yeast infection treatment

Yeast infections may sound frightening, but they are quite common and very treatable. They’re caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida,¹ and can impact several parts of your body, including the mouth, throat, stomach and genitals. They can happen in men and women, but vaginal yeast infections are the most common form.²

While yeast infections are often able to be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, you should see a provider if these medications aren’t effective, if your symptoms become severe or if you have recurrent infections.

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What is a Yeast Infection?

Candida is a type of yeast that lives naturally – and harmlessly – on your skin and in different parts of your body.¹ There are only issues when the balance of microorganisms in your body becomes disrupted and causes too much of this yeast to grow and cause an infection.

What does a vaginal yeast infection look like? While there may be some redness, the primary visual symptom is a discharge that is the texture of cottage cheese.³ Concerned about abnormal vaginal discharge? We’ve put together an informative article to help you learn more.

What Are the Types of Yeast Infections and What are the Symptoms?

Thrush (Candidiasis of the mouth, throat and esophagus) symptoms:⁴

• Bad taste in the mouth
• Cotton mouth
• Cracked and red corners of the mouth
• Loss of taste
• Mouth and throat infect
• Redness or soreness
• White patches on the inner cheeks and roof of the mouth, as well as the tongue and throat

Babies can get thrush from their parent during pregnancy, being delivered or nursed. They can also get it from their environment and get thrush several times in the first year of their lives as they are at high risk.⁵

How to get rid of oral thrush? Your provider may prescribe medication such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole or nystatin. If you have a recurring case, you may be evaluated for an underlying medical condition.

There are also home remedies that may help, such as rinsing your mouth with salt water or baking soda, eating unsweetened yogurt several times a day or swishing clove or oregano oil in your mouth. Consult your provider before trying any of these remedies.⁶

Skin yeast infection (Cutaneous Candidiasis) symptoms:⁷

• Blisters
• Cracked and painful skin
• Intense itching
• Red rash

A skin-based yeast infection will develop in the folds of your skin, such as in your armpits, your groin, between the fingers and under the breast. It can also impact your fingernails, your face and the corners of your mouth.⁷

The main symptom of candidiasis of the skin is a rash. The rash often causes redness and intense itching. Your skin may also become dry, cracked and painful. Blisters and pustules may also occur.

Skin yeast infections are similar to ringworm and other skin conditions. See your provider or visit MedExpress for an examination to get a diagnosis.

Gut Dysbiosis symptoms:⁸

This form of yeast infection is an imbalance in the bacteria in your digestive system. Your symptoms will depend on where the imbalance develops and what types of bacteria are involved. Symptoms may include:

• A red rash
• Anxiety
• Bad breath
• Bloating
• Chest pain
• Constipation
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Issues with urination
• Nausea
• Stomach issues
• Vaginal or rectal itch

Invasive candidiasis symptoms:⁴

Invasive candidiasis usually only happens when someone is already critically ill from other medical conditions. The most common symptoms are chills and fever that don’t respond or improve after antibiotics. It may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, eyes, heart and joints.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infections?

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis, include:⁴

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (white in color, odorless and with the appearance of cottage cheese)
• Burning, pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or urination
• Redness, itchiness or soreness
• Severe infections may cause swelling and cracks in the vaginal wall

Men can also get penile yeast infections, which have the following symptoms:⁹

• Burning, pain or discomfort during sex or urination
• Redness, soreness or swelling
• White, shiny patches or small red spots on the head of the penis

If uncircumcised, you may also have the following symptoms:⁹

• Cracked foreskin
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin
• Thick, white discharge under the foreskin

How Do You Treat Yeast Infections?

Thrush treatment:⁵

Your provider may prescribe medication or have you evaluated for an underlying medical condition. They may also recommend lozenges that can help you deal with pain and discomfort.

If you are a parent who has a child who has thrush, your child will be treated with antifungal medications. If you are nursing, you may also apply an antifungal cream to your breasts that you wipe off before your child feeds. You should also sterilize any items that your child puts into their mouth.

Skin yeast infection treatment:⁷

Your provider may recommend an antifungal cream or powder that can be applied directly to the infected skin. You should also quickly change out of any wet clothing, change your socks and underwear regularly, wear loose-fitting clothing and wash with fragrance-free soap.

