Diaper rash is a general description for skin irritations that occur under the diaper area in babies. If the rash is mild, and does not involve the skin fold regions, it is usually the result of contact irritation (friction with the diaper) or an allergic reaction to ingredients and fragrances used in the diaper or washes. However, more severe diaper rash is often caused by a bacterial (Staff and Strep) or yeast (Candida) infection. Fungi and bacteria thrive in the warm moist, environments that result from diapering.

In the case of yeast infections caused by Candida, bright red areas form on the skin, often with lesions at the borders. Candida mostly takes hold in skin folds and creases. Bacterial infections are normally associated with tiny blisters or pustules that are easily ruptured.

Diaper rash remedies

The first step is to ensure frequent diaper changes and limit fecal and urine exposure to the affected area. (Frequent diaper changes are also the number one preventative measure for diaper rash)

Use water and soft cloths for cleaning. Disposable wipes may contain irritating chemicals so should be avoided. Take steps to ensure that the skin is completely dry before applying a new diaper. The use of talcum powder or other moisture absorbing powders is a good preventative measure.

If the rash is mild and likely to result from contact irritation, the application of a ‘barrier’ cream or ointment may help to protect the skin from further friction. Again, it is vital that the skin is completely dry before applying a ‘barrier’ cream. It is thought that a zinc oxide based ointment may be more effective than petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as these have an astringent (drying) quality.

Exposing the irritated skin to the air for as long as possible between diaper changes is a very simple, but effective, diaper rash remedy.

As bacterial and yeast infections can progress to secondary areas of the body, if the diaper rash persists or is severe, it is important that you discuss the symptoms with a pediatrician. Diaper rash home remedies may not be effective and your health professional may suggest an antibiotic ointment for the treatment of bacterial infections, or an antifungal topical treatment for yeast infections (diaper Candidiasis). A mild topical corticosteriod preparation is sometimes considered to relive irritation.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when ingested, provide health benefits by improving the balance of healthy intestinal flora (microflora) in the gut. The most common microorganisms used as probiotics are Lactic acid bacteria (the best known being Lactobacillus acidophilus) and bifidobacterial strains.

Studies have linked the best probiotics with a wide range of health benefits including:

• Management of antibiotic associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea.
• Reducing inflammation in the gut and assisting in the management of inflammatory bowel syndromes.
• Preventing harmful bacterial growth and associated toxins.
• Yeast infection treatment by restoring the natural balance of gut microflora thought to keep Candida yeast growth in check. Probiotics are often recommended as part of a Candida diet or yeast free diet.
• Managing lactose intolerance via the action of lactic acid bacteria.
• Prevention of colon cancers. It is thought that probiotics may bind with carcinogenic substances or reduce the activity of harmful enzymes.
• Improving the absorptive capacity of the gut.

Untangling the definitions: Probiotics, Antibiotics, Prebiotics and Symbiotics

It’s useful to think of probiotics, which add beneficial bacteria, in contrast with antibiotics, which are designed to destroy bacteria in the body. Probiotics are often recommended following a course of antibiotics in order to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.

Probiotics, comprised of live bacteria, are sometimes confused with prebiotics, which are non-digestible ingredients, (usually oligosaccharides), that stimulate the activity of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Note also that synbiotics are nutritional supplements combining probiotics and prebiotics.

Choosing the best probiotic supplement

There is no standardized manufacturing process for probiotic supplements, so their effectiveness varies between products. When choosing the best probiotics for your needs, bear in mind the following points:

• While probiotic supplements are available in liquid, powder or capsule form, most health professionals recommend purchasing probiotic capsules. In particular it is important to make sure the capsule has been specifically designed to withstand stomach acids and pass intact to the gastro intestinal tract.
• Multi-strain probiotics that contain both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are the most common. These replicate the bacteria found in most healthy diets. The concentration of bacteria is measured in colony forming units (CFUs) and will vary from product to product. Studies have shown health benefits for products ranging from 30 million to more than 1 trillion CFU/day, but more CFUs does not always mean better quality.
• The best probiotics provide very specific information on the strains provided and how many CFUs per strain.
• Products should have an expiration date and the best probiotic supplements use inert packaging that does not allow any contamination. Note that some products will require refrigeration.

While a yeast infection is a very common condition, it is often mis-diagnosed or not recognized. The infection is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida species of yeast (a type of fungus) in our body and results in a wide range of disparate symptoms, some of which can be quite subtle.

