Skin diseases are very common in dogs and dog yeast infection is one of them. This condition always starts with simple itching and rash with a gradual thickening of skin. If neglected the itch becomes acute and emits foul odor. The entire body of the dog can be affected by it. This is quite a troublesome situation but it can be treated effectively if checked in initial stages.
Malessezia dermatitis is the fungal infection that causes this situation. The yeast lives on normal skin, in ears, and on anal glands, but if it is present in large amount then disease results. There may be many reasons of yeast proliferation but increase in skin oils is a major contributor to it. Sometimes immune deficiency or allergic conditions like seborrhea lead to such overgrowth of yeast.
Some other prominent reasons that contribute to dog yeast infection are antibiotic overuse, poor nutrition, over vaccination, hormone stress, anxiousness, high strung hyperactivity, change in environs, inbreeding, fleas, and heartworm medications.
It is important to identify overgrowth of yeast as early as possible. This identification is done by various methods like scotch tape sampling, impression smear, skin scraping with blade, cotton swab method, and skin biopsy. Although all breeds of dogs are prone to dog yeast infection, breeds like White Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Shetland sheepdog, Lhasa apso, Australian terrier, Chihuahua, Silky terrier, West Highland, Basset hound, dachshund, and Cocker spaniel are found to be predisposed to yeast infections genetically.
The dog ear yeast infection is one of the most pestering of problems. Since yeast prospers in warm and moist environs, dog's ear is the most suitable place for proliferation of yeast. The yeast growth manifests in external as well as internal expressions of the disease.
Some of the external expressions of yeast infections consist of itchy skin, skin irritation, redness, inflammation, odor, sensitivity to light, sound and movement. Sometime many of these symptoms passed as symptoms of allergy and bacterial infection which unnecessarily delays treatment. Some internal symptoms are gastrointestinal track problems, lethargy, bloating, depression, arthritis, fatigue, weakened immune system, and inadequate absorption of nutrients.
The treatments for this condition need to focus upon external and internal control of yeast infection. To detoxify the body of the dog, metabolic enzyme can be used. To maintain the pH balance of the stomach, digestive and dietary enzymes can be used. Use of oxy-drops in water and food can be beneficial to check the growth pathogenic bacteria and fungus in your dog's system.
To treat dog yeast infection externally, bathe the dog using a sulfur based shampoo. Rinsing the affected parts with 50-50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water is very useful. As for the ears you have to consult you vet for proper care and medication.
Oral therapy combined with spot treatment can work wonders for dog ear yeast infection. There are many medications available in market to treat dog yeast infection and are reputed to produce good effects. Yet, it is best to consult a vet and use only prescription medicines on your pet.
Since prevention is better than cure, constant vigilance could avoid these troublesome occurrences of yeast infection. Proper care and treatment can help to prevent recurrent infections. While consulting the vet explain dog's habit, previous medical history for proper diagnosis. A little sensitivity and a vigilant eye can save your pet from a lot of discomfort.
The problem of vaginal yeast infection occurs when there is an excess amount of yeast cells in the vagina. Usually these cells are kept from multiplying by the acid balance in the vagina, and so it helps to understand what causes an imbalance.
Ironically one of the causes of a yeast infection can be antibiotics. If you have a urinary tract infection, the antibiotic you use to cure it may indeed be creating conditions in which yeast infection thrives.
While antibiotics destroy harmful microorganisms, they can also destroy "good" ones. This causes an imbalance and conditions which enable Candida cells to grow in their place, resulting in an excess number of yeast cells. In some cases, this manifests itself as a vaginal yeast infection.
When do yeast infections occur
Yeast infections can occur during pregnancy, at the end of menstruation, being on a course of antibiotics, or using birth control pills. Child bearing years is certainly a common time to have a yeast infection.
Recognizing a vaginal yeast infection
The most common vaginal yeast infection symptoms are itching in the vagina or vulva region. Sex can be painful and a vaginal yeast infection discharge often occurs, similar to cottage cheese in consistency. You can easily find pictures of vaginal yeast infection on the Internet. Simply search for the term "pictures of vaginal yeast infection".
How to treat a vaginal yeast infection
Treatments for vaginal yeast infections range from natural home remedies to over the counter vaginal yeast infection medication such as antifungal creams like MONISTAT.
Popular home cures for vaginal yeast infections use garlic or yogurt. A good tip is to take yogurt when you are on a course of antibiotics. Be sure to choose yogurt with acidophilus (check the label) since it helps with the fight against yeast infection.
Some people use boric acid for vaginal yeast infections, in the form of supplements. However, boric acid should never be taken during pregnancy, and it's best not to even consider using it until you have talked to your doctor about it.
When treating a yeast infection, it's one thing to get pain relief and it's another to actually cure the cause. It's best to get to the root of recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Understand the symptoms for vaginal yeast infection and get well educated before seeing your doctor so you can make the best possible decision for treating the infection.
Both Kang-pang Chan & Frank Thornton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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