Researchers: Microwave Underwear To Stop Recurring Yeast Infections
GAINESEVILLE, Fla. _ Millions of women who suffer from recurring yeast infections may find relief if they microwave their underpants, researchers say.
Zapping freshly laundered but damp underwear for five minutes on high kills the fungus that causes vaginal infections in 20 million women yearly, said Byron J. Masterson, chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida.
The underwear must be cotton, he warned. Not your Fredericks of Hollywood no-no, Masterson said. The bunny suits would probably go ka- boom in your microwave.
The study was published recently in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine.
Yeast infections can cause irritation and discharge.
Previous studies have found that yeast, or candida albicans, survives laundering in detergent, even in hot water. Thats because candida is killed at 154 to 163 degrees, while household water heaters are set at about 120 degrees.
Undergarments are contaminated and regular washing doesnt seem to kill it, Raymond Kaufman, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said Thursday. He did not take part in the UF study.
Most people carry candida, its a very common organism. Most women who develop vaginal infections very effectively with drugs 80 percent of the time, Kaufman said.
But youve got a percentage who keep getting reinfected over and over. We see this commonly in diabetic women or those whose immune systems are below par.
Can Hot Tubs Cause Yeast Infections
It is possible for hot tubs to cause yeast infections, as the warm temperatures can provide ideal conditions for yeast to grow.
Yeast thrives in moist, warm environments, so hot tubs can provide the perfect breeding ground for this fungus.
However, it is also important to note that there are many other factors that can contribute to a yeast infection, such as taking antibiotics or having a weakened immune system.
While hot tubs may not be the sole cause of a yeast infection, they can certainly play a role in its development.
Therefore, it is important to take steps to avoid developing a yeast infection if you plan on using a hot tub on a regular basis.
Some simple tips include avoiding sitting in the water for extended
What Are The Best Temperatures For Yeast
Yeast is a bit finicky, and with dry yeast, if you use water that is too cold, it will not activate or activate very slowly. Sometimes when water is too cold, the yeast will release a substance that interferes with the formation of gluten. There is also the risk of too hot of water as this will kill the yeast and it is then useless.
A typical temperature for proofing yeast in hot water is between the temperatures of 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a live yeast, a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit will work, but might not be hot enough for the dry variety.
If you are unsure of your water temperature, you can place a couple of drops on the inside of your wrist. If the water feels warm and comfortable for you, then it is most likely suitable for the yeast. Remember, when doing the feel test, if it feels hot to you, then it will kill the yeast, if it feels cold, the yeast will lay dormant.
Regardless of which type of yeast you use, if you use water with a temperature hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the yeast will start to die. By the time your water temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, all the yeast will be dead.
If you are not sure about using your wrist to guess the water temperatures, a candy thermometer will work great to find the right degree.
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What Causes Spa Pool Folliculitis
Spa pool folliculitis is due to an opportunistic bacterial infection of the skin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or, less commonly, Aeromonas hydrophila. These ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria can survive in warm water, even when adequately chlorinated, because of the formation of a biofilm on the tub surface or within the piping system. Contamination is more common if the water is inadequately treated or organic material, such as skin, is present.
It is hypothesised that water absorption into the stratum corneum increases proportionately with the time submerged in water, enhancing permeability to bacteria.
Does Yeast Feel Pain
Many people believe that yeast feels pain. Yeast is an organism that lives in the gut and it helps to make up food. In some cases, yeast can cause inflammation in the gut and this can lead to pain. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not yeast feels pain, but there are some theories about why it might. Some say that yeast can cause inflammation because its able to travel through your intestines and inflame other areas of your body.
Others say that yeast might feel pain because it has a lot of nerve endings. Whether or not yeast feels pain is still up for debate, but there are some theories swirling around that suggest it may be involved in some forms of discomfort. For now, though, we just have to wait and see what scientists say about this strange fact!
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Can You Get It From Bath Water
Its unlikely that a yeast infection can be transmitted directly through bath water, but there are some caveats that you should keep in mind.
As a rule, showers are better than baths when youre in the process of treating a yeast infection. If you do take a sitz bath with Epsom salt, apple cider vinegar, boric acid, or any other home remedy while youre treating your yeast infection, dont soak for more than 10 minutes at a time. Also make sure to pat the area of the infection completely dry once youre out of the water.
