Yeast infections are the worst! The itching, the discomfort, the fidgeting… must we go on? No, because chances are we've all been there and now take all the precautions necessary to make sure it doesn't happen again.
And it's a good job we take them seriously because a new strain of yeast infection has been discovered that can potentially be fatal.
It's called Candida Auris and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is resistant to drugs and can end in the worst case scenario for up to 60% of those infected.
It was first identified in 2009 in Japan but has recently been diagnosed in other countries across the world. The infection lives in the urinary and respiratory tract.
Although this infection is not yet a huge risk in the UK, it's important to remember what we need to do to prevent yeast infections of any sort.
The NHS suggest the following:
- Use water and an emollient soap to clean down the skin around the vagina – but you don't need to do it every day.
- Avoid irritants like scented shower gels, douches, vaginal wipes and deodorants
- Avoid wearing super tight underwear – especially to bed, find out why.
For more information on yeast infections, visit the NHS advice pages or call your GP.
Emma-Louise Pritchard is the Membership Director for Country Living UK & House Beautiful UK, previously Executive Digital Editor for Country Living UK. Emma-Louise is a digital expert specialising in content strategy, social media and newsletters. Her topics include sustainability, homes and interiors, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and countryside news. She has previously written for Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan and has won several awards, from AOP Digital Editor of the Year 2019 to PPA 30 Under 30. Emma-Louise studied at Cardiff University where she completed an MA in Magazine Journalism.
