Candidiasis : Treatment and Prevention

Normally, candidiasis is not a dangerous infection, except in the rare cases when it spreads in the blood and reaches the vital organs of people with an impaired immune system.

In the case of a skin infection, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal in the form of a cream or a tablet to take by mouth. When it comes to vaginal yeast infections, treatment consists of antifungal drugs given either directly into the vagina in the form of tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories, or given by mouth (such as fluconazole *). Talk to your pharmacist - you do not need a prescription to get many of the products used to treat minor infections. For oral thrush, you can rinse your mouth with a suspension of antifungal medicine before swallowing.

Yeast Infection Treatments Products

The use of oral antifungal medication over several days may be necessary in severe cases.

The following hygiene measures can help prevent genital candidiasis:

• wipe from front to back after removing your toilet - yeasts are present in large numbers in the rectal area;
• pat yourself dry after a bath, and be particularly careful to dry pubic hair - use a blow dryer on the lowest setting if necessary;
• refrain from soaping the vaginal area - the soap kills beneficial bacteria and has no effect on yeasts;
• sterilize or throw away any underwear you wore during your last infection - the machine wash water is not hot enough, you have to boil it if you want to keep it. You must also get new diaphragms or new cervical caps);
• Avoid chemicals in scented tampons and douches, they are of no use and can cause infection.

The following precautions are not only rational, but in line with preventive measures against candidiasis:

• wear loose cotton underwear;
• avoid tight pantyhose and pants;
• your health care provider may recommend that you consume raw yogurt, especially if you are on antibiotic therapy or if other factors are particularly predisposing to yeast infections - pasteurized yogurt is not effective. Some health food stores sell Lactobacillus acidophilus in tablet form which can help control the yeast population;
• decrease your intake of sugar and alcohol (the favorite foods of yeasts);
• consider replacing “the pill” - if you have had repeated infections, talk to your doctor about which birth control pills you could use instead and which would help you;
• Avoid antibiotics if you have a cold or the flu - the flu is caused by viruses that antibiotics don't help against and can even lead to candidiasis.