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Yes, you can scratch a yeast infection as long as it does not disrupt the skin barrier. The most important function of the skin is to create a barrier between the inside and outside of the organism. This is known as the skin barrier. The epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) is the physical, chemical / biochemical, and adaptive immunological barrier. The actual physical barrier consists primarily of the stratum corneum (which is the outermost layer of the epidermis) (Proksch, Brandner, Jensen; 2008).
Scratching a yeast infection can possibly make it worse. Yet, some scratching, that does not disrupt the skin barrier, is probably not going to make a yeast infection worse.
If the skin barrier is disrupted through scratching, a secondary infection can occur; e.g., from bacteria. And, it is probably safe to assume that Candida (the genus of fungi that can cause yeast infections) will take advantage of damaged skin as well. Thus, if you scratch your yeast infection too much, it can lead to further skin infections--and possibly an aggravated Candida infection.
If you have a yeast infection bleeding from scratching, this is probably a sign you need to stop scratching. Bleeding is a sure sign that the skin barrier has been disrupted; and, this could put you in a position to develop a second infection. If you are bleeding from scratching, try and stop scratching! Then, make sure you disinfect the area with hydrogen peroxide (and, hydrogen peroxide can help cure a yeast infection) and keep it as dry as you can. This should help reduce the likelihood of a secondary infection occurring.
If you have been suffering from recurrent yeast infections, and scratching is a common course of action you take, you may be in an itch-scratch cycle. At times, excessive scratching itself can lead to further itchiness (itchiness is also known as pruritus). This additional itchiness, in turn, evokes a scratch behavior; and, a cycle ensues. Eventually, a condition known as lichen simplex chronicus can occur from too much scratching. We will discuss lichen simplex chronicus in greater detail later in this article.
Because scratching can lead to further infection and the itch-scratch cycle, it may be very important to relieve the itch of a yeast infection quickly. Fortunately, there are natural remedies that both relieve itching and get rid of Candida. These remedies are beyond the scope of this article, but are addressed in further detail in the following articles:
A 1/2 Day & Yeast is Gone!
Linda Allen suffered from yeast infections for years. Through researching natural medicine & Candida, she found an efficacious solution!
Linda is one expert you want on your side! Let her show you how to get rid of a superficial yeast infection in just 12 hours; AND, keep it gone!
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Visit Official Site!The Itch-Scratch Cycle
A paper, published in Dermatology Nursing [19.3 (2007): 243], discusses the itch-scratch cycle. The paper explains that medical data supports the fact that scratching can cause injury to the skin and the direct release of inflammatory mediators that enhance, or even cause, itching. Scratching damages the skin and can start an itch-scratch cycle. This cycle can cause further skin disruption.
This paper also explains that the itch-scratch cycle can also lead to a secondary infection, damage, skin thickening, scaring, and lengthen the time required by the healing process.
Another journal paper, published in Dermatology Nursing [16.4 (2004): 325], discusses itching and the itch-scratch cycle. The paper reports that the primary symptom in people with inflammatory skin diseases is pruritus. It is also stated that pruritus is not easy to live with and can affect a person’s quality of life considerably.
The paper states there are many causes of pruritus, yet regardless of the cause, itch causes a person to scratch; and, this scratching increases inflammation and stimulates nerves. The result of scratching can therefore be more itching, and more scratching. If the itch-scratch cycle continues, the integrity of the skin can be compromised leading to skin barrier damage. Scratching can also cause the skin to become thickened and leather-like, and prurigo nodules can form. The successful treatment of this situation requires the itch-scratch cycle to be stopped.
Eliminate Bacterial Vaginosis & Vaginal Odor
Jennifer O’Brien is one prominent expert on BV that knows how to get rid of vaginal odor. BV is a common infection that you don’t have to put up with.
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Visit Official Site!What is Itchiness?
A study, published in American Family Physician [2003 Sep 15;68(6):1135-42], discusses abnormal itching (pruritus).
Itching starts with the free nerve endings in the skin. The sensation of itching is transmitted through nerves called C fibers. C fibers are unmyelinated; which means they do not have a protective myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fiber. C fibers carry information related to itching, pain, and temperature.
The study states that, without regard to the cause, itching is often made worse by skin inflammation, skin vasodilation (the dilation of blood vessels), dry or hot environmental conditions, and mental stressors.
The study further states that histamine, a chemical that can be released in people with allergic reactions or hives (urticaria), is classically associated with pruritus. With the exception of allergic conditions, histamine can be considered only one chemical factor for itching.
Concerning scratching, complications can arise when pruritus brings about intense scratching. One of these is lichen simplex chronicus (LSC); which is localized skin thickening. A variant of lichen simplex chronicus, known as prurigo nodularis, 10mm to 20mm nodules occur over areas that are heavily scratched. Prurigo nodularis can be treated with a cream containing capsaicin (the chemical in chili peppers that makes them spicy)--applied topically 4 to 6 times a day for 2 to 8 weeks.
More about Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC)
![Pictured here is a person with lichen simplex chronicus caused by chronic scratching by the opposite heel. This condition is brought on by excessive scratching of the skin. When a yeast infection causes itchiness, it is important not to scratch too much. Image Source: World Allergy Organization Journal [3.6 (2010): 202-215].](/img/Lichen-simplex-chronicus-of-Foot.jpg)
A study, published in Dermatologic Therapy [17.1 (2004): 8-19], discusses LSC. The author of the study states that LSC happens in two ways.
In the first way, LSC can arise for the first time on tissue with a normal appearance. In this regard it can be called "itch which rashes," and can be considered the final outcome of pruritus.
