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Can Using OTC Yeast Infection Cream Cause Yeast Infection? What Creams Should Be Used For Treatment?
Treatment of yeast infection does not cause yeast infection,
but treats the yeast infection.
Re-infection occurs if the treatment
course is not completed, or if one partner with an active yeast infection is not
treated. It is best to finish the entire treatment course and to recommend
partner treatment if they are infected. An allergic reaction to treatment may
produce additional lesions, so it is important to note if the infection is not
getting better during treatment.
Recurrent or relapsing Candida
balanitis that present after a full course of medications is not uncommon and it
may be due to an increased susceptibility to chronic yeast infections (e.g.
diabetes, uncircumcised penis, etc).
Despite therapy, recurrent
vulvovaginal candidiasis, defined as 4 or more episodes of infection per year,
can occur in less than 5% of healthy women. Recurrences may be caused by other
species of Candida that are not equally susceptible to the usual first-line
treatments with antifugal creams. Appropriate fungal cultures may be taken to
identify the species.
Yeast infection medications are the same for men
and women, and can be prescribed by the doctor or obtained over the counter
(OTC). The medications prescribed by the doctors may have a shorter course than
OTC yeast infection creams, however both still do a good job of treating yeast
infections in both men and women. Recurrent infections require longer courses of
antimycotic therapy for 10 to 14 days.
Non-medical
treatment
Treatment for recurrent yeast infections depend on controlling
and or identifying the underlying cause. Controlling blood sugar levels for
diabetics and regular inspection of any new skin infections for
immunocompromised patients are suggested. Patients at risk for yeast infection
can be treated with antifungals prophylatically (before they contract the
infection). Studies have shown that dietary sucrose (sugar) and lactose (milk
sugar) may support and promote the growth of yeast in women. Limiting dietary
intake of these sugars may help.
Women are advised to wear loose-fitting
nonocclusive clothing and cotton underwear to avoid providing the warm moist
climate in which Candida tends to thrive. Some physicians recommend washing
clothing in hot water and using panty liners to avoid creating a reservoir for
yeast.
Men with Candida blanitis that is caused by poor hygiene should
keep the area clean, especially if they are uncircumcised. Circumcision is also
an option for recurrent infections. It is not an uncommon procedure, even in
adult males, and it will cure balanitis caused by Candida.
For
immunocompromised patients, taking medications and keeping the area clean will
decrease infection occurrence.
Medical Treatments
Candida
infection is very common in women, and over 75% of women can have an episode in
their lifetime. This is the reason why medications are readily available at many
pharmacies and retail stores.
Antifugals work by blocking the formation
of the cell wall in yeast. Azole compounds work through this action. Topical
antimycotic drugs can achieve cure rates in excess of 80%. Candida balanitis and
Candida vaginitis responds quickly with twice-a-day application for 7 days of
miconazole (Monostat), or clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Gyne-Lotrimin) cream which can
be purchased OTC.
It is recommended to complete the full course to
prevent recurrence. Doctors may prescribe fluconazole (Diflucan), for one day,
or 5 days, and it is just as effective as the 7 day treatments of the OTC
medications. It can concentrate in vaginal secreations for at least 72 hours
after the tablet is taken.
Women can also be treated with nystatin
vaginal tablets, miconazole, clotrimazole, butoconazole, and terconazole vaginal
creams, or Ketaconazole or fluconozole tablets. These medications range from
taking a single oral dose or 3 to 14 days of treatment.
For recurrent
yeast infections in women, some patients are placed on treatment for several
months. Therapy includes ketoconazole (400 mg/d), itraconazole (50-100 mg/d),
fluconazole (100 mg/wk) for 6 weeks, and clotrimazole (500-mg vaginal
suppositories once per wk). These regimens have been used for up to 6 months to
achieve maximal results.
Betty Roberts
Betty Roberts is the author of www.YeastInfectionInfo.com, a site
for Yeast Infection sufferers that provide information on Yeast Infection and
its treatment.
The foods we eat have a huge effect on our health, and often times, most disease and illness is created or cured by the food that we eat. There are foods to eat to prevent a yeast infection as well. Here...
Those looking for natural remedies for candida should look at organic coconut oil and candida as an option. So many things can help you fight candida off naturally and changing your diet provides the biggest...
The foods we eat have a huge effect on our health, and often times, most disease and illness is created or cured by the food that we eat. There are foods to eat to prevent a yeast infection as well. Here...
Those looking for natural remedies for candida should look at organic coconut oil and candida as an option. So many things can help you fight candida off naturally and changing your diet provides the biggest...
