

I have been a bit bothered lately and i am sure i don't have a yeast infection, so i was looking for a natural remedy to battle the itchiness down under.

I found remedies online such as peeling a clove garlic in placing it inside the vagina (yuck) and using tea tree oil diluted in water (works temporarily). but the ultimate relief came from using plain yogurt (no sugar and i used organic), slathered outside and placed inside the vagina. it was recommended on a site that i use a pad since it gets messy. the itchiness is gone today and i am sooo relieved.

the science is basically, if i didn't misunderstand, is if the itchiness is caused by yeast (but i guess not always a yeast infection), the live cultures in the yogurt will eat up the yeast then die off because there's no yeast left to consume. the vagina naturally contains these live bacterias but because of whatever reason, the balance may be off.

from my research, i also found out that taking antibiotics can also increase yeast down under since the antibiotics kill the essential bacterias. since i have been on amoxicillin for about 2 weeks (had 4 wisdoms and a regular tooth extracted), i see why i have been so irritated down under!

I just had to share in case anyone else is suffering from itchiness down under.

i really liked this site out of all the ones i came across:

http://www.msu.edu/~eisthen/yeast/yourself.html

Kris

free skin care · Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:29 pm

Hi Kris - Glad to hear that you're feeling better and thank-you for raising this subject as many women suffer from yeast-related issues. The absolute worst thing you can introduce your body to is antibiotics as they create such havoc with the naturally occuring bacteria in your vagina. I know they are a necessasry evil when you're battling off specific infections, but if you can avoid them in the future, do so! I had to take amoxicillin during some intensive dental work a few years ago and had the exact same reactions that you did. Lots & lots of itchiness, which is such an annoying discomfort (especially when you're out in public or at work! Embarassed

).

I have known others to apply yogurt to their nether regions and find relief, but I found the easiest way to treat the problem was with acidophilus capsules; taken both orally as well as inserted as a suppository. Yup, you can insert a acidophilus capsule into your vagina and it will melt and repopulate the region with much-needed healthy bacteria, as well as fight off the yeast. The best time to do this is at night, and preferably for 3-5 days.

For other helpful advice regarding 'girly-part troubles' and using ALL NATURAL ingredients as remedies, check out this very useful website - HTH's.
www.womenshealthspecialists.org/default.asp?cf=self%20help/self%20help%20home%20remedies

free skin care · Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:10 am

Thanks for the acidophilus capsule tip! it sound a lot easier than using the yogurt Wink

.

I am confused now actually. i am wondering if my itchiness is a yeast infection or not? i don't seem to have the symptoms of it but who knows.

i will check out the link you provided, thank you once again.

Kris

free skin care · Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:17 am

I second the acidophilus capsule, it's SO much easier than any other tip I've heard, and just as effective!

Kris, have you been tested for BV (bacterial vaginosis)? It's sort of an imbalance of bacteria that isn't related to yeast or to any STI -- in fact, they don't know what causes it really, but I was once instructed to use an apple cider vinegar douche to cure it. Massengil has one ready-made so it's nice and sterile and safe to use. That helped when I was going through something similar.

And of course, there's all the other potential tests in the world that we're urged to get when we have weird symptoms down under, but I trust you have a good gyno for all that! Just make sure it isn't HPV or something else that can affect your reproductive and overall health, ya know? Good luck either way, I hope whatever it is chills out soon!

free skin care · Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:54 am

skincareaddicted wrote:

Thanks for the acidophilus capsule tip! it sound a lot easier than using the yogurt Wink

.

I am confused now actually. i am wondering if my itchiness is a yeast infection or not? i don't seem to have the symptoms of it but who knows.

i will check out the link you provided, thank you once again.

