Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by certain pathogenic yeasts belonging to the candida genus. Usually, the infection takes one of two main forms: candidiasis of the genital organs or oral candida (thrush). If it continues, various complications could arise, depending on the type of infection, so it would be a good idea to see your doctor right away. In most cases, infections caused by candida are not serious and are easily fought, but sometimes if the problem is more complex, it is necessary to take powerful drugs or follow more effective therapies.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Treating Vaginal Candidiasis
Step 1. Consult your gynecologist
If you don't have candidiasis and still take an antifungal, there is a risk that this yeast will develop resistance to the drug, increasing your exposure to future infections. You should consult your gynecologist as soon as possible and have a visit to find out if it is a fungal infection or something else.
- Your doctor will likely start with a vulvovaginal inspection to see if the area has whitish discharge and surrounding redness (erythema).
- Although technically a man can contract candidiasis of the genital organs, in reality this probability is very rare. You should still start seeing your doctor to determine the cause of any abnormalities in the genital area.
Step 2. Undergo any diagnostic tests
After the physical exam, your gynecologist may prescribe some tests to confirm their diagnosis. The most common are vaginal cell slide sampling, culture swab, and vaginal pH test.
- If he submits you to a glass slide, he will under the microscope look for particular structures of yeast cells.
- The culture swab removes some secretions to determine the cause by a laboratory examination.
- The pH test detects whether the physiological vaginal pH (around 4.5) is altered. Generally, candida lowers this value.
Step 3. Take an over-the-counter medication to clear the infection
You can buy it without a prescription by choosing from antifungal creams, ointments or tablets. It usually takes 1-3 days to clear the infection. Always follow the instructions in the package insert. The most common alternatives include:
- Butoconazole (Gynazole-1);
- Clotrimazole (Canesten);
- Miconazole (Daktarin);
- Terconazole (Terazol 3).
- The most common side effects are mild burning or irritation.
Step 4. Ask the gynecologist to prescribe a medication for you
He will likely recommend one over the counter, but he may also prescribe something more specific, especially if the problem is severe or recurring. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is a highly prescribed antifungal in these cases.
The gynecologist may also prescribe it in combination with a 7-14 day topical therapy based on vaginal ointment or cream
Step 5. Change your underwear often
Underwear is a breeding ground for candidiasis. During infection, wear only cotton underwear, as it is more breathable than other fabrics. Also, you should change it every twenty-four hours or, if possible, even more often.
Keep in mind that regular washing in hot water is not always effective in sterilizing underwear infected with candida yeast. According to some studies, washing and placing the moist tissue in the microwave at a high temperature for five minutes can reduce the risk of persistence or reappearance of the infection. However, make sure you can put the material in the microwave before trying. Alternatively, you can also wash and iron your briefs
Step 6. Refrain from sex
Lubricants, condoms, and even your partner's natural bacteria can make the infection worse or trigger it. So, avoid sexual intercourse, including oral ones, until you are healed.
Step 7. Stop the antibiotic therapy
Many women suffer from candidiasis after taking an antibiotic to treat a health problem that has no relation to this infection. Antibiotics allow candida to develop by reducing the amount of good bacteria in the body. However, it is important to stop therapy despite producing a candida infection. Often, all it takes to eliminate it is to encourage the formation of good bacteria after completing the antibiotic treatment.
Step 8. Consider other medications
In addition to antibiotics, other medications and conditions can cause or prolong candidiasis. For example, high doses of estrogen taken with birth control pills or hormone therapy can increase the risk of yeast infection. Talk to your doctor about the most suitable treatment or whether you can change a drug suspected of causing candidiasis.
Step 9. Ask your gynecologist to prescribe prophylaxis
In cases of chronic or recurrent vaginal candida infection, the gynecologist may prescribe drug therapy to be taken periodically. For example, they may recommend that you take a drug once a week for up to six months rather than just over a few days.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Thrush
Step 1. See your doctor
Thrush is a fungal infection that affects the mouth and throat. It is more common in children, but it can also develop in adults, especially in people who have a compromised immune system. The doctor will start by looking at the mouth and oral cavity for raised white plaques accompanied by inflammation underneath. He may also examine his throat for similar lesions.
- Take your child to the pediatrician in case of thrush. Often, the infection goes away spontaneously and, therefore, the doctor may choose to keep it under control rather than prescribe treatment immediately.
- It is not uncommon for babies to develop thrush during breastfeeding, which among other things can also appear on the mother's breast. It is due to the fact that the unborn baby comes into contact with candida when it passes through the birth canal (the vagina).
- If you notice while breastfeeding your baby that he has thrush, your doctor will probably advise you to give him small amounts of Mycostatin, an antifungal oral suspension, and apply antifungal cream to your breasts to stop transmission of the infection. Typically, Diflucan is prescribed for the mother when the child has thrush.
Step 2. Undergo diagnostic tests
To confirm the diagnosis of thrush, your doctor will ask you to undergo some tests, depending on the severity of your condition. This is a very simple operation which consists of taking a small sample of plaque from the mouth in order to examine it under a microscope.
In severe cases where candida spreads to the esophagus, your doctor may prescribe a throat swab so that the lab determines exactly which germs are responsible for the infection
Step 3. Eat yogurt
If your doctor detects a mild case of thrush (especially following recent antibiotic therapy), they may simply recommend that you consume yogurt with live lactic ferments. It will help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth and throat, making the environment less hospitable for candida.
Step 4. Get the lactobacillus acidophilus
Acidophilus is a probiotic microorganism found in yogurt, but it is also available in capsule form. You can buy it without a prescription to restore the natural balance of germs in your mouth and throat.
Step 5. Follow the therapy prescribed by your doctor
If the latter deems it necessary to fight the infection more aggressively, he will prescribe one of several antifungal drugs produced in various forms, including:
- Oral suspension, such as nystatin;
- Tablets for oropharyngeal candidiasis (clotrimazole);
- Pills or syrups based on fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox).
- If your child's pediatrician sees fit to treat thrush with a particular drug, he or she will prescribe a medicine that has no contraindications for children, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or micafungin (Mycamine).
Step 6. Sterilize items that come into contact with your mouth
To avoid the risk of a fungal reinfection, you may want to change your toothbrush. As for your baby, be sure to sterilize all of his toys if he is teething, and any items you use to feed him, such as bottle teats.
Advice
- Most candida infections heal within 1 to 2 weeks. However, patients who have a compromised immune system or suffer from other serious illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, have a harder time eradicating the infection and a higher chance of relapse.
- If you are diabetic and periodically suffer from candidiasis, find out if you are monitoring your blood sugar.
- Your doctor may prescribe long-term antifungal therapy for recurring candida infections.
- Take a vitamin D3 supplement. It will help your immune system fight candida. Don't take more than 5,000 IU per day.
Warnings
- Pregnant women should consult with their gynecologist before starting any treatment for candidiasis.
- See your doctor if you think you have a candida infection as it could spread to other parts of the body if you have a weakened immune system.
