Plain live yogurt contains Lactobacillus, the same family of bacteria that keeps the body's own surfaces in balance. Against yeast and fungal overgrowth these bacteria compete directly for territory, which is the mechanism behind yogurt's long folk use for candida and athlete's foot.
There is a second, simpler effect. Yogurt is cool, mildly acidic and soothing, so on inflamed, itching skin it brings immediate relief regardless of what the cultures are doing.
The book also notes it for arthritis and general foot pain, where the benefit is anti-inflammatory and dietary as much as topical.