Kris

You're welcome, Kris. Some women who are taking antibiotics develop a full yeast infection with all the typical symptoms, and others develop itchiness and irritation instead (what a terrible side-effect of the drug, right!). It sounds as if you happen to be in the second camp and this is why your symptoms are so confusing. While I was taking amoxicillin I was the same way - I was more itchy on the surface of the skin down below and felt irritated, but I never had any discharge. How much longer are you going to be taking amoxicillin? If you're going to be on it for another 5+ days I would definitely go to your health food store and buy a bottle of acidophilus capsules and use them both orally and as a suppository. I'd also continue with your yogurt slather if the surface of your skin is super itchy/irritated. Tackling the itch with natural products from multiple angles really does work and you will notice relief quickly. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

~Lorraine

free skin care · Fri Nov 30, 2007 12:14 pm

My dd (just turned 10) has been on long term (2 yr) antibiotics for urinary reflux. She gets what seem like yeast infections often. Should she take the capsules orally? A suppository sounds weird for a little kid. Maybe I can mix the ingredients of the capsule with vaseline?

free skin care · Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:54 pm

sharky wrote:

My dd (just turned 10) has been on long term (2 yr) antibiotics for urinary reflux. She gets what seem like yeast infections often. Should she take the capsules orally? A suppository sounds weird for a little kid. Maybe I can mix the ingredients of the capsule with vaseline?

Hello Sharky - Your poor daughter, what an ordeal she must be going through! I see absolutely no reason why she cannot take oral acidophiles capsules, and would start her on them as soon as you can. I would also stock up on LOTS of natural yogurt from the health food store (or purchased in the organic section of your grocery store, if they have one). Eating some yogurt everyday is an effective way to repopulate the vagina with the bacterial flora it needs to fight off yeast and stay healthy. Natural Yogurt can also be used directly on her nether regions to provide some additional relief if she is itchy or experiencing other levels of discomfort. The best time to apply the yogurt as a salve is at bedtime, so you might want to place a mini-pad in her underwear to stop the yogurt from making a mess (as Kristen suggested). As small as the acidophiles capsules are, I wouldn't try to use them as a suppository as she is simply too young (both physically and emotionally). Opening one up and adding it to the yogurt salve might be the answer.

Additional things that are helpful include:

1) Wearing 100% cotton underwear
2) Washing with Colloidal Silver Soap (purchased at a Health Food Store or online -www.silvermiracles.com/colloidalsilversoap.htm)
3) Eating plenty of natural Yogurt
4) Drinking Kefir (again found in the organic section of your grocery store or a Health Food Store - very effective in fighting against yeast as it contains additional bacteria's that are not found in yogurt - it also comes in several flavors -www.kefir.net/kefiryogurt.htm)

Things your DD should avoid while she is battling a yeast infection are:

1) Bathing with bubble-baths or using soaps with perfumes or harsh detergents
2) Wearing underwear that contains synthetic materials
3) Wearing clothing that is too tight around her nether regions
4) Wearing panty-hose or Tights (unless PH have a cotton gusset and the Tights are all cotton)
5) Eating too many sweets (sugar feeds yeast in a HUGE way)

Lastly, I would love to recommend Wild Mediterranean Oil of Oregano (OoO) drops and/or capsules, however, I do not believe OoO should be taken at the same time as antibiotics. The medicinal benefits of this oil are amazing for a multitude of reasons - all of which have been formally studied. It also has substantial antibiotic abilities that are as powerful as some current antibiotic drugs. This might be something to consider in the future instead of the pharmaceutical route, as the drug version taken long-term can be damaging to your DD's immune system (though not life-threatening, of course! Wink

).

HTH's a bit and that your DD heals from her urinary condition and finds relief soon!!! Smile

OH - almost forgot to say that your DD should take a Probiotic (again at night) once she finishes the antibiotics. One that I really like is Primadophilus Optima 35 Billion CFU by Nature's Way - you only require one a day.

--------------------------------------------
Wild Mediterranean Oil of Oregano

Wild oregano has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean to help people maintain good health. Recent laboratory studies have confirmed the powerful antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of wild oregano oil.

