The presence of a yeast infection on the face can be quite an embarrassing situation for a person, especially if he or she has to attend a social gathering or meeting at work. The presence of reddish patches with white spots can be quite painful. This article lists down a few natural remedies that one can try out to treat a yeast infection.
Our body normally contains some amount of yeast. Even the skin contains some amount of yeast. When there is an overgrowth of fungus, candida albicans, a yeast infection or candida infection is caused. A moist, dark, and warm substrate is all the fungus requires to spread and grow, thus, the face is no exception.
Yeast infection on face can be caused by harsh scrubbing of the face, cuts or injuries to the face, excessive exfoliation of the facial skin, drooling, chemotherapy, intake of birth control pills, etc. People with medical conditions like diabetes, HIV, obesity, etc. are more prone to a yeast infection rash on the face and other parts of the body. However, the most predominant cause of yeast infection is excess use of antibiotics.
Babies and elderly folks are seen to be affected, because they tend to drool more. This causes their outer portion of their mouths to be moist for extended periods of time, thereby providing a favorable environment for yeast to grow on. Yeast infection can also occur in the area behind the ears, where sweat and dirt accumulation provide a suitable environment for yeast to grow on.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection on the Face
A yeast infection appears in the form of unpleasant, reddish-white rashes on the cheeks which are slightly raised from the surrounding skin. The rash often itches, swells, and stings to some extent. At times, the rash may have whitish or yellowish spots on them. A yellowish or whitish discharge is also seen oozing out from the white patches of the yeast infection. The symptoms generally vary from one person to another.
Remedies for Yeast Infection
A yeast infection, especially on the face can be quite embarrassing. It becomes very difficult to go to social gatherings or work with the nasty infection on one’s face. In order to get rid of this dreadful rash from the face, you can consider some natural remedies that you can use at home. They are not only effective, but also do not cause any kind of side effects!
Yogurt
While yogurt also comes under dairy products, it is different because it comprises a culture of friendly bacteria that can help alleviate a yeast infection. Yogurt when consumed or applied directly on the infected area, inhibits the growth and reproduction of the fungus. Moreover, the irritation and itching will be cured. The yogurt used here should be the unsweetened form, because sugar acts like a favorable substrate for the fungus to grow on. Also supplement this treatment with consumption of plenty of water and buttermilk.
Oil of Oregano
Carvacrol, found in oregano oil is known to treat yeast infections. Just dab some of this oil onto the affected area and wait for the oil to cure the yeast infection.
Garlic
Use fresh garlic cloves to treat your yeast infection. You can crush some garlic cloves and apply its paste to the infected regions of your face or you can consume it.
Tea Tree Oil
The component, terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil happens to have excellent curative properties. The oil has to be diluted in a carrier oil before applying it on the infected area. However, since the effects of tea tree oil on yeast infection has not been medically proved, it is better to use the other remedies available.
Honey
Honey has always been the stickier remedy that most of us want to avoid. However, its curative properties are quite remarkable. Take some honey and apply it to the infected areas of your face. Allow it to work on the infection for 20 minutes, after which it should be wash it off with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar is beneficial in treating yeast infections. Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a mug of water and wash your face with it. To reduce itching and irritation, steep a few cloves of garlic in the diluted apple cider vinegar and wash your face with the solution.
Besides these home remedies for treating yeast infection on face, there also exist some effective yeast infection creams like clotrimazole, fluconazole and topical ketoconazole, etc. antifungal cream and many others, as well as oral pills. In severe cases of yeast infection, the doctor may also prescribe medications like caspofungin, voriconazole and amphotericin. Use these measures and get rid of the yeast infection on face.
During an yeast infection, it is also advised to avoid certain foods that encourage the worsening of this infection. Foods like breads, baked items, dairy products, starchy vegetables, etc., must be avoided. Then again, including certain foods like lean meats, leafy vegetables, high fiber vegetables, etc., can help alleviate or control the condition to some extent.
Yeast Infection in Babies
The mouths, cheeks, lips and other parts of the face of babies can also get infected by a yeast infection. One may be able to observe white patches on the face and sometimes even find white colored-discharge oozing out from the baby’s mouth. All this makes the child very irritable. For infants, the topical applications used for adults cannot be used, however, the same home remedies (especially yogurt) can be used. But, it is important to remember that home remedies will only cure the yeast infection, however, will not prevent it from recurring. To stop it from occurring again, one will have to identify the source of infection.
Babies can develop a yeast infection after a course of antibiotics. However, most of the time, the infection is contracted from the mother. If the child is breastfeeding, it is quite likely the mother’s breasts have a yeast infection. The doctor may prescribe some topical ointments for the mother and if they still don’t work, he may prescribe some oral medicines like Diflucan (fluconazole). If the child is being bottle fed, one should check the bottles. Often doctors examine the mother as well, to determine the source of the infection.
Yeast infections on the face can be quite a pain, however, with patience and proper treatment, they can be treated and prevented from recurring. Just make sure you consult your doctor quickly and follow the medical advice given diligently. All the best!
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.