Yeast Infection Treatment

The main purpose of the treatment of yeast infection is not to eliminate the Candida responsible for the infection but to reestablish the normal balance of microorganisms of gut flora. Candida species are always present in the human body and do not cause any problems as long they are in balance with other microorganisms of the gut flora. However, the balance of gut flora can be easily disturbed if having weakened immune system or being affected by illness, stress, hormonal changes as well as in long-term use of antibiotics, steroids or birth-control pills. Yeast infection very often also affects pregnant women. Disturbed balance of microorganisms results overgrowth of Candida species, most frequently of Candida albicans causing vaginal or oral infection. Yeast infection can also affect men and is known as balanitis. Symptoms of yeast infection in men include red sores near the head of the penis or on the foreskin and like in vaginal candidiasis severe itching and/or burning.

Fortunately, yeast infection can be successfully treated. If going to a doctor later will first take a sample of the vaginal discharge or swab the affected area and then inspect the sample under a microscope to confirm the yeast infection and determine severity of the condition. In milder forms vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with antifungal drugs in a form of a topical cream or suppositories which lasts from 1 to 3 days. Treatment of severer yeast infections usually last from 10 to 14 days. Vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection and usually do not require treatment of a partner unless later has tiny white sores on the penis or if infected woman has problems with recurrent yeast infections. In most cases vaginal yeast infection can be also successfully treated with variety of over-the-counter antifungal products as well as with several home remedies which can be also used for relieving the symptoms.

Oral yeast infections are usually treated with prescription lozenges and mouthwashes, while skin infections and infected diaper rashes are treated with topical antifungal creams.