Not all oregano varieties or oils are equal. The medicinal effectiveness of the Wild Mediterranean species is unparalleled. This particular species has a unique balance of compounds, which work together synergistically. Gathered wild, Mediterranean oregano is free of the chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides that contaminate conventionally grown crops and would make the essential oils produced from them toxic.

Essential oil from the oregano plant is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops. Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile oils consisting of the natural chemicals that are to be found in all plants. Many of these substances have beneficial effects for the body, mind and mood.

Oregano oil contains four main groups of chemicals that contribute to its potent healing powers. Phenols, such as carvacrol and thymol, act as antiseptics and antioxidants, while terpenes, which include pinene and terpinene, exhibit antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. Linalool and bonreol are two long-chain alcohols found in oregano oil, which add to the antiviral and antiseptic qualities. Esters are potent antifungal agents. Two that are found in abundance in oregano oil are linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate.

Although there is a combined effect of the many compounds found in oregano oil, its effectiveness is largely attributed to its primary ingredient, a phenol named carvacrol. When lab tested, carvacrol was found to be one of the most potent antibiotics known to science. In tests done at Georgetown University, it was found to be more effective than penicillin, streptomycin and even vancomycin (considered to be the strongest of all antibiotics). Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, oregano oil does not create resistant strains of mutant bacteria. It is able to naturally, and effectively, eliminate any pathogen that is unfortunate enough to cross its path.

Some uses for Oregano oil include:
Immune stimulant
Antibiotic and Antiseptic
Food Poisoning
Anti-viral
Allergies
Antioxidant protection
Fungal Infections
Canadida (yeast infections)
Parasites
www.p-73.com

free skin care · Mon Dec 03, 2007 11:56 pm

I would also look into a yeast free diet.
eg. less bread Is it cyclical? I would look at the sanitary napkins that are being used, tampons etc.. sometimes the more "ultra-thin" the worst the itch - it might be better to just use the thick kotex or equivalents. The pill can also be contributing to recurrent itching as well as diabetes.

free skin care · Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:53 am

I second everything ScotsLass has said. Great info! Thanks Smile

free skin care · Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:05 pm

I can't vouch for this myself, but my daughter and her friends smear yogurt onto a tampon and insert it. Much less messy and gets the stuff where it needs to be...

free skin care · Mon Dec 17, 2007 2:45 am

My sister was suffering from that each month for years, and she tried everything. Her doctor through bioresonance said it can be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, so she recommended taking acidophilus. Once taking that, she no longer had any problems whatsoever.

My homeopath also recommended yougart, though I dont think on a tampon is a good idea (due to the harsh chemicals in it). Also, believe it or not, a garlic clove in cheese cloth works miracles. Bizarre, but it works, in case you get really desperate.

free skin care · Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:50 am

If you are worried about the chemicals on a tampon there are natural cotton tampons available at health food stores.

free skin care · Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:58 am

I thought I had to eat it for it to work ,so now you tell me to wear it ,thank you I think I've gain 10 lb eating the stuff , Tomorrow I am off to get the plain stuff ,I'm sure the strawberry one would not work .
Thank you thank you, maybe some relief Razz

Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:41 am

I recently was diagnosed with yeast infection that was only located in my vulva. I had no internal infection. I had thought about applying yogurt but I didn't know if there would be any negative effects.

Has anyone had any issues with using yogurt?

free skin care · Tue Jan 08, 2008 1:29 pm

hi miswoy, i have had no side affects of applying yogurt. it is super messy though and i always use a pad.

after a week of hell, the itchiness went away Smile

. scotslass, i bought some of the lacto bacillus supps as you recommended but have stopped taking it and inserting it in you know where Laughing

after my intense itching stopped.

these days, i am making smoothies with a healthy portion of nonfat organic yogurt everyday and notice the itchiness is definitely minimal. i love the healthy dose of antioxs/vitamins/fiber with the fruits too.

Kris Smile

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