Neem has proven effective against certain fungi that infect the human body. Such fungi are an increasing problem and have been difficult to control by synthetic fungicides. For example, in one laboratory study, conducted by Khan and Wassilew – 1987, Neem preparations showed toxicity to cultures of 14 common fungi, including members of the following genera:

• Trichophyton – an ‘athlete’s foot’ fungus that infects hair, skin and nails;
• Epidermophyton – a ‘ringworm’ that invades both skin and nails of the feet;
• Microsporum – a ‘ringworm’ that invades hair, skin and(rarely) nails;
• Trichosporon – a fungus of the intestinal tract;
• Geotrichum – a yeast like fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs and mucous membranes;
• Candida – a yeast-like fungus that is part of the normal flora but can get out of control, leading to lesions in mouth (thrush), vagina, skin, hands and lungs.

Yeast Infection.
For infections of the skin, rubbing a neem-based cream on the affected areas several times per day, especially after washing or getting the area wet, will relieve the itching, heal the skin and get rid of the infection. For vaginal yeast infections, a neem based cream can be applied with cotton swabs or douche with neem leaf extract. Drinking three cups of neem tea for several days will help rid the body of both external and internal infection.

Candida
This is a vaginal infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus. It is also commonly known as vaginal thrush or yeast infection.

Candida albicans is a naturally occurring fungus which is usually found in the moist parts of the body such as the vagina. The body is usually able to keep the growth of yeast under control, but sometimes the yeast take over, resulting in an infection. When such an infection occurs in the vagina, it is called a vaginal yeast infection.

Research
Effect of aqueous extract from Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on hydrophobicity, biofilm formation and adhesion in composite resin by Candida albicans

If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may experience one or more of the following:

· A thick, cheese-like vaginal discharge.
· Burning or itching around the vagina.
· Burning sensation when urinating.
· Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
· Swelling of the vulva (the female external genitalia).

It is estimated that around 75% of women experience them at least once in their life.

There are a number of factors which make a woman more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections:

Taking antibiotics:
The growth of yeast in the vagina is kept under control by certain 'friendly' bacteria. Antibiotics kill these bacteria, allowing the yeast to take over.

Pregnancy and the contraceptive pill:
Both of these things bring about hormonal changes, which can alter the pH balance in the vagina making it more alkaline. Yeast thrives in an alkaline environment. Older, higher dose oral contraceptive pills may also increase a woman’s susceptibility to vaginal thrush.

Diabetes:
This raises the sugar content in your blood and urine, which encourages the growth of yeast.

Stress:
Women who are under stress from a poor diet, an illness or lack of sleep are more susceptible.

A weak immune system:
If your immune system has been weakened by something like chemotherapy, you may be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections.

If properly treated, the majority of vaginal yeast infections are gone within two weeks. Sometimes it only takes a few days.If left untreated, these infections can persist for years.

Bathing in warm, salted water is very soothing. You should avoid all chemicals, such as bubble bath. Avoid tights or tight-fitting clothing.

If you are sexually active simultaneous treatment of your sexual partner to prevent re-infection is recommended. Men may carry a yeast infection without suffering any symptoms themselves.

There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent vaginal yeast infections:

· Keep the external genital area clean and dry.
· After washing, pat the area dry.
· If you have been swimming, change quickly into your dry clothes.
· Wear loose cotton underwear.
· If possible, do not wear underwear in bed in order to give your genital area a breather.
· Avoid irritating soaps, bubble baths and shower gels.
· Wipe front to back after urinating.
· Avoid the perfumed sanitary pads and tampons as the perfume may cause irritation.
· Avoid antibiotics.

Many women experience more than one vaginal yeast infection in their life.

If your vaginal yeast infection keeps recurring, visit your doctor.

National Candida Society