They call it the ‘hidden fungus’ for a reason

Of course if a women is suffering from a case of vaginal thrush, a man has visible male yeast infection symptoms, or a baby has a severe diaper rash, Candida is usually correctly identified as the cause and treatment is started. But more chronic and seemingly unrelated symptoms such as joint pain, headaches, skin rashes, fatigue, general malaise, itchy ears, bloating, depression, and digestive problems are not always associated with a yeast infection.

The other complication when it comes to yeast infections is the difficulty in identifying causal factors, of which there are many. For example, it is commonly accepted that prolonged use of antibiotics is a risk factor. This is because antibiotics negatively affect the natural balance or microorganisms in the gut – between beneficial bacterial strains such as lactobacillus and bifidobacter and harmful bacteria, Candida causing yeasts and parasites.

A diet high in sugar is also associated with yeast outbreaks as the Candida feeds on sugar. Diabetics too are susceptible due to elevated sugars in the blood and stress and hormonal changes are thought to upset the natural balance of flora in the gut. Topical infections such as vaginal thrush for example can be caught through direct contact with an infected surface, clothing or from a sexual partner.

How to get rid of yeast infection

• The first step is to identify any risk factors and take measure to address them. Don’t take antibiotics, steroids or hormones, unless there is a compelling medical necessity of course.
• Second, follow a Candida diet (also known as a yeast free diet) designed to reduce sugars and refined carbohydrates and eliminate yeasts and molds.
• Third consider taking antifungal supplements such as oregano oil, Caprylic acid, Undecyclenic acid, Isatis tinctoria, Berberine, and emphasizing foods with known antifungal qualities such as raw garlic and live natural yogurts.
• Fourth, begin a course of probiotics to repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria, a process thought to help get rid of yeast infection.
• Sixth, increase fiber intake by taking a soluble fiber supplement such as Psylliun seed. Fiber is thought to improve the absorptive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract and may assist in binding yeast toxins.
• Seventh, use topical antifungal medications for surface infections such as genital thrush.
• Eighth, reduce stress as much as possible.
• More information on yeast infection treatment

In very severe cases and resistant yeast strains, sufferers may need to turn to prescription medications on advice of their doctor. Unfortunately as systemic drugs such as Diflucan, Sporonox and Lamasil have been associated with liver damage and can interact negatively with other medications, their use is often considered as a last resort to get rid of yeast infections.

Candida albicans normally lives harmlessly in dark, moist areas of our body such as our gut, throat and intestines. The yeast is kept from overgrowing by our natural body chemistry and the activity of healthy bacteria and microorganisms in our body. If this natural balance is lost, the Candida yeast can multiply rapidly out of control causing discomfort and suffering

There are many possible causes of a Candida outbreak. It is commonly associated with the prolonged (or excessive) use of antibiotics. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria in our body and unfortunately this includes the natural bacteria that work to maintain a health intestine. Diabetics often suffer from yeast infections due to elevated sugar levels in the blood. Hormonal changes and poor diet choices may also alter body biochemistry resulting in the conditions that cause Candida to multiply

Some Candida yeast symptoms are easy to treat. Both vaginal thrush and thrush in men for example can be cured by applying a topical (external) antifungal cream. powder or ointment to affected areas.

But some instances of the disease, particularly those affecting the gut, are more chronic in nature. In severe, systemic cases of Candidiasis of the gut, it is thought that the Candida yeast evolves into fungal form with roots that penetrate the intestinal wall breaking down the barrier between the digestive tract and the bloodstream. This can result in toxins entering the blood and causing a range of disorders. Some of the diseases thought to be associated with Candidiasis include digestive problems, migraines, joint pain, depression, lethargy, ‘brain fog’ and even ADD, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

In order to address the root cause of Candidiasis, it is worth considering the following four part Candida yeast cleanse:

1. Add anti-fungal supplements to your diet as part of the Candida cleansing plan. The most common are oregano oil, caprylic acid, tea tree oil, raw garlic and grape seed extract
2. Start a course of probiotics to supplement the natural bacteria in your gut. Most probiotics contain Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) and Bifidobacteria and underpin a natural Candida cleanse process. See more on best probiotic products.
3. Take a fiber shake such as Psyllium husk regularly. This will help restore the natural absorptive capacity of your intestinal tract.
4. Follow a yeast free diet plan (or Candida cleanse diet). This may be the hardest part of the plan to stick to, but will have long term benefits. As yeasts feed on dietary sugar, the plan omits sugars from the diet. This includes all refined sugars, sweeteners, fruit and fruit juices as well as alcohol and carbohydrate – as both break down into sugars as part of the digestive process.

Yeast free diets are designed to reduce the overabundance of Candida in the body. Candida yeast is a major contributor to a range of chronic diseases including gut bloating, fatigue, insomnia, migraines, ‘brain fog’, depression, joint pain, male yeast infection, thrush in men, vaginal thrush and oral thrush. Candidiasis has also been linked by health professionals to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, arthritis, leaky gut syndrome, chronic fatigue and ADD.

