How to Cure Yeast or Candidiasis Infections | Excellent |Healthy Web M.D.

Curing Yeast or Candidiasis Infections

The one thing to remember about treating yeast infections is that if you are having a sexual relationship both of you may need to be treated, otherwise you could keep reinfecting each other and you will never get rid of the yeast infection.

There are many different choices for curing yeast infections:
Over the Counter Medications (OTC):

Over the counter yeast infection cures include tablets, creams, sprays and powders like Canesten, Monistat, Lotrimin, Lamisil and Micatin.
Most of these brands have different ranges to suit the type of yeast infection and different options of treatment. For example, Canesten and Monistat vaginal thrush medications come in creams, tablets or combination packs, which are vaginal pessaries or “ovules” backed up an external vaginal cream.

These combination packs also come in different strengths – a strong 1 day treatment, a 3 day treatment and a more mild 7 day treatment.

Whatever type of treatment for yeast infection you use, you should not expect the infection to clear up over night and it can take up to seven days to actually disappear.

Canesten recommends that you use some type of treatment for 2 weeks after the visible symptoms have gone to prevent reinfection.

The best thing about over the counter meds is that you do not need to visit your doctor and their antifungal ingredients make them effective in treating yeast infections.

They are best for people who have been diagnosed with yeast infections before and who know the symptoms. Men do not need a specific “male” treatment for yeast infection, as female candidiasis treatments will work just as well for male yeast infections.

Prescription treatments

Diflucan (fluconazole), a broad spectrum drug, and Nizoral (ketaconazole), a very strong drug, are commonly prescribed for candidiasis treatment. Both need to be prescribed by your doctor if over the counter treatments are not effective. Diflucan is a strong antifungal so your doctor may only need to prescribe one single oral dose of it.

However, as with all strong medication, there may be side effects (diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, skin rash etc.) and you should inform your doctor of any other treatment or medication that you are using because some drug combinations can be dangerous.

Nizoral tablets are usually taken once daily for as long as your doctor recommends.

Natural remedies

There are a whole host of natural remedies you can use as a treatment for yeast infection. We have several pages dedicated to just this subject.

Probably the two most popular natural treatments for candidiasis are garlic and yogurt. You can read about them in detail on our home remedies for yeast infection page.

Many other natural remedies for curing an infection are also worth a look. You can check out more yeast infection natural treatment options here.

Preventing Yeast Infections

When you have suffered with one yeast infection, you sure do not want to go through it again, so use the following tips to prevent future yeast infections:

Wear loose fitting, cotton underwear – Avoid synthetic fabrics, like Lycra or nylon, that make you sweat. Men should wear boxer shorts, rather than tight briefs.
Dry yourself thoroughly after a bath or shower – Pay particular attention to any creases or folds in the skin where moisture can get trapped.
Remove damp swimsuits and clothes as soon as you can.
Use mild, hypo-allergenic shower gels or bath products – Just wash the genitals with warm water and avoid soaps.
Wipe front to back when you go to the toilet.
Eat one natural or “live” yogurt a day – Research suggests that eating 8 ounces of yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus can significantly reduce the risk of yeast infections.
Avoid douching.
Don't wear underwear or pajama bottoms at night – Let air get to your genital area.
Using these simple measures can cut your risk of having repeat yeast infections.