To treat a yeast infection effectively, antifungal medications are the primary approach. These medications can be administered in several forms depending on the infection location and severity:
- Vaginal yeast infections are commonly treated with antifungal creams, ointments, suppositories, or oral tablets. Over-the-counter options include miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, and butoconazole, usually applied for 1 to 7 days. For oral treatment, a single dose of fluconazole by mouth is often prescribed. More severe or recurrent infections may require longer treatment courses or weekly maintenance doses
- Oral and esophageal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medicines such as nystatin or clotrimazole, sometimes using medicated mouthwash for immunocompromised patients
- Skin yeast infections are treated with topical antifungal creams
Additional treatment considerations and home remedies include:
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding douching, and wearing breathable cotton underwear
- Probiotics, including eating yogurt with live cultures, may help restore natural bacterial balance, especially after antibiotic use, although they are adjuncts rather than primary treatments
- Some home remedies like gentle saltwater rinses and applying coconut oil or diluted tea tree oil may soothe symptoms but should not replace antifungal medications
- It is important to complete the full course of antifungal treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence
If symptoms persist or recur frequently, medical advice is necessary as this may indicate resistant infections or underlying conditions like diabetes. Boric acid capsules may be prescribed for difficult cases but are not recommended during pregnancy
. In summary, yeast infections require antifungal medication tailored to the infection site and severity, supported by good hygiene and possibly probiotics. Persistent or recurrent infections warrant professional evaluation and possibly longer or alternative treatments
