Yeast Infections: A Woman's Monsoon Challenge

The rainy season, while cool and invigorating, often comes with its own set of issues, especially for women. One common discomfort is yeast infections. The warm damp weather creates the perfect conditions for Candida, the fungus behind these infections, to grow.

In this blog, Dr Vedant Ghuse, a renowned dermatologist in Ghatkopar explains yeast infection in detail for you to get the right knowledge and spread awareness about the condition.

What Is Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection, which doctors call candidiasis, happens when a fungus infects the vagina. Women with this infection often feel itchy and burning sensations and notice a thick white discharge without smell. It's not an STI, but it can make life unpleasant and difficult.

There is a possibility that many women may confuse yeast infection with a normal discharge. Therefore, it is important to understand what yeast infection is all about and this blog is written just for that purpose.

Monsoon Troubles

The rainy season brings high humidity and wetness, which yeast loves. Several things can lead to yeast infections during this time:

• Excessive sweating: Sweat holds moisture creating a warm, damp environment where fungi like to grow.
• Poor hygiene: Damp weather can make it hard to maintain hygiene, which increases the chance of getting an infection.
• Tight clothing: Wearing wet, damp, and tight clothes for a long time can irritate the skin and allow the germs to grow rapidly.
• Weak immunity: Changes in weather can sometimes affect immunity, making you more susceptible to infections.

Prevention Tips

To reduce your risk of yeast infections during the monsoon, consider these tips shared by the trusted skin and hair specialist doctor in Chembur, Dr Vedant Ghuse:

• Wear breathable fabrics: Pick cotton underwear and baggy clothes to allow proper circulation of air.
• Practice good hygiene: Make sure to take a shower regularly and wear dry clothes immediately after getting wet.
• Avoid douching: Douching means cleaning or washing the vagina from the inside or out with water or other fluids. You should avoid douching as it disrupts the natural balance of bacteria inside the vagina.
• Manage blood sugar levels: Diabetes without proper management can lead to such infections; therefore, one should ensure they manage the condition well.
• Boost immunity: It is recommended to eat a balanced diet, get enough rest, sleep well, and manage stress to improve your immunity.

While over-the-counter antifungal creams can help with mild yeast infections, it's essential to consult a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist after treatment
• You had to stop or reduce your physical activities or endure a severely painful or uncomfortable sensation.
• You have a fever
• You are pregnant, or there is a history of other health issues.

As previously stated, most women are prone to have at least one or two yeast infections within a year, however, recurrent cases should be addressed by a doctor like Dr Ghuse, an experienced dermatologist in Chembur.

If you notice any symptoms, which contribute to yeast infections during monsoon, it is important to adopt preventive measures to decrease this uncomfortable condition.