Candida is a kind of yeast infection which makes a woman’s life miserable, especially if she is a new mother. These fungal infections mostly affect your vagina, but once you start breastfeeding, your nipples, areola and the other areas of the breast become susceptible to their attack. Usually, women start to notice it when it has already made its mark – and unfortunately once you get a yeast infection in any part of your body, it becomes difficult to be freed from it. If you are really unlucky, then it might spread to other areas of your body as well. Have a look at the major causes, symptoms and home remedies for getting rid of breast yeast
infection so that when/if you become a victim of this fatal disease, you know how to deal with it.
Causes of Yeast Infection in Breast
- A weak Immune System.
- Pregnancy.
- Diabetes.
- Menstruation.
- Sperm.
- A heavy dosage of antibiotics.
- Contraceptive Pills.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Breast
- Might appear normal but feel painful.
- Milk from the breast will lessen.
- Dry and itchy rashes.
- Might swell.
- A burning sensation.
- Dark nipples might become darker.
- Light coloured nipples might turn out to be too pinkish.
- Flaky nipples.
- Small blisters.
Pain and redness on breasts are another symptom of a breast infection. In case you are confused about it, consult a doctor immediately.
Important Home Remedies for Breast Yeast Infection
1. Garlic
Garlic enhances your immune system and keeps yeasts at bay. Take a few garlic cloves in your mouth and chew them every day. Make a paste of crushed garlic cloves and apply it on your breasts. Garlic is highly antibiotic in nature and thus one of the best home remedies for getting rid of yeast infection under breast and in breast.
2. Yogurt
Apart from consuming yogurt, you can apply a significant amount of it on your breasts and leave it overnight. This is the ultimate solution for getting rid of that annoying itching and keeping the infection under control.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Its antifungal qualities are strong enough to kill the infection. Make the oil thinner with the help of water and rub it gently over the infection. Do this multiple times a day to get the best results.
4. Cranberries
These are not only ideal for bladder infections but also work to get rid of yeast infections. Drink a glass of cranberry juice daily. Make sure it is devoid of any sugar. Once the juice enters your body, it will help in fighting the infection.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is again one of the best home remedies for getting rid of yeast infection. Drink a glass of warm water after mixing it with two spoons of apple cider vinegar. To get the best results, have this daily. You can also use the vinegar while taking bath. Just mix it with water and make sure that it comes in contact with your breasts. This will drastically reduce the itching and relieve your pain.
Read here – How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Yeast Infection Cure?
6. Boric Acid
This acid contains light antifungal properties which are really beneficial for treating yeast infections. You can either take it as a capsule or in a diluted form. If you choose the latter, apply the diluted mixture for more than a week, at least once every day.
7. Coconut Oil
Put some coconut oil on the affected region daily. You can also have coconut oil instead of butter. If you have some cinnamon oil at home, mix it with some coconut oil and apply it gently on the affected area.
8. Oregano Oil
This oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which will help to reduce those itching and other irritating sensations. Pour a few drops of it to water and gulp it down for effective results. You can also apply a thin coat of it on your breasts after thinning it out with olive oil. This will also take care of your intertrigo.
9. Olive Leaf Extract
This extract helps to trigger your immune system in a positive manner so that the latter can ward off Candida. Have these extracts in the form of capsules at least thrice, daily with your meals.
10. Grapefruit Seed Extract
It has excellent antifungal properties which can create hindrance for Candida. Usually, it is recommended that you take it in the powder from every day between meals. Take a low dose initially and switch to a high dosage if it takes time to see positive results.
11. Caprylic Acid
It attacks the walls of the yeast and prevents them from growing. Buy them in the form of capsules and have at least two with meals, each day. Generally, taking them in the liquid form has little to no effect – so for best results go for caprylic acid capsules.
12. Kefir
This milk drink undergoes fermentation and is an excellent alternative to treat your yeast infection. Generally, Kefir takes time to grow on you. It is an acquired taste and it is ill advised to have a generous amount of it at first. Start slowly and increase the amount, once you get habituated with its taste.
13. Calendula
Either have tea made from calendula or apply it directly on the affected part. If you are choosing the second option, make sure that the leaves are crushed thoroughly before you use them. Calendula’s antifungal elements will see to it that your infection is reduced.
14. Rosemary
Rosemary’s antifungal traits are effective for killing the infection. Indulge in a vapour bath with rosemary and ensure that the affected parts are coming in direct contact with this herb. Continue doing this till you get a beneficial outcome.
15. Lemon Grass
This anti bacterial herb makes sure that the affected areas of your breast get newly generated cells. Apply some lemon grass oil on the affected area and leave it be. Follow this procedure daily for a fast and effective result.
Now, that you are aware of some of the best home remedies for getting rid of yeast infection on and under the breasts, use them to your benefit.
Major Precautions to be taken to avoid Yeast Infection in Breasts
- Keep away from breast pads which have a plastic lining.
- Embrace cotton bras and wash them regularly in moderate to extremely hot water.
- Lay bare your breasts to direct sunlight for a few minutes every day.
- Make sure that after you feed your baby, the nipples are dried with unheated air.
- Use a different nursing pad, each time you feed your baby.
In case all the home remedies for breast infection (mastitis) seem too overwhelming for you, you can avoid them if you take the above precautions in time.
Antifungals, a probiotic diet and food items with low sugar are integral for having a life free of yeast infection in breast. If you are one of the lucky ones who have escaped Candida of the Nipple and Breast – don’t take it for granted. Prevention is always better than cure and so take the above precautions seriously before it is too late.