Yeast Infection Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Most candidal infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter or prescription medication and can clear within a week. But if some other disease has weakened your immune system, consult your doctor for any new symptoms before attempting self-treatment. You may risk getting an infection.

• Yeast infections
  
  
  • Most women can treat yeast infections at home with over-the-counter medications:
    
    
    • Miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal)
      
      
    • Tioconazole (Vagistat Vaginal)
      
      
    • Butoconazole (Femstat)
      
      
    • Clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin)
    
    
  • Massage these remedies into your vagina and surrounding tissues for 1-7 days depending on the formulation. If increased irritation occurs to the area, discontinue the medication immediately.
    
    
  • If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using these treatments.
    
    
  • If symptoms continue for more than 1 week, consult your doctor.

• Thrush 
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  • In thrush, swish the antifungal agent nystatin around in your mouth. Take care to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
    
    
  • All objects put into a child's mouth should be sterilized after each use.
    
    
  • Breastfeeding mothers should be evaluated for Candida of the breast.
    
    
  • If you wear dentures, clean them thoroughly after each use and practice good oral hygiene.
    
    
  • Adults have several treatment options not available to babies, such as troches (antifungal lozenges) or pills such as fluconazole (Diflucan), to help clear the infection in addition to nystatin.

• Skin and diaper rash
  
  
  • Clotrimazole creams and lotions can be applied to superficial skin infections. Other medications need a prescription and a visit to your doctor.
    
    
  • The affected area should be kept clean and dry.
    
    
  • For diaper rashes, frequent diaper changes and the use of barrier creams will speed recovery.

• If your immune system is weak, your doctor may handle minimal local infections with home care. More serious infections may need IV medications given at the hospital.