How Are Yeast Infections Treated
Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, its best to talk with your doctor for an official diagnosis.
However, if youre familiar with the symptoms, youll likely be able to pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.
Talk with your doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:
- your symptoms dont go away after finishing treatment
- the infection comes back within 2 months
- you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months
Prescription yeast infection medications can include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Diflucan is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.
Other available OTC or prescription medications include:
Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.
Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of alleviating symptoms, they tend to work differently.
What Is The Strongest Medicine For Yeast Infection
One of the strongest medications used to treat yeast infections is Diflucan which is typically only taken once. This is an oral medication that kills fungus and yeast throughout the body and is not safe for pregnant women. It is usually strong enough to only be taken once, but patients with recurrent yeast infections may need to take more than one dose over the course of a few days or months to combat a vaginal infection.
Last But Not Yeast: When To See A Doc
The symptoms of a yeast infection can seem similar to those of other vaginal health conditions such as bacterial vaginosis , which can lead to complications if left untreated.
Some infections may even require prescription meds to clear up. A severe yeast infection might be more painful and cause redness and .
If youre prone to yeast infections, you might be able to recognize the telltale signs and try to treat the infection at home using OTC meds. But Jones recommends seeing a doc if youre getting yeast infections on the regular. Ditto if youve tried an OTC treatment and youre still having symptoms.
If you use a store-bought treatment for a yeast infection, its pretty common to experience some discomfort and burning. But if that fire-like feeling doesnt go away or gets worse, you should see a doctor to rule out an allergic reaction or injury.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection
There are several tell-tale signs of a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms can include:
- A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese.
- Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva because of fragile skin in the area.
- A burning feeling when you pee.
In some cases, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection can be pain during sex.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms people feel when they have a sexually transmitted infection or other vaginal infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so they can examine you.
Who Cannot Take Or Use Antifungal Medication
- Generally everybody can use the antifungal creams without a problem: if in doubt, take advice from your doctor.
- The antifungal pills are stronger than the creams and can interact with any other pills you are taking. You must check with a doctor before taking an antifungal pill, if you take other medicines.
- Generally young children should not take antifungal tablets, but are OK to use the creams.
- Elderly people should ask their doctor before using an antifungal pill, but are generally fine to use the antifungal creams.
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What To Expect From Prescription Treatment
If you have severe symptoms or OTC medication doesnt clear up your infection, you may need a prescription medication. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking antifungal medications regularly if you get frequent yeast infections.
Prescription yeast infection medications, such as fluconazole , are taken by mouth. Youll usually only need one dose, but you may be prescribed two doses for very severe symptoms.
Other prescription yeast infection treatments include vaginal antifungal medications you can use for up to two weeks.
Your doctor may also recommend boric acid, another vaginal treatment, that can help treat yeast infections that dont respond to antifungal medications.
If you get a yeast infection while pregnant, OTC topical treatments can provide relief. Your healthcare provider wont prescribe fluconazole, as it can increase the risk of birth defects.
Still, its important to follow up with your healthcare provider if youre pregnant and have a yeast infection thats not getting better.
Essential Oil Of Oregano
Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery stores spice section. However, the oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections is not the same type.
Look for oregano oil made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.
A 2017 study found oregano essential oil to be effective in altering the growth of C. Albicans.
Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use essential oil of oregano, experts recommend diluting it in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, at this time.
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Treatment For Yeast Infection In Children
The treatment may vary according to the affected area, the severity of the infection, and the childâs health status. Treatment options may include the following .
How Are Antifungal Drugs Normally Used
Antifungal drugs kill or reduce the growth of fungi . The following medications are often used to treat vaginal yeast infections:
Fluconazole is only available as a tablet, and you need a prescription to get it. Most of the creams and vaginal suppositories are available from pharmacies without a prescription. In Germany and other countries you have to pay for them yourself, though.
There is also a different treatment where you take just one tablet. Doctors may recommend using that if you have your period, for instance.
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What Increases My Risk Of Getting A Yeast Infection
Certain factors make you more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection.
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. Some of those are:
Certain lifestyle risk factors also increase your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:
- Sitting in a wet bathing suit.
- Not changing out of sweaty clothes.
- Wearing scented tampons or using a vaginal deodorant.
Antifungal Creams Liquids Or Sprays
These are used to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. They include clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole, terbinafine, and amorolfine. They come in various different brand names.
Sometimes an antifungal cream is combined with other creams when two actions are required. For example, an antifungal cream is often combined with a mild steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, to treat certain rashes. The antifungal cream clears the infection, and the mild steroid cream reduces the inflammation caused by the infection.
There are also separate leaflets in this series that deal with Candidal Skin Infection , Fungal Scalp Infection and Fungal Nail Infections .
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to fluconazole.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish taking the fluconazole, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
How To Use Fluconazole Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet before you start taking fluconazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
In Canada, some brands of this medication are available without a prescription. Before taking over-the-counter fluconazole, read the product instructions and talk to your doctor if this is your first vaginal yeast infection, if this is your second infection within 2 months, or if you are considering treatment for a girl under 12 years old.
Take this medication by mouth usually as a single dose, with or without food at any time of the day, or as directed by your doctor.
The effect of this medication continues for several days. If your condition does not improve after a few days or if it worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
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What Food Causes Yeast Infection In Dogs
There is no specific food type that will definitely cause yeast infections in dogs. Some animals have underlying allergies to certain ingredients found in dog food though, leaving them more prone to a secondary skin infection.