The Candida yeast is present in all of us. The negative symptoms only occurs when the yeast multiples out of control. It is normally held in check by our natural body chemistry and the balance of healthy microorganisms in our body. It is not always possible to identify an individual causal agent that alters the natural balance in our body resulting in a Candida overgrowth. But risk factors include prolonged use of antibiotics, lowered immune system, unhealthy diet, hormonal changes (e.g due to pregnancy or menopause in women) and diabetes. Candida overgrowth can result in lowered blood sugar levels, leading to sugar cravings and overeating.

In order to address the root cause of Candidiasis, a yeast free diet plan is recommended. Also known as an ‘anti candida diet’ this requires the elimination of all types of sugar and processed carbohydrate from the diet. Given these restrictions, it can be hard to stick with a yeast free diet over a period of time. A more sensible approach is to focus on foods you can eat as part of the diet plan instead on what you should avoid.

Allowed yeast free diet foods include the following:

• All kinds of vegetables, including potatoes in moderation
• Beef
• Chicken
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Cheese (but avoid blue, fermented and moldy cheeses)
• Oats and oatmeal
• Natural yogurt
• Rice
• Any kind of non-wheat four. Good substitutes are rice flour and corn flower
• Rice pasta
• Garlic (has known antifungal properties)
• Dietry fibre (changes how foods and chemical are absorbed in the gut)

It’s a good idea to supplement the diet with the following natural antifungal agents as part of an overall candida cleanse plan:

• Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus (a lactic acid Bacteria or LAB) and Bifidobacteria (the main group of bacteria that make up the intestinal flora). More on best probiotic supplements.
• Grape seed extract.
• Tea tree oil, long known to have antiseptic, antibacterial; and antifungal qualities.
• Undecylenic acid, a fatty acid derived from castor oil with antimicrobial qualities.

Focusing on what you can eat is often easier than focusing on what is restricted. Mix and match from the list above and you’ll be able to whip up some tasty yeast free diet recipes.  And the good news is that after following the diet for four to eight weeks (depending on the severity of your yeast infection), and once you are fee of symptoms you can start to re-introduce sugars and other restricted foods back into the diet. But you may also find that your sugar craving is reduced once you have the Candida under control.

It’s been a good month for nail fungus treatment news with another company releasing details of successful clinical trials on a new anti-fungal treatment for onychomycosis. The company NovaBiotics, based in the UK (not be confused with the company in our previous post this month based in the USA) is a biotechnology company currently trialling a new product called Novexatin®.

Novexatin® is a topical, brush on treatment that has just finished Phase IIa clinical trials where 48 patients used the product daily for 28 days. The results confirmed earlier Phase I results showing that the product appears to have no adverse affects on patients from topical application. Earlier nail model trials indicated positive performance in ability to combat nail fungus infection.

The company expects to announce the full data of the completed trials later this year and is currently exploring partnership arrangements for the development and distribution of the treatment. We look forward to seeing this one come to market…

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals recently announced that they have a breakthrough treatment for onychomycosis, more commonly known as nail fungus, with their new Aganocide® compounds. In pre-clinical trals the Aganocide® compounds have demonstrated “potent antifungal activity in an established pre-clinical infected nail model of onychomycosis.”

NovaBay presented the findings at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in Philadelphia on the 1st of this month (you can find the abstract here). A key issue in the use of topical medications for toenail fungus treatment and fingernail fungus is the ability of the antifungal agent to be absorbed into the nail well enough to be able to fight the fungus. The success of Aganocide® seems to be it’s ability to squarely address this problem - not only to fight nail fungus infections but to penetrate and absorb sufficiently through the nail to allow it to effectively combat the fungus.

Dr. Behzad Khosrovi, senior vice president of product development at NovaBay, said “This model tests both the penetration of the nail as well as the effectiveness of the compounds against the targeted fungus. What is remarkable is that, after treatment, the Aganocide formulations were able to eradicate the fungi grown on the other side of the nail, hence indicating not only good penetration but a good antifungal activity against T. rubrum, the fungus responsible for onychomycosis commonly known as nail infection.”

You can listen to a webcast on the findings on the NovaBay site here. You’ll need to register to listen and the interesting information comes between minutes 5 and 11 although the whole webcast lasts around 40 minutes.

Aganocide® looks very promising as a new entrant into the area of nail fungus treatment but it will be a little while yet before we see it in the market place. Until then, the research seems also to support the use of combination treatments to increase the effectiveness of topical nail fungus products.