3 Ways to Treat Yeast Infections

1. Home Remedies

There are many forms of yeast infections---adults can get it in their mouths, skin and women can have vaginal yeast infections. Thrush is common in babies' mouths and common diaper rash can often be yeast. Yeast, or Candida albicans, is naturally found in our bodies, including a woman's vagina. A yeast infection will occur when the balance of her body is upset by antibiotic use, sexual activity and fatigue, stress or diet issues (increased sugar). Both cranberry juice and yogurt may prevent and help treat yeast infections. There are few natural products that claim to treat vaginal yeast infections. Vinegar douches, tea tree oil cream and vaginal suppositories of garlic and boric acid are popular. Some women do report success with these remedies; however, most have not been adequately tested and investigated to be claimed as treatment. Other natural remedies can be found at health food stores---keep in mind the FDA does not yet regulate the sale of these treatments. Avoid hot baths and hot tubs, stay away from wearing tight clothing such as tight hose that trap heat and moisture, do wear cotton panties that will increase air flow and change out of wet clothes as quickly as you can. Avoiding sexual activity until you are healthy will stop the infection from being passed between you and your partner.

2. Over-The-Counter Treatments

Yeast is a fungus. There are many over-the-counter anti-fungal medications in cream and vaginal suppository preparations. Be sure you are purchasing an anti-fungal agent and not just an anti-itch cream. Treating the itch will not treat the infection. If this is your first suspected yeast infection, you'll want to see a health care provider. Vaginal infections can also be bacterial and it's important to know what you have for proper treatment. When using over-the-counter creams and suppositories, do not use a tampon as tampons will soak up needed medication. There are several different types of anti-fungal medications. They all work in similar ways to break down the cell walls of the yeast until they dissolve. They do come with different application methods and at different costs.

3. Perscription Solutions

Sometimes yeast infections will not respond well to over-the-counter medications and your health care provider may choose to prescribe you an oral, prescription anti-fungal medication. Diflucan is a commonly prescribed medication for vaginal yeast infections and is a one time dose. Diflucan is ideal for women who suffer from recurrent vaginal yeast infections and women who are unable to treat their yeast infections with over-the-counter creams and vaginal suppositories. Diflucan is effective but will take more than 24 hours to begin to decrease symptoms so you may want to buy and use over-the-counter vaginal anti-itch creams to help control the itching and irritation connected to vaginal yeast infections. Combining Diflucan along with simple steps like limiting sugars in your diet, changing out of wet clothes quickly, wearing cotton panties and stopping sexual activity until you're well will make for a quick recovery from vaginal yeast. If five days after you've taken Diflucan and you are still suffering from yeast infection symptoms, see your health care provider.