Everyday ingredients like chicken or beef could cause flare ups in some dogs, so a dietary trial may need to be performed to work out what your pets individual triggers are. Unless your dog has a proven allergy, his diet will not be causing his yeast infection.
Some Candida Species Are Resistant To Drugs
Though azoles work well against C. albicans, some other Candida species are resistant to these first-line drugs.
For example, about half of C. glabrata strains isolated from recurrent yeast infections are far less susceptible to fluconazole than C. albicans, and C. krusei is completely resistant to it.
To treat non-albicans yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe a Mycostatin vaginal cream or tablet, which you must apply or take daily for 14 days.
With treatment, your yeast infection will pass after one to seven days .
If a week is too long for you, you can also try a single dose of a powerful azole oral medication fluconazole, if appropriate.
Other antifungals, such as amphotericin B and flucytosine, are also available for the treatment of non-albicans yeast infections.
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Are Yeast Infections Contagious
Yeast infections arent considered to be sexually transmitted infections , but they can be passed to a partner if you have sex without a barrier method.
Its also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you wont catch a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.
How Can You Prevent Vaginal Candidiasis
Eating natural, unsweetened yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus may help prevent yeast infections occurring.
The risk of yeast infections may also be lessened by staying hydrated and urinating when the need arises, not holding it in.
Women should wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, urinate before and after sex, and avoiding using douches, vaginal sprays, and scented feminine hygiene products.
They should also avoid wearing restrictive, synthetic clothing, or change out of such clothing as soon as possible after exercising or swimming.
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- headache rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
- stomach pain try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your tummy may also help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
- diarrhoea drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- feeling or being sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. If you are being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. It might help to take your fluconazole after a meal or snack.
- rash it may help to take an antihistamine, which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is right for you. If the rash gets worse, or does not get better after a week, speak to your doctor.
How Long Does A Penile Yeast Infection Last
If your infection is treated early and responds well to antifungal medication, it can clear up within 7 to 14 days.
If you are sexually active, your partner should also be treated for a yeast infection to avoid passing the infection on to them, or back to you.
If you get repeated yeast infections and can rule out causes like hygiene and sexual contact, talk with a doctor about other possible causes. You may have an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
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Probiotic Suppositories And Supplements
Probiotics help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
If you start a regimen of oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, you can bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment. Eating yogurt is one way to increase probiotics.
Oral supplements take about 10 days to reach full effect, so some people use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to see results more quickly.
Probiotic suppositories have also been shown to be effective for treating vaginosis.
How Is Brexafemme Different
Like Diflucan, its a pill that you take to treat vaginal yeast infections. Many people find relief within 10 days of their first dose.
What makes it different is how it works. The most significant benefit of Brexafemme is that it is fungicidal, meaning that it kills the fungus, says Maureen Whelihan, MD. Shes a gynecologist practicing in Palm Beach County, Florida. Diflucan, on the other hand, is fungistatic, meaning that it just slows the growth of the fungus.
Brexafemme also attacks the fungus differently than any other option on the market. Internal yeast infections are caused by fungi called candida. And there are many different strains of candida. Brexafemme has been shown to fight more strains than traditional treatments. And this gives people with tricky-to-treat infections another option.
With Diflucan, the typical treatment is 1 tablet. But if the infection doesnt go away, you may be told to take 1 tablet twice a week, or to take 1 tablet each week for 3 weeks. With Diflucan, we are finding that often we need to do a prolonged therapy, Dr. Whelihan says. I would hope that the new product does a better job with persistent or resistant yeast infections.
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What Causes Yeast Infections
Yeast infections usually occur secondary to other issues. Yeasts are found in low numbers on normal dogs in places like the ear canals and lip margins, usually causing no issues.
But in a dog that has an underlying skin condition, these yeasts are given optimum conditions in which to multiply. The most common yeast infection in dogs is known as Malassezia dermatitis caused by a yeast called Malassezia pachydermatis.
The types of underlying conditions that can predispose a dog to secondary yeast infections include:
- Bacterial skin infections )
- Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis
- Hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism
- Excessive skin folds
How Do You Prevent A Penile Yeast Infection
You can help prevent a penile yeast infection by avoiding sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection.
You should also avoid having sex with anyone while you have an active yeast infection, as you could pass the infection back to your partner. This could cause the two of you to pass an infection back and forth.
To lower the risk of getting a yeast infection or passing one along, do the following:
- Wear an external condom each time you have sex to help reduce your chances of developing a yeast infection.
- If you are uncircumcised, clean under the foreskin with soap and water, and return your foreskin to its usual position after you have sexual intercourse.
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Treating Yeast Infections And Drug Interactions
Medication interactions can be a serious issue, and its important to educate yourself about certain kinds of drug interactions. Did you know that for women who take medications on a regular basislike oral contraceptives or medicines for treating diabetes or high cholesterolwhen treating a yeast infection, theres more to think about than just eliminating symptoms? For these women, MONISTAT® may be a safer choice. This is because topical antifungals cause fewer drug interactions within the body because they work at the site of the infection, not in the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that oral antifungals such as fluconazole have been associated with abnormal elevations of liver enzymes. Because the body metabolizes fluconazole in the liver, interactions can occur if you take fluconazole along with other medications that are also metabolized in the liver.¹ Even if you take just one tablet, fluconazole remains in your body for days. Before you take fluconazole to treat a yeast infection, check with your healthcare professional or pharmacist about potential interactions with medicines you may already be taking, or check for medication interactions online. This is especially important if you experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections, since your healthcare professional may be likely to prescribe multiple doses of fluconazole.¹