Avoid sexual intimacy in a bath or hot tub when either partner has a yeast infection. The conditions of sex in a water environment might make it easier for a yeast infection to spread through sex.
If two young children are bathing together and one has a yeast infection, be careful not to use the same cloth or sponge to wash them both. If possible, avoid bathing your child at all when they have a yeast infection, opting for quick showers and sponge baths instead.
Keep in mind that scented soaps or bubble bath may irritate or prolong yeast infections.
How To Apply A Heating Pad For Yeast Infection
You will need to take a few steps to begin the healing process.
1. The first step is to ensure that the area where you are going to apply the heat pad is clean.
This area should be dry and not irritated.
2. Next, you will want to apply the heat directly to the infected area.
You can do this for up to 20 minutes a day.
3. Next, place a wet cloth or an old towel on top of the heat pad.
The towel will allow moisture to stay in the area and stop the area from becoming wet and damp.
4. Do this again and again until the infection goes away.
5. Make sure to change out of your pajamas while the heat pad is working.
You should carefully read the instructions on the package before choosing a specific heating pad.
Many of them will come with instructions or an instructional video that will walk you through the process step-by-step.
For some people, especially those who are very new to using heating pads, it can be difficult to figure out how to use them.
Also, for this reason, it is recommended that you watch a video or follow the written instructions on the package.
If you choose an over-the-counter heating pad for your yeast infection, you will want to make sure that it contains clotrimazole or tioconazole.
These ingredients are very effective at killing off the bacteria that are causing your infection.
Be aware, however, that there are many different brands out there that contain these ingredients.
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Treatment Of Bacterial Vaginosis
Some cases of bacterial vaginosis may go away on their own within a few days. If symptoms continue to persist, speaking with a medical provider can help provide relief from symptoms.
When seeking treatment for bacterial vaginosis, your physician will likely want to rule out the possibility of other serious infections, such as the STDs gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may also mimic those found in yeast infections and the STD trichomoniasis, and these conditions should also be ruled out prior to diagnosing and treating bacterial vaginosis.
Treatments for bacterial vaginosis can include a prescription cream, gel, or other medication. Typically antibiotics are prescribed. Such medications include:
-
Clindamycin to the affected area
It is important to take all medications you are given, as directed, even if your symptoms go away. Antibiotic treatment usually lasts for 7 days, even though bacterial vaginosis typically clears up within 2 or 3 days with treatment.
Avoid having sexual intercourse during your course of treatment, and continue your course of treatment even during menses.
Avoid alcohol consumption with medications, especially if treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, as the combination of alcohol and these medications can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Treating bacterial vaginosis can also help reduce your risk for STDs.
What Kind Of Infections Can You Get From A Hot Tub
There are a few different types of infections that you can get from a hot tub, the most common of which is a skin infection.
This can be caused by bacteria, fungus, or viruses that are present in the water, and it can cause redness, swelling, itching, and pain.
Other possible infections that can be acquired from a hot tub include respiratory tract infections , ear infections, and eye infections.
These infections can be caused by bacteria, fungus, or viruses that are present in the water or in the air around the hot tub.
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Things You Should Know About Vaginal Infections
From the May/June 2017 issue of Family Foundations
For all women, when something changes down there it throws up a red flag, but that red flag might rise a little higher if it is an NFP woman who relies on her mucus and discharge to track her cycles. With some helpful information and tips from Dr. Karla Polaschek, an NFP-only OB/GYN in Davenport, Iowa, here are 5 things to keep in mind about vaginal infections.
1. Fertility awareness is empowering!
Get to know your body and your cycle! How can you know when something is wrong if you dont know when something is normal?! Many younger women go see their doctor for discharge thats completely normal and nothing to worry about. Become familiar enough with their body to distinguish between the pre-ovulatory, ovulatory and post-ovulatory times by tracking your cycle, so you can recognize when something is off.
2. There are common infections that many women experience at some point
Dr. Polaschek describes three common vaginal infections that most women will deal with at some point yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichamonisis.
A less common infection that women may see is Trichomonisis, which is typically an STD, but it can rarely be contracted outside of sex because the infectious agent is a parasite so it can live on other objects, Dr. Polachesck explains.
