Candidiasis is an infection caused by an excess of fungus Candida albicans in the intimate region and, therefore, the best form of treatment is to use ointments or antifungal medicines, which must be prescribed by a gynecologist or urologist.
However, there are several tips that can speed up the recovery process, relieving symptoms and bringing more comfort to everyday life.
Although these tips are very effective in both treating and preventing a new infection, they should not replace the treatment recommended by your doctor. This means that medical evaluation is always advised to start treatment, and the tips should only complement the use of medications recommended by the gynecologist or urologist. See the main ointments and medications recommended for candidiasis.
How to get rid of candidiasis
Some tips to get rid of candidiasis definitively are:
1. Don’t wear wet clothes
The candidiasis fungus grows in humid and warm environments, which makes the intimate region conducive to the growth of this fungus. After going to the beach, swimming pool, sauna or after using a bathtub, it is important to change your underwear, bikini or swimsuit as quickly as possible, to prevent the intimate area from becoming more humid and hot, preventing the multiplication of Candida albicans and worsening of candidiasis.
Furthermore, drying the intimate area well with a soft towel when taking off wet clothes is also essential to prevent the growth of candidiasis fungus.
2. Wear clothes made from organic material
Wearing clothing made from synthetic materials such as lycra, microfiber or elastane can aggravate irritation in the intimate area, as they are less “breathable”, increasing perspiration and stuffiness in the region, which facilitates the development of fungi.
Therefore, it is recommended to wear clothing made from organic material, such as cotton, as well as light, loose-fitting clothing that allows greater ventilation of the skin.
3. Maintain adequate intimate hygiene
Maintaining adequate hygiene in the intimate region helps maintain the balance of bacterial flora and prevent the proliferation of candidiasis fungus. The ideal is to use soaps with a neutral pH and water, washing only the external part with gentle movements.
4. Sleeping without underwear
Sleeping without underwear is a great option to help prevent candidiasis from worsening, as the intimate area is less stuffy, more ventilated and less humid, making it difficult for the fungus that causes candidiasis to proliferate, which requires a humid and warm environment to proliferate.
5. Avoid using intimate deodorants
Intimate deodorants serve to increase the feeling of freshness in the region, however, they can cause irritation, allergies and change the pH of the region, which can facilitate the development of fungi.
The ideal is to completely avoid the use of intimate deodorants or use them only on the groin and the outside of the intimate area.
6. Avoid intimate douches for women
The use of an intimate shower, where you wash yourself inside the vaginal canal, is relatively common among women but can increase the risk of developing or worsening candidiasis. This occurs because intimate showers destroy the vaginal flora, causing an imbalance of healthy fungi and bacteria naturally present in the vagina and, therefore, increasing the chances of candidiasis appearing.
7. Avoid pantyliners
Daily pads are generally used to keep panties dry and clean throughout the day, however, daily use can smother the intimate area, leaving it more humid and warm, which favors the growth of the fungus that causes candidiasis.
Therefore, avoiding the use of daily pads, especially during infection, is important to prevent candidiasis from worsening.
8. Avoid using wet wipes
Wet wipes, despite being very practical, can cause irritation or allergies in the intimate area, leading to uncontrolled pH and bacterial flora, which can cause the candidiasis fungus to multiply.
9. Wash underwear properly
Soaps with dyes or perfumes should not be used to wash underwear as they contain several chemical substances that can irritate or cause allergies in the intimate area, facilitating the development of fungi.
The ideal is to use special soap for underwear, in addition to avoiding mixing underwear with other clothes in the washing machine and drying in a ventilated environment or hanging in the sun.
10. Decrease consumption of sugar and simple carbohydrates
Foods such as bread, cheese, chocolate, cakes and sweets, for example, should be avoided or their consumption reduced, as they increase the amount of sugar in the blood, make the body more acidic and lead to uncontrolled pH, favoring the proliferation of Candida albicans and making treatment difficult.
Therefore, the consumption of sugar and simple carbohydrates should be avoided, giving preference to foods that strengthen the immune system, such as fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts.
11. Drink teas that strengthen the immune system
A good way to prevent candidiasis from worsening and help with its treatment is to strengthen the immune system with the use of medicinal plants, such as echinacea or ginger, which can be used in the form of teas.
Check out a list of teas that help strengthen the immune system and how to drink them.
