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There Are Dozens Of Treatments For Vaginal Yeast Infections Which One Is Right For You
Yeast infections are caused by the Candida genus of yeasts , most often Candida albicans.
Research shows that C. albicans colonizes the vaginas of about 20 percent of women and 30 percent of pregnant women.
Though this colonization doesnt cause symptoms, symptomatic yeast infections can develop when the balance of microbial communities within the body gets thrown off by things like medication , hormonal changes, and the overuse of feminine hygiene products.
There are numerous drugs that can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
They can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription, and take the form of an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or medicated tampon. An oral tablet is also available.
Its important to get diagnosed by your doctor before trying OTC drugs especially if youve never had a yeast infection before because the symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other types of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis .
Best For Varying Treatment Options: Monistat
Monistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days worth of doses.
This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some of the packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.
Each applicator contains 200 milligrams of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.
This product is available starting from $13.97.
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How Is Yeast Dermatitis Treated
Treatment for yeast dermatitis may be topical, oral, or a combination of both, and is based on the severity of your dog’s condition.
Topical treatment. Treatment with medicated shampoos is a vital part of treating yeast dermatitis. Many dogs with greasy or oily skin will require an initial degreasing cleansing with a shampoo containing selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide. After the initial bathing is complete, bathing with an anti-fungal shampoo containing chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole is performed. It is important the anti-fungal shampoo remain in contact with the skin for at least ten minutes. To be effective, this topical treatment is required every 3-5 days for two to twelve weeks. If the infection is in the ears or in only one or two spots on the skin, a topical ointment may be prescribed for daily use.
Oral treatment. In more severe, chronic, or persistent cases of yeast dermatitis, the use of oral or systemic anti-fungal medications is often required. Many dogs with yeast dermatitis will also have a bacterial skin infection and will require antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection for typically four to twelve weeks. Oral anti-fungal medications include ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
Yeast Infection In Dogs: A Vet’s Guide To Causes And Treatment
A yeast infection in dogs is a very common ear and skin complaint, read on to find out more!
A yeast infection in dogs is a very common diagnosis in veterinary practice. Many dogs suffer from skin and ear complaints, and yeasts are a frequent contributing factor to these. But did you know that even normal dogs have a small number of commensal yeasts present on their body at any one time?
These low levels do not cause an issue in healthy dogs, but in animals suffering from underlying conditions such as skin allergies or seborrhoea , these yeasts can start to multiply. This increases levels of discomfort, causing itchiness and skin redness.
In this article, well explore yeast infections in more detail, including treatment options and preventative measures.
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How To Care For A Dog With A Yeast Infection
If your dog is diagnosed with a yeast infection then your vet will usually prescribe you some medication. The exact type will depend on the location of the yeast infection. For ear infections, topical ear drops and ear cleaners could be advised. For skin infections, medicated shampoos or washes are used. Occasionally, oral medications like ketoconazole are used, although this is rare.
Sometimes additional medications are required such as steroids to help with inflammation and itchiness and antibiotics . Other allergy medications may be discussed or perhaps a prescription diet to carry out a food trial if your dog is suspected to have a food allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaginal Yeast Infections
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using CanesOral® if you:
- Are at increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases
- have multiple sexual partners
- Have frequent vaginal infections or if your yeast infection returns in less than 2 months.
- Have never had a yeast infection before.
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have any of the following symptoms which may be signs of a serious condition:
- abdominal, back or shoulder pain.
- fever or chills.
- vaginal haemorrhaging or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Stop using CanesOral® and ask a doctor if
- there is no improvement in 3 days or if symptoms have not disappeared within 7 days
- you have abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge during use of this medication
- skin rash or new irritation occurs
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Vagistat 3 Day Yeast Infection Treatment For Women
Vagistat 3 is used as a vaginal yeast infection treatment that helps to reduce vaginal itching, burning sensations, and discharge that occur due to yeast conditions. It is an antifungal that stops the growth of yeast, which is an infection-causing fungus. With the use of this product, you will regain your self-confidence and esteem as there is no more worry of bad odors and itch.
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
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What Will Happen If A Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated
Typically, a yeast infection will worsen if left untreated. The Candida fungus will multiply the longer it is not treated and balance is not restored to the vaginal tissue. In some cases, the infection can become severe or life-threatening if left for too long. It is important to seek medical attention or treat vaginal infections when they occur.
How Does A Dog Get A Yeast Skin Infection
The skin is host to innumerable bacteria and fungi. Under normal circumstances, these organisms do not cause a problem and are kept under control by the immune system. If conditions on the skin change or if the immune system is suppressed, these bacteria and fungi can cause infection. These types of infections are termed opportunistic infections. If the number of yeast organisms on the skin increase, a yeast skin infection results.
“Yeast dermatitis is not contagious.”
A common cause of a yeast skin infection is an increase in the amount of oils produced on the skin. This is most frequently associated with allergic skin disease. Another common cause of excess skin oils is seborrhea oleosa .
Some dogs have an immune deficiency making them ineffective at fighting yeast infections resulting in chronic infection. Dogs that receive immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids may also be unable to effectively prevent yeast infections, so may develop a chronic yeast infection.
Yeast dermatitis is not contagious your dog did not get this infection from another dog. Opportunistic yeast infections often recur unless the underlying allergy or skin condition is controlled.
There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
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Who Shouldnt Take Antifungal Medications
Medication safety depends on the antifungal drug. Breastfeeding infants who develop thrush can get antifungal mouth drops. Their moms also need treatment, typically with an antifungal skin cream. Your healthcare provider can determine whether its OK for you or your child to take an antifungal medicine.
