Options For Yeast Infection Treatments

May 1, 2010 by  
Filed under Women's Issues

Yeast infection treatments can be found quite easily if you are happy to buy them over the counter. Yeast infection can strike anyone at any age and it is a disease triggered by a fungus called Candida Albicans that causes the body to produce abnormal amounts of yeast. Too much yeast in the body can become dangerous and your body produces yeast as a normal part of your body’s function. Diaper rash, thrush and nail bed infection are the most common types of a yeast infection.  This is a treatable infection and it normally goes away after treatment without any complications. Yeast infection treatments are available for each type of infection.

Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infection treatments are often 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 pregnancy yeast infection cures consult your doctor for a treatment or try a natural remedy. Avoid using douches, feminine sprays, deodorant tampons and scented toilet paper if you suffer from vaginal yeast infections regularly. It is also best to wear cotton underwear and avoid wearing tight pants or panty hose. When wearing a wet suit or a bathing suit, it is recommended to change out of it right away. 

Treating Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and is easily treated with lozenges or a medicated mouthwash. Nystatin is the ingredient that is required in the mouthwash to kill the fungus. Good oral hygiene will prevent thrush and by brushing twice a day and using dental floss and a mouthwash, you should not suffer from this infection.  For those using dentures, clean them thoroughly before using them.  For breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to have a breast check up for yeast infections.

Diaper Rash Treatments

Antifungal creams that contain nystatin, or supplements such as acidophilus, are used to treat diaper rash. Infants or adults need the covered area to be kept clean at all times. It also helps to allow the skin to breathe by not using a diaper for at least an hour a day.  Cotton diapers allow the skin to breathe and are recommended in preference of the disposable ones.

Treating Nail Bed Infections

Yeast infections of the nail bed are more difficult to treat.  If you have a mild to moderate yeast infection, you may get success from an antifungal nail lacquer where the nails have not been infected, but for severe cases, you will need an antifungal pill. To prevent this infection from occurring and reoccurring is to regularly keep the skin dry and clean.  If anyone you know has this infection, avoid contact as much as possible. Another way is to avoid sharing personal items such as nail clippers or socks.

If you get a yeast infection they are treatable and also preventable but if it has not cleared up within a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor.  Information for yeast infections is available through online medical journals and medical sites, but if an improvement is not seen fairly soon, consult your physician.