


The yeast species Candida albicans causes common yeast infections, but other species of Candida can also cause an infection. The main cause of a yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast on an area of the body. Medical professionals often recommend the use of condoms or other barrier methods. If the person’s sexual partner has yeast symptoms, they might want to consider treatment, too. It may include weekly treatment with oral fluconazole for 6 months or weekly treatment with vaginal clotrimazole. If maintenance medications are necessary, these begin after one of the above methods of treatment has finished. The overuse of antifungals can increase the chances of yeast resistance, so the medications may not work in the future when they are needed. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe a few days of topical steroids to help ease symptoms while the antifungal medication works.īefore using antifungals, it is important to be sure that the symptoms are due to a yeast infection. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend two to three doses of oral fluconazole instead of vaginal therapy. Long-course vaginal therapy includes treatment with a vaginal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository for approximately 7–14 days. A person might take these drugs regularly to prevent the infection from returning. In the case of a complicated yeast infection, treatment will include the use of long-course vaginal therapy or multidose oral formulations.Ī doctor may recommend maintenance medications. A person can use nonlatex-based condoms instead.Īlternatively, an oral antifungal such as fluconazole (Diflucan) can be used in one single dose. Some of these are available to buy online, including clotrimazole, Monistat 3, and terconazole.īecause these medications are oil-based, they can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, potentially making them less reliable.

One option is a one-time treatment of a prescription or an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as: When treating an uncomplicated yeast infection, a short course of vaginal therapy is usually sufficient. There are two ways to treat an uncomplicated yeast infection: vaginal therapy or oral treatment. For example, a person may experience vaginal or labial swelling.Īnother sign of a complication is if a person has repeated infections or if the infections occur due to a weakened immune system. A complicated yeast infection may involve more symptoms or they may be more severe. Treatment of the infection depends on whether it is complicated or uncomplicated. The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting a doctor if there are symptoms such as: Most cases of vaginal yeast infection are mild, and the condition is not bothersome. They will prescribe the right treatment for the condition. They can provide a timely and accurate diagnosis. The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is to contact a doctor.
#Overgrowth of yeast skin#
It can also affect the skin or the mouth. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and discharge. In males, a yeast infection can affect the head of the penis. the presence of an alternate Candida fungus, as opposed to Candida albicans.Medical conditions that can cause a complicated yeast infection or RVVC include: There may be severe redness, swelling, and itching, leading to skin fissures or sores with a complicated yeast infection. Doctors refer to this as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Four or more infections may arise in 1 year. Sometimes a more complicated yeast infection may occur with more severe symptoms. vaginal burning with intercourse or urination.

pain or soreness in the vagina or the vaginal opening.itching, burning, or irritation of the vagina or vulva, which is the tissue surrounding the vagina.Other symptoms of a vulvovaginal yeast infection include: Yeast infections with discharge look thick and white, like cottage cheese.
