Staying Dry to Prevent Recurring Yeast Infections

Of all the things that can trigger vaginal yeast infections, heat and moisture are two of the most important factors that we can control, outside of the food we eat. Most people can prevent vaginal yeast infections by eating right and staying dry.

Yeast can survive in dry conditions, but only in a dormant state. It can only reproduce and grow in a warm, moist environment. That's why it's important to keep your skin and crotch area as cool and dry as possible.

High heat kills yeast, too, but it would be difficult to increase your body temperature enough to kill the yeast without killing yourself, too - although some people do suggest sauna treatments for yeast infections (the jury is still out on that one).

Keeping the skin dry will help to avoid a yeast-caused rash under the breasts, in folds of skin, and in the crotch. Keeping the genital area dry may also keep yeast from moving from the anus to the genitals. The best way to keep your genital area as dry as possible is to wear loose clothing, wear panties that breathe, and avoid pantyhose.

If this is not enough, you can also try using Zeasorb Super Absorbent powder to keep yourself dry.

If you find that sanitary pads keep too much moisture against your body, make sure to change them often or switch to washable cotton pads that allow your crotch to breath.

If you get recurring vaginal yeast infections, any underlying cause should be corrected. Weight loss often helps prevent recurring infections. Diabetics will want to make sure their blood sugar is under control.

If you have not been diagnosed with any condition that may cause yeast infections, but you do keep getting them even though you eat right and keep yourself dry, you should go have a very serious talk with your doctor. Doctors are busy people, and they sometimes forget to check for these conditions when faced with another patient with a vaginal yeast infection.

It has been suggested that you can reduce the numbers of yeast organisms in your body by sitting in a sauna or a nice hot bath. Dr. Jeffrey McCombs, DC., who specializes in the treatment of patients with suspected systemic Candida infections, has made heat treatment (sweating in a sauna or tub) a cornerstone of his program. I have been unable to find any support for this method of treatment in the Medical journals, but saunas do help to detoxify the body through the sweat glands, so there may be some truth to it.

Perhaps a detoxified body is better able to fight off a yeast infection, even if the sauna doesn't actually heat your body enough to kill the yeast outright.

At this point, of course, it's just speculation, but many practitioners of oriental medicine do use heat to improve immune function, even for cancer patients. And what the heck - saunas make you feel great, and they can't hurt, unless you're pregnant or have a heart condition.

If you aren't used to sitting in a sauna, you'll want to talk it over with your doctor first - and don't expect miracles. This is still an unproven theory.

By far the best proven tactics to use to avoid vaginal yeast infections are to eat a nutritious diet, keep yourself healthy, and stay dry. If this is not enough, learn about the other common causes of yeast infections, so you'll know what to avoid.