Gut Dysbiosis treatment:⁸

Your provider will work with you to determine a care plan, which may mean discontinuing medication, taking antibiotics or following these dietary changes:

Add vitamins such as:

• B-complex vitamins
• Beta-carotene
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Zinc

Try these foods:

• Salmon and mackerel
• Spinach and kale

Avoid these foods:

• Bananas, apples and grapes
• Carbohydrates-rich foods like corn, oats or bread
• Processed meats, such as deli, salted and canned meat
• Sugar and corn syrup
• Yogurt, milk and cheese

Vaginal yeast infection treatment:²

Simple yeast infections are treated with prescription or over-the-counter cream, ointment, tablets or vaginal suppositories.

More complicated and recurrent yeast infections are treated with two-week-long treatment of similar medicines, along with two or three doses of fluconazole or long-term use of a topical antifungal medication.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent yeast infections:¹⁰

Diet:

How does diet effect yeast infections? Follow these guides and discuss them with your provider:

• Avoid drinks fermented with yeast
• Eat a low-sugar diet
• Stay away from white flour and rice
• Take probiotics

Hygiene:

• Avoid scented soaps, sprays and douches
• Keep the affected area clean and dry
• Wash underwear regularly in hot water
• Wear loose fitting breathable clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton, linen or silk

Immune system:

• Ensure that you get a healthy amount of sleep
•  
• Limit stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage existing health conditions like diabetes
• Practice safe sex

How long should you wait to have sex after a yeast infection treatment? If you choose to have sex while you have a yeast or penile yeast infection, you risk passing it on to your partner, increasing the pain of your symptoms and delaying the healing process. If this is your first infection, it will heal with treatment after four to seven days. If you have a recurrent yeast infection, it may be several months until you can safely have sex. Speak with your provider about your sexual history and health to learn more.¹¹

Be antibiotic aware

How do antibiotics effect yest infections? After all, antibiotics make us feel better. They can even save lives, but they also have side effects. If they're used too often, they add to antibiotic resistance. That means that bacteria are no longer affected by them.

According to the CDC, at least 28 percent of the antibiotics prescribed each year are not needed.¹² For example, virus-caused illnesses like a cold, the flu or bronchitis can't be treated with antibiotics. If you have a history of yeast infections, antibiotics can trigger them, so limit their use.

Why is it Important to Treat a Yeast Infection?

While a yeast infection may go away on its own, if left untreated, it could lead to the following complications:¹³

• Fatigue
• Further spread of infection to others
• Secondary yeast infections such as thrush or invasive candidiasis
• Worsening skin infections

If you’re pregnant, there’s always the chance that you may spread your vaginal yeast infection to your child during the birth process. It may also increase your risk of preterm labor.¹⁴

Yeast infections can be embarrassing and cause you discomfort. Luckily, they respond quickly to treatment. To get back to feeling better quickly, schedule a visit to MedExpress or just walk in for treatment from our friendly medical team any day of the week from 8 to 8.

REFERENCES:

1. CDC. Candidiasis Basics. Last updated April 24, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024.

2. Healthline. Everything You Want to Know About Vaginal Yeast Infections. Last updated November 1, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

3. Medical News Today. What does a yeast infection look like? Last updated April 5, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

4. CDC. Symptoms of Candidaisis. Last updated April 5, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

5. Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Oral Thrush. Last updated June 26, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

6. Healthline. 9 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Oral Thrush and Manage Symptoms. Last updated January 19, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

7. Healthline. Candidiasis of the Skin (Cutaneous Candidiasis). Last updated March 14, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

8. Healthline. What Causes Dysbiosis and How Is It Treated? Last updated February 2, 2019. Accessed May 17, 2024.

9. Healthline. What Is a Penile Yeast Infection? Last updated January 11, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024.

10. Medical News Today. Methods of preventing a yeast infection. Last updated November 24, 2020. Accessed May 17, 2024.

11. Healthline. Can You Have Sex with a Vaginal Yeast Infection? Last updated March 30, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

12. CDC. Be Antiobiotics Aware Partner Toolkit. Last updated April 23, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024.

13. Healthline. What Happens If You Don't Treat a Yeast Infection? Last updated March 8, 2023. Accessed May 17, 2024.

14. National Library of Medicine/National Center for Biotechnology Information. Infection as a cause of preterm birth. Accessed May 17, 2024.