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February 10, 2012
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Yeast Infection Skin Rash (cont.)

Medical Author:
Noah S Scheinfeld, MD, JD, FAAD
Medical Editor:
Dirk M Elston, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
William D James, MD

Medical Treatment

A wide array of treatment options is available to treat candidiasis. Options include creams, lotions, tablets or capsules, troches (lozenges), and vaginal suppositories or creams. Talk to your doctor to find the option that is right for you.

  • Azole medications are a family of antifungal drugs that end in the suffix "-azole." They block the manufacture of ergosterol, a crucial material of the yeast cell wall. Without ergosterol, the yeast cell wall becomes leaky and the yeast die. Fortunately, ergosterol is not a component of human membranes, and azoles do not harm human cells.
  • Polyene antifungal medications include nystatin and amphotericin B. Nystatin is used for thrush and superficial candidal infections. Doctors reserve amphotericin B for more serious systemic fungal infections. The antifungals work by attaching to the yeast cell wall building material, ergosterol. These medications then form artificial holes in the yeast wall that cause the yeast to leak and die.

miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm), and nystatin (Mycostatin Cream).

  • Vaginal creams and suppositories include butoconazole (Femstat), clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat Vaginal products), terconazole (Terazol), tioconazole (Vagistat).

    • Follow manufacturer's instructions for 1-7 days depending on the formulation. If the irritation increases, immediately discontinue the medication. Some products contain topical antifungal cream to use on irritated external genital areas along with vaginal cream or suppositories.


    • Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using these treatments.


    • If symptoms continue for more than 1 week despite treatment, consult a doctor. These symptoms may be caused by something other than a fungal infection.


    • If you have abdominal pain, fever, or offensive-smelling vaginal discharge, consult your physician before using these products.


    • For more information, refer to Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infection Medications. 

    • Oral antifungal agents may be used for a variety of skin or vaginal infections. 
    • Nystatin (Nilstat, Mycostatin) is commonly prescribed for oral thrush. The oral liquid is administered with a dropper to adequately coat the inside of the mouth in infants and young children. Troches (lozenges) may be prescribed for older children and adults with oral thrush.


    • Clotrimazole (Mycelex) troches are also available for treating oral thrush in older children and adults.


    • Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral) are prescription products administered as tablets or oral liquid. They may be used when topical agents are ineffective, large areas of skin is affected, or for individuals at a higher risk of fungal infection, such as patients with cancer or HIV.


    • Fluconazole is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for vaginal candida infections.


    • These oral antifungal drugs interact with many medications. Your doctor and pharmacist should be aware of all medications that you are taking, including nonprescription drugs and herbal products.


    • The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.


    • Your doctor will periodically draw blood samples to monitor for the rare toxicity of liver impairment.

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    Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

    Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous »

    Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by recurrent or persistent superficial infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and nails with Candida organisms, usually Candida albicans.

    Read More on Medscape Reference »

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