Overview of options for yeast infection treatment
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a yeast species called Candida albicans. Candida normally lives in our bodies harmlessly in a healthy balance with other microorganisms. Negative symptoms associated with a yeast infection only occur if this natural balance is lost and the Candida multiples out of control into an outbreak. Yeast infections mostly take hold in moist, damp, airless and dark parts of the body such as the genital area (in both men and women) the mouth, throat and intestinal tract.
Research has highlighted a number of risk factors that may result in a Candida overgrowth, but it is not always possible to pinpoint an individual causal agent for every instance of an infection. Candida outbreaks are often associated with the following:
- A prolonged or excessive use of antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy bacteria in the body, some of which help to keep the Candida yeast under control.
- Steroid use (for example prednisone or certain asthma inhalants), possibly due to the elevated sugar levels that can result in the blood. Yeasts feed on sugar and multiply more quickly in high sugar environments.
- Diabetes, again due to high blood sugar levels
- Hormonal changes associated with (say) pregnancy, menopause and the birth control pill. Fluctuating hormone levels may alter the chemical balance in the body creating the conditions for yeast growth.
- An unbalanced diet with high levels of sugar, carbohydrates and alcohol. (Carbohydrates and alcohol break down into sugars during the digestive process)
- A compromised immune system can result in higher incidence of the disease.
- The use of highly perfumed soaps or other irritants on areas of the body conducive to yeast infections such as the genital area. Wearing damp or synthetic underpants that restrict airflow can also create the conditions for yeasts to grow.
- Sharing clothing or towels with infected people.
- Sexual activity with an infected partner in the case of genital thrush. (Note however that penis yeast infections and vaginal thrush are not considered Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) as celibate people can also contract an infection.)
- Topical treatments containing anti-fungal and anti-yeast agents such as over-the-counter nystatin powders (Mycostatin, Nilstat, Nystat-Rx, Nystex, O-V Staticin) or antifungal creams and lotions such as Monistat or Gyne-Lotrimin applied externally to the body.
- Homeopathic products such as Yeastrol are available to relieve negative symptoms (e.g soreness, itchiness and irritation of affected areas).
- For very mild, localized outbreaks some sufferers have had success with home remedies including Acidophilus live yogurt and tea tree oil washes (the oil is in diluted form so that it does not cause irritation), although not clinically proven.
- Candida diet, a diet based treatment designed to address the root cause of the disease by reduce the intake of food types that encourage fungal and yeast growth. A Candida diet is often accompanied with antifungal supplements and a regime of probiotics.
- Broad-spectrum prescription antifungal agents (also called antimycotics). Example include Nizoral (ketoconazole), Diflucan (fluconazole), or Sporanox (itraconazole), although there have been some reports of side effects and resistance of Candida albicans to certain antimycotic drugs.
Yeast infection treatments
A wide range of treatments exist to combat yeast infections from prescription drugs, to home remedies, diet plans and over the counter yeast infection treatments. The right treatment choice will depend on the severity of the infection and what parts of the body are infected. The table below considers the options available in summary form, with links to further information.
| Type/severity of infection | Treatment for yeast infection |
| Localized infections, for example affecting the vagina (a condition known as vaginal thrush), the penis (also known as thrush in men or male yeast infection), the mouth, throat and tongue (also known as oral thrust), in skin folds, or under the diaper (see diaper rash remedies). | |
| Candida of the gastrointestinal tract and recurrent, chronic yeast infections or systemic conditions. (Note: Systemic Candidiasis, when toxins enter the bloodstream, can result in very complex and at times seemingly unrelated symptoms. It is a serious condition and it makes sense to speak with a doctor for a definite diagnosis and to define the correct treatment.) |
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