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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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

• Most women can treat yeast infections at home with over-the-counter medications. A number of OTC remedies are available:
  • miconazole (Micon 7, Monistat 3, Monistat 5, Monistat 7, M-Zole Dual Pack)
  • tioconazole (Monistat-1, Vagistat-1)
  • butoconazole (Gynazole 1)
  • clotrimazole (Femcare, Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex-G)
• 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 a single dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) - (see medical treatments) is as effective as topical antifungal creams.
• If symptoms are recurrent or continue for more than 1 week, consult your health care professional.
• These remedies can also be used in men with genital yeast infection.

• In thrush, swish the antifungal agent nystatin (Bio-Statin, Mycostatin, Mycostatin Pastilles, Nilstat) around in the mouth. Take care to maintain excellent oral hygiene.
• All objects put into a child's mouth should be sterilized after each use.
• Women who are breastfeeding should be evaluated for Candida of the breast.
• If a person 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.

• Clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche) creams and lotions can be applied to superficial skin infections. Other medications need a prescription and a visit to a health care practitioner.
• 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 the individual's immune system is weak, the doctor may handle minimal local infections with home care. More serious infections may need IV medications administered at the hospital.

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