What Is Skin Yeast Infection
To better understand what this condition is, we first need to know what causes it. A skin yeast infection in dogs is often caused by a fungus known as Malassezia pachydermatis. Under normal conditions, this fungus does not present any problem for the dog and it remains in its yeast form as its growth is checked by the natural acidity of the dogs skin.
When an underlying medical condition or when external conditions have changed the dogs skin pH level making it more alkaline, it spreads by producing spores that penetrate the skin where it obtains its nutrition. At this stage, the yeast had become a pathogen which is capable of destroying the skin and producing toxins which can affect your dogs health.
Another possible cause of a skin yeast infection is Candida Albicans which is a type of fungus normally found in the dogs gut. When the internal balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is thrown into disorder, it can reproduce and spread throughout the body by entering the bloodstream.
One of the ways in which this is manifested is through skin infections and it can be a very serious condition since this can only mean that the fungus may also have spread to the various organs in the body. Since an average person cannot easily tell which of the two is the cause of the infection it is always a good idea to bring your pet to a veterinarian.
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Who Can Get It
Oral thrush is a common condition in babies because they have low immunity. It can be passed from the mother to the baby if the mother had a vaginal yeast infection at the time of birth.
You can tell if your baby has a yeast infection of the mouth if they:
Have milky white bumps on the tongue and lining of the mouth
- Are extremely fussy or upset
Because infants can often get oral thrush, breastfeeding mothers can also become infected. The infection can pass from baby to mother and back, making it difficult to get rid of. Symptoms of a candidiasis passed from a baby to a breastfeeding mother are:
- Painful, burning or cracked nipples
- Extreme pain during or after breastfeeding
- Crusts or arash around the nipples
- Shooting pain through the breast
New parents should take their baby to the pediatrician if they show signs of oral thrush. You can usually continue to breastfeed while receiving treatment for candidiasis.
Other groups of people are also at higher risk for oral thrush. These are people with lowered immunity who:
- Take antibiotics
For breastfeeding mothers, the doctor usually prescribes antifungal drops or gel. If the mother is also infected, the doctor may recommend some medicine to soothe nipple irritation.
Home care
Its possible to prevent a yeast infection in the mouth. Some ways to do so are:
Are There Any Side Effects Or Safety Concerns For Yeast Infection Treatments
Most pills and topical creams come with their fair share of side effects, though theyre not super common. Some side effects include:
- flaking of the skin
If youre pregnant, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment since some OTC antifungal creams may cause birth defects.
If you notice any side effects, stop taking the OTC treatment and see a doctor.
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What Is The Best Natural Cure For A Yeast Infection
Just like with medications, there isnt a perfect natural cure for everyone. Tea tree oil vaginal suppositories are popular for some, but those with sensitive skin may not be able to use them. Boric acid is recommended by the CDC as a more natural approach in patients with non-albicans vaginitis, but pregnant women cannot use it. You may need to consult a natural healthcare professional or gynecologist to find an appropriate solution.
What Is Antifungal Resistance
Antifungal resistance means a fungus no longer responds to treatment. This response makes the fungal infection harder to treat.
Some fungi are naturally resistant to certain antifungals. Fungi may also develop resistance when you use antifungal medicine for a long time. Skipping doses, stopping treatment too soon or receiving a too-low dose can also lead to antifungal resistance.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Antifungal medications treat fungal infections that affect the skin, nails, lungs and other organs. Some fungal infections clear up in a few weeks. Others may need months of treatment. Taking antifungal medicines for an extended period or failing to complete the prescribed treatment may lead to antifungal resistance.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/26/2021.
References
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How And When To Take Fluconazone
Follow the advice from your doctor. If you buy fluconazole in a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the medicine.
It’s important to complete the course of medicine even if you feel better.
You can take fluconazole capsules and liquid with or without food.
Fluconazole capsules are either 50mg, 150mg or 200mg. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. It is best to take your capsules at the same time each day.
The liquid usually comes in 2 different strengths:
- 50mg fluconazole in a 5ml spoonful
- 200mg fluconazole in a 5ml spoonful
Use the plastic spoon that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon, as this will not give you the right amount.
Dosage For Capsules Or Liquid
These are the usual doses for adults:
- oral thrush 50mg a day, taken for 7 to 14 days
- vaginal thrush or balanitis 150mg, taken as a single dose
- vaginal thrush that keeps coming back 150mg, taken once every 72 hours for the first 3 doses, then take 150mg once a week for 6 months
- candida infections 200mg to 800mg a day for several weeks
- cryptococcal meningitis 200mg to 800mg a day for several weeks
- to stop cryptococcal meningitis coming back 200mg a day, taken long term
- to prevent fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system 50mg to 400mg a day, until your white blood cell count improves
For children, your doctor will work out the right dose depending on the infection and your child’s age and weight.
If you take your fluconazole once every 72 hours, or once a week, it may help to use a calendar and mark the days when you need to take it.
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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.
What Causes Yeast Infections In Dogs
Yeast infections in dogs are usually secondary problems. This means that there is some other issue that is weakening the skins defense mechanisms to allow the yeast to grow in higher numbers than normal.
It is very common to see yeast infections in a dogs ears or on their skin if they have food allergies or environmental allergies. Other underlying issues that may cause yeast infections in dogs include hormonal problems or other diseases that suppress the immune system.
There are no studies to confirm that any of the following cause yeast infections on a dogs skin:
-
Carbohydrates or sugar in food
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