Things to look for:
3. Premenopausal/postmenopausal: Some discharges are normal
4. Infections dont have to derail NFP observations
How To Treat A Yeast Infection On Your Skin
This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support , Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support , Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 2006.There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 148,130 times.
Treating a yeast infection on your skin is simple, and most infections clear up after a few weeks. Yeast grows naturally in and on your body, but sometimes your system has an imbalance that leads to a yeast infection. If you get one, youll want immediate relief. While the infection is bothersome, its also highly treatable if you identify a yeast infection, address the causes, and apply topical treatments.
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How Is Spa Pool Folliculitis Diagnosed
Spa pool folliculitis is usually diagnosed based on the history of exposure and the clinical features.
Gram stain of a smear taken from pustules will show Gram-negative rods. Culture and antibiotic sensitivities should be reported as isolates may show resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Skin biopsy of the folliculitis is not usually required. Histology is morphologically identical to malassezia folliculitis pathology without the yeast. Biopsy of the hot hand-foot syndrome nodules is reported to show neutrophils around blood vessels, eccrine sweat glands, and other skin adnexae in the dermis and subcutis.
The source of infection may be confirmed by microbiological assessment of the water, pool surfaces, filter, and pipes.
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How Can I Prevent Future Yeast Infections
The best way to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection is to avoid things that promote the growth of yeast. Heres how:
- Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. After showering, dry the area thoroughly. Always remove wet swimsuits and exercise clothes right away and change into cotton pants without underwear. Limit the amount of time you spend in hot tubs or very hot baths.
- Let the area breathe. Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear and avoid tights and pantyhose without a cotton lining, as well as tight pants. Consider not wearing underwear during sleep to allow some airflow.
- Watch your sugar intake, including alcohol! Sugar is the main food source for yeast.
- Take probiotics, especially if you are taking antibiotics. Probiotics, found in cultured foods like yogurt and especially in Activia, help restore your normal vaginal bacteria.
- Finally, always avoid douches, feminine sprays, deodorant tampons, and even bubble baths, which may contain chemicals that can be irritating.
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Who Hot Tub Folliculitis Affects
Anyone can contract hot tub folliculitis, but some people are more susceptible than others:
- Those with a compromised immune system
- People with eczema, dermatitis, or who have recently shaved or waxed, all of which can compromise the skin’s protective barrier
- Young children, who tend to play in the water for long periods of time, and older adults
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What Causes Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hot tub folliculitis is caused by a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm, moist areas. Unlike most other types of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can survive even in water thats been chlorinated, making it difficult to kill off.
Its most common in hot tubs and warm pools that arent treated regularly or thoroughly. These bacteria can cause an infection in the hair follicles of the skin. However, this infection cant be transmitted from person to person.
Anyone can develop hot tub folliculitis when exposed to the bacteria, but some individuals may be more susceptible to the infection or its complications. This includes:
- people who have a compromised immune system due to conditions like leukemia, HIV, or diabetes
- those who already have acne or dermatitis, which can make it easier for the infection to penetrate the skin
- anyone who has shaved, waxed, or epilated recently
Types Of Yeast Infections
Of course, there are plenty of reasons you may have an issue with your intestinal flora but one of the most common causes for concern is a yeast infection. Because there are many different florae, there are also many different types of bacteria, yeast, and fungal infections.
Oral thrush, for example, is a yeast infection in your mouth. Cutaneous candidiasis is a yeast infection on your skin and nails. Unfortunately for your little one, certain diaper rashes are also caused by a yeast infection. And lets not forget about penile yeast infection. But of course, the most common is the vaginal yeast infection.
And lets not forget about penile yeast infection. But of course, the most common is the vaginal yeast infection.
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Do Hot Tubs Cause Yeast Infections
It is possible for hot tubs to cause yeast infections, as the warm temperatures can provide ideal conditions for yeast to grow.
Yeast thrives in moist, warm environments, so hot tubs can provide the perfect breeding ground for this fungus.
However, it is also important to note that there are many other factors that can contribute to a yeast infection, such as taking antibiotics or having a weakened immune system.
While hot tubs may not be the sole cause of a yeast infection, they can certainly play a role in its development.
Therefore, it is important to take steps to avoid developing a yeast infection if you plan on using a hot tub on a regular basis.
Some simple tips include avoiding sitting in the water for extended