When temperatures rise, intimate discomforts sometimes tend to follow the same path. Every summer, many women face vaginal yeast infections caused by heat, humidity and long days spent at the beach or swimming pool. In a video posted on Instagram, Dr. Laure Einaudi, obstetrician-gynecologist, recalls why this period is particularly conducive to these fungal infections.
Why vaginal yeast infections are more common in summer
The mixture of salt, chlorine, perspiration and humidity can alter the natural balance of the intimate area. All these factors create a favorable environment for the proliferation of fungi.
Perspiration, associated with a damp swimsuit kept for several hours after swimming, promotes maceration. This maceration then promotes the development of fungi responsible for mycoses and increases the risk of itching, redness or discomfort. Several specialists also point out that tight or synthetic clothing can accentuate this phenomenon.
Dr Laure Einaudi advises changing your outfit quickly after swimming. This helps reduce persistent humidity which encourages the development of fungal infections.
Actions to adopt to protect your intimate flora
Letting the intimate area breathe is one of the most effective measures. Cotton underwear and loose clothing limit excessive sweating and reduce conditions favorable to infections. These recommendations are consistent with those generally made by health professionals.
Another popular belief that has been challenged: washing more often is not necessarily a good solution. Dr Laure Einaudi recalls that “a single daily wash with an ultra-gentle cleansing treatment, or just water, is more than enough to protect your flora.“
For people prone to recurrences, a course of vaginal probiotics before the summer season can also be considered in order to support the balance of the intimate flora.
Itching, redness: when to consult for a yeast infection?
Despite all precautions, certain signs should alert you. Itching, redness or even thick white discharge are among the most common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
As Dr Laure Einaudi reminds us, “if it starts to itch and it’s red“, you should not wait. A pharmacist can direct you towards initial treatment, but a medical or gynecological consultation allows you to confirm the diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment.