Candida,
the type of yeast, which is the most common cause of
infection, is a part of the normal flora of the human
body. A compromised immune system due to infections like
AIDS, cancer, stress, steroid or antibiotic treatment
treatment, nutritional deficiency may result in yeast
infection. Since Candida is a fungus, it thrives in
moist, warm, and dark places such as the oral cavity,
skin folds, and vagina. Most women experience yeast
infection at least once in their lifetime and many have
recurring yeast infections. Superficial yeast
infections are best treated with creams.
Yeast
infections, though not very serious, can be quite
irritating and embarrassing due to the itching, burning
and discharge. Oral antifungals are very toxic to the
body, so it is generally recommended to try topical
yeast infection creams. They are safe to use and
pretty effective. But it is better to confirm a yeast
infection by visiting your doctor before starting
treatment with cream. It is also important to follow
instructions faithfully for the cream to be effective.
If there is no change within three days of starting the
cream, inform your doctor. Though Candida albicans is
the most common causative agent of yeast infections, not
all yeast infections are caused by it. Other species
like Candida glabrata
and Candida tropicalis
may also be involved. These are more resistant to
treatment and may be required to be treated over a
longer period. A recalcitrant yeast infection may also
be a sign of AIDS or diabetes.
There are
a variety of yeast infection creams available in the
market.
1) Creams
containing clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Femizole-7). These
are generally available over the counter and effective
if applied along with 1% hydrocortisone cream. Some
others require medical prescription. Other creams are
those containing miconazole (Monistat-Derm), tioconazole
(Vagistat).
2)
Other yeast infection creams, such as ketoconazole
(Nizoral), is available by prescription and is effective
as well.
3) Vaginal
creams and suppositories include butoconazole (Femstat),
clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin),terconazole
(Terazol),
4) For
paronychia, topical antifungal and topical
corticosteroids are also used.
5) Placing
a bit of petroleum jelly on top of the anti-yeast cream
is helpful as well.
6) For
diaper rashes in infants use of barrier creams is
helpful in drying up the rash quickly.
7)
Nystatin
powder is antifungal as well as helpful in decreasing
the moisture.
The
affected area should be kept clean and dry. Antibiotic
treatment should be discontinued during a yeast
infection. Infection
may recur if the treatment course is not completed, or
if one partner with an active yeast infection is not
treated.
Yeast
infection creams, however,
will just make the rash dry up but will not eradicate
the yeast infection permanently. Yeast infections are
very complex in their etiology and the root cause needs
to be identified and resolved. For this, holistic
treatment is advised. The holistic medicine practitioner
will help identify the cause of the infection, get rid
of it and prevent recurrence. This will help get rid of
the yeast infection permanently and safely.
