A yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a type of fungal infection. The main cause of vaginal yeast infections is a common yeast called Candida albicans.
Mild yeast infections may go away on their own within a few days but most of the time they worsen without treatment.
Untreated yeast infections can lead to more serious infections that can result in redness, swelling, and cracks or sores around the vagina. It is important to see a doctor for diagnosis to determine the proper treatment.
5 Yeast Infection Treatments
There are both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments for yeast infection. It is important to have a doctor confirm a diagnosis of yeast infection before using over-the-counter treatments because symptoms of vaginal yeast infections can be similar to many other types of vaginal infections.
Topical antifungal ointments and creams are available over-the-counter to treat a yeast infection. For vaginal yeast infections, they are usually available in 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day formulations.
- Miconazole
- Monistat-1 is a brand name for a vaginal cream used to treat yeast infection that requires just one dose
- Clotrimazole
- Imidazole
Prescription treatment for vaginal yeast infection include:
- Antifungal medication
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Typically only requires one dose
- A steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to help relieve itching and inflammation
What Are Symptoms of Yeast Infection?
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Vulvar itching or soreness (the most common symptom)
- Pain, redness, swelling, or irritation of the vulva and vagina
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, which might be thick and white (cottage cheese curd-like) or thin and watery
- Painful intercourse
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Watery discharge
What Causes a Yeast Infection?
Candida albicans lives on the skin and inside the body, such as in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, and it usually does not present any problems in most people, but when it grows out of control it can cause infections.
Risk factors for developing a yeast infection include:
- Prolonged use of antibiotics
- Diabetes
- Excessive sweating
- Increased age
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Shifts in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle
- Use of hormonal birth control
- Pregnancy
- A weakened immune system, such as from HIV, cancer treatments, autoimmune conditions, and other causes
- Obesity
- Poor hygiene practices such as leaving sweaty or wet clothes on all day
- Genetic predisposition
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/intertrigo/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diaper-rash-in-infants-and-children-beyond-the-basics
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/thrush-in-men
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/019949s070,019950s069,020090s051lbledt.pdf
https://khealth.com/learn/yeast-infection/how-long-does-it-last/