Yeast Infection Treatments

Yeast infection is a treatable disease that virtually goes away without any complications. There are several yeast infection treatments for each type of infection and here are some of them.

Treatment for Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infection is easily treated with over the counter antifungal creams like Miconazole, Tioconazole, Butoconazole, or Clotrimazole which should be applied to the infected area for one to seven days.  Using birth control methods like a condom or a diaphragm is not advisable during this period.  For pregnant women it’s suggested to consult a physician for a remedy.

To prevent vaginal yeast infection from happening, avoid using douches, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper and deodorant tampons. It is also best to wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight pants or panty hoses. When wearing a wet suit or a bathing suit, it is recommended to change out of it right away.

Treating Thrush

The yeast infection of the mouth called thrush can be treated with medicated mouthwashes or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. A recommended mouthwash to use should contain nystatin that can kill the yeast fungus.

The best prevention for thrush is maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using a mouthwash.  For those using dentures, clean them thoroughly before using it.  For breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to have a breast check up for yeast infections.

Treating Nail Bed Infections

Yeast infections of the nail bed are more difficult to treat.  A prescription for an antifungal pill is needed but it can also be treated with antifungal laquer which is only proven to work in mild to moderate infections when the nails have not yet been infected by the fungus.

To prevent this infection from occurring and recurring is to regularly keep the skin dry and clean. It is also advised to avoid contact with anyone who is infected with this disease. Wearing gloves when gardening also lowers the chance of nail bed yeast infection from happening. Another way to go about this is to avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers or socks.

Treating Diaper Rashes

Diaper rashes caused by yeast infection can be treated with over the counter antifungal creams that contain nystatin or through supplements like acidophilus.

Protecting infants or adults from diaper rashes means keeping the covered area clean at all times.  It also helps to allow the skin to breathe by not using a diaper at least an hour a day.  It’s also recommended to use cotton diapers more regularly than the disposable ones because cotton allows the skin to breathe more easily.

Yeast infections are highly treatable and preventable diseases which should last an average of one to two weeks. But for complicated states of yeast infection it’s always best to consult a doctor.

Prescription Drugs to Treat Yeast Infections

There are numerous over the counter treatments used to treat yeast infections.

One of the medications is called Fluconazole. Fluconazole is a synthetic anti-fungal medication that has been very successful at treating yeast infections in women and men. Fluconazole is taken orally, but in some situations it can be administered intravenously. Fluconazole works by preventing the fungus from reproducing, but it does not kill the fungus, the down side is that it takes a little while to work but it doesn’t kill the fungus that the body needs to function.

Common side affects to Fluconazole include headaches, food tasteinf differently, dizziness, heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Severe side affects are extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, unusual bruising and bleeding, itching, appetite loss, hives, pain, rash, flu symptoms, dark urine, and seizures. There has been no indication that a nursing infant will be dosed with Fluconazole through breast milk.

Another drug that can be dosed either orally or intravenously is Itraconazole. Itraconazole is typically taken orally for three months. People with severe infections can spend as much as one thousand dollars on their Itraconazole prescription. If you are taking Itraconazole you should store the drug in an air tight container at room temperature. Mothers who are breast feeding should avoid using Itraconazole. Side affects that are commonly experienced by people who are taking Itraconazole include fatigue, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and edema. More severe side affects include hepatitis, elevated blood pressure, and liver enzyme elevation.

Another anti-fungal drug the requires a doctors prescription is Keroconazole. Keroconazole should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding or by women who are pregnant. Children should not take Keronconazole. The medication that uses the drug Keroconazole as its active ingredient is Nizoral. Patients can take Keroconazole with or without eating first. Keronconazole is available in caplets, shampoo, and a cream. If you are taking anti-acids at the same time you are on Keronconazole make sure you don’t mix the two, take your anti-acid at least two hours after taking the Keronconazole. Side affects of Ketoconazole can include abdominal pain, headaches, rash, itching, nausea/vomiting, abnormal blood count, severe depression, shock, low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, and impotence.

Before your doctor prescribes a prescription drug to treat your yeast infection tell them about any medications you are already taking. If you experince severe side effects, it’s best to contact your doctor immediatly.