How to Stop Itching From a Yeast Infection

Overview

Vaginal yeast infections are common---one might argue they're simply a hazard of being born female. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that around 75 percent of women have had at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. Yeast infections occur when the modest number of Candida albicans normally present in the vagina overgrow, resulting in symptoms of itching, inflammation, burning during urination and thick vaginal discharge, similar in texture to cottage cheese. If you suspect you have itching from a yeast infection, the treatment itself is simple. Treat yeast infections the smart way by getting a confirmed diagnosis first.

Step 1

Schedule an appointment with your health care provider if you've never been diagnosed with a yeast infection or if you're not sure you have a yeast infection. The symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to those of other types of vaginitis, as well as sexually-transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea, states the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC). Yeast infections can be effectively cleared up with an over-the-counter antifungals, but the NWHIC notes that two-thirds of women who purchase these are not treating yeast infections, but infections from another cause.

Step 2

Make your neighborhood drugstore or pharmacy your second stop after your doctor's confirmation of a yeast infection. Over-the-counter antifungal topical creams and suppositories are sold in one-, three- and seven-day regimens and contain active ingredients such as butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole and terconazole. Some familiar names you might see on the shelves include Monistat, Vagistat and Gyne-Lotrimin, but larger drugstore chains often sell their own brand of antifungal products at a reduced cost. Alternately, your doctor may also prescribe an antifungal called Diflucan, which is taken in a pill form.

Step 3

Use other drugstore treatments and simple at-home remedies to reduce yeast infection itching. The Mayo Clinic notes that many antifungal treatments include a soothing anti-itch cream in the packaging that can be applied around the vagina---these may also be sold separately. Or you can simply apply a cool, damp compress to the vaginal area to reduce itching and pain while waiting for your antifungal treatment to work its magic.

Step 4

Follow the instructions to your antifungal treatment down to the letter to ensure that yeast infection itching resolves---and make note that these topical creams and suppositories can weaken condoms and diaphragms during the course of treatment, says the NWHIC.