The second way is when LSC develops due to some underlying skin disease. One disease the author states as causing LSC in this way is candidiasis (a Candida infection; i.e., yeast infection).
The author states that both types of LSC have the same basic process where the itch-scratch cycle becomes the primary role for the continuation of the disease. The differences between the first and second way LSC is that the first way is caused by mental and environmental factors; and, the second way is caused by a skin disease.
Concerning scratching related to LSC the study states that all people report the presence of itching; and, nearly all people with LSC report that the itching is severe and hard to control / deal with. Most of the people with LSC state they respond to the itching with vigorous scratching or rubbing.
This reporting of scratching may be reduced by dishonesty, as some people understand that scratching is not the best course of action for the condition. Other people freely report that they scratch. These people frequently indicate they continue to scratch until the damage done to the skin causes the itching to be replaced with pain. The study reports: "Essentially, all patients demonstrate the presence of the ‘itch-scratch’ cycle."
According to this study, the symptoms of LSC include the presence of one or more abnormally red plaques with scaling skin that has become thickened and more leather-like. These plaques can have varying degrees of skin wearing off. In almost all cases, the skin becomes thickened and leather-like and this is the most dominant clinical feature.
Concerning the prognosis (likely outcome of the disease), the study states that LSC can generally be considered as bening, although a very uncomfortable, condition. Excessive scratching is sometimes so vigorous that damage can occur in the form of scarring, genital distortion, and fibrosis.
Clair Goodall: Author & Nature Lover
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Visit Official Site!A 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure via Natural Medicine
Yeast infections notoriously affect women more than they do men. Yet, both men and women can find they develop recurring yeast infections.
Concerning women with recurrent yeast infections, a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [p214.1 (2016): 15-21] discusses this. The study states that most episodes of vaginal yeast infections are sporadic and acute (happening suddenly and not long term). Yet some women have more chronic, long-term problems with vaginal yeast infections. And, still another group--those with recurrent yeast infections--have yeast infections that reoccur but are without symptoms in between episodes.
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections, according to this study, are defined as 3 episodes within a 12 month period; and some researchers require 4 episodes to classify a woman’s condition as recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
This research paper explains that the estimated prevalence of recurrent vaginal candidiasis may be 6% to 9% of women. Another estimate is that recurrent vaginal candidiasis affects about 138 million women annually and 492 million women over the course of their lives. Therefore, Candida is a real, and prominent, problem for women all over the world.
One woman who suffered from recurrent yeast infections, for about 12 years, was Linda Allen. Linda’s problems with Candida started around her late teen years. Eventually, Linda developed a systemic Candida problem. This yeast had invaded her body and caused a host of unusual health problems, in addition to recurrent infections.
Linda sought the advice of doctors, but their prescriptions only seemed to help for a short time. Eventually, her unusual symptoms would return. Her doctor even tried putting her on allergy medication; but, nothing seemed to work long term.
The medical costs Linda incurred were significant. Linda ended up spending thousands of dollars to deal with her ongoing infections over the years. The expensive medical treatment resulted in an assortment of side effects and a large financial loss. Linda’s family even helped pay for her medical expenses; and, this cost left them without much money to spare.
Eventually Linda visited a naturopath, and was correctly diagnosed with a systemic Candida problem. Although the naturopath did not provide a permanent solution, they did give her the "missing diagnosis." Candida was the source of Linda’s health problems.
After a great deal of personal research, and testing purported cures, Linda developed a natural system to eliminate systemic Candida. After spending about a year refining her new approach, Linda tried it on herself. The results were simply amazing. Linda found that she was totally cured of her systemic yeast infection. She even had doctors run tests to check for infection; and, these tests showed that all indicators of infection were gone.
Linda even developed a natural treatment method that will get rid of a superficial (not systemic) yeast infection (such as a genital, skin, or oral infection) in just 12 hours of time.
Linda went on to write a book detailing her natural system for curing Candida. Her book is available as a downloadable ebook and can be purchased instantly from her publisher.
Linda’s publisher (a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated) also provides a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee on her book. If you decide to try Linda’s book, you can get a full refund of your money within 60 days of buying her book. And, after downloading the book, this should be more than enough time to verify Linda’s 12 hour cure works.
If you would like to find out more about Linda’s personal story, read reviews of others who gave her natural treatment protocol a try, or would like to get more information about Linda’s book; you can learn more at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x -- Proksch, Ehrhardt, Johanna M. Brandner, and Jens?Michael Jensen. "The skin: an indispensable barrier." Experimental Dermatology [17.12 (2008): 1063-1072].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17626502/ -- Grillo, M., R. Long, and D. Long. "Habit reversal training for the itch-scratch cycle associated with pruritic skin conditions." Dermatology Nursing [19.3 (2007): 243].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15471044/ -- Yosipovitch, G., and J. L. Hundley. "Practical guidelines for relief of itch." Dermatology Nursing [16.4 (2004): 325].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14524401/ -- Moses S. "Pruritus." American Family Physician [2003 Sep 15;68(6):1135-42].
- https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cv.html -- "Conduction Velocity." Neuroscience for Kids. University of Washington (Seattle, WA; USA)
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04002.x -- Lynch, Peter J. "Lichen simplex chronicus (atopic/neurodermatitis) of the anogenital region." Dermatologic Therapy [17.1 (2004): 8-19].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.067 -- Sobel, Jack D. "Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [p214.1 (2016): 15-21].
Image Sources:
- https://doi.org/10.1097/WOX.0b013e3181e2eb2e — Kim, Dennis, and Richard Lockey. "Dermatology for the allergist." World Allergy Organization Journal 3.6 (2010): 202-215. Image used under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
