The most common yeast infections occur in your oral and genital areas. It is believed that these infections are triggered while your immune system stands weakened. Yeast infections can be treated with over the counter (OTC) meds. You need to know the most common drugs among these OTC medications and how to use them.
Candida is a type of fungus that lives on your body. This is one among of the many types of fungus that live on humans. It generally does not cause infections or any other medical conditions. However, when the conditions are apt for its multiplication, this fungus can get beyond control. It is when you may get affected by yeast infections. The medical condition is widely called as candidiasis.
Yeast infections in your mouth and throat (commonly called as thrush)
In the oral region, this fungus can spread onto your throat and other parts of your mouth. It is generally called as thrush. This is found to occur more commonly among very elderly people; especially those with compromised levels of immunity. Among the elderly, medical studies reveal that such infections are common among people who wear dentures or those living with diabetes. It is also found to occur among people who have cancer. This medical condition can show up as discoloration of mouth, dry corners of your mouth and also as pain while you try to swallow food. Yeast infections in the oral areas are a common occurrence among infants as well.
This condition is treated with mouthwash and also with antifungal drugs. Mouthwashes can help check the multiplication of yeast infections. They are found to be effective for elders with very weak immunity levels. Among antifungal drugs, the most common medications are fluconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
Yeast infections in and around genital areas
Medical studies indicate that more than 65% of women (adults) may experience yeast infections once or twice. They may experience this condition as yeast growing in and around their vagina. You may need to note that this condition is not so common among men. Doctors state that it may be triggered when vaginal imbalances occur. These infections may also be caused due to diabetes or pregnancy. Apart from these reasons, a weak immune system can also be cause for it. Common signs of this condition include painful peeing sessions, unpleasant experiences while having sex, discoloration of your vagina, etc. Among males, yeast infections can show up as rashes or itchiness of your penis. Yeast infections in the vagina may pose similarities with infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or bacterial attacks. It is difficult to tell the difference though; only an experienced medical practitioner may be able to differentiate it.
Other types of yeast infections include diaper rash triggered infections. You may know that rashes may form by letting a soiled diaper remain unchanged for long. It may eventually lead to your baby’s bottom turning sensitive as well as becoming red. If you see these signs, you need to consult a specialist (i.e., a pediatrician) and detect if your baby’s bottom has developed yeast infections.
In such instances, a cream or an ointment with antifungal properties is applied based on your doctor’s guidance. You may also need to know antifungal treatment offered to adults does not go well with babies. The concentration levels of ingredients, dosage and its frequency are at the minimal level for products applied onto newly born babies.
Over the counter meds for yeast infections
Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by using over the counter meds such as a suppository (delivery of the drug is not through a conventional route; instead the drug is put inside your body and it is allowed to dissolve) or a vaginal cream. Such over the counter (OTC) medications are available in several supermarkets as well as drugstores. Most of the over the counter (OTC) meds may have the same formula or list of ingredients – i.e., same as the drugs your doctor may prescribe. The main difference however is prescribed drugs are found to be more concentrated than their over the counter (OTC) equivalents.
The common ingredients used in suppositories are miconazole or clotrimazole. You need to insert the drug into your vagina, and allow it to dissolve within your body. Makers of such drugs pack them with inserters; these help you to place the drug properly. The biggest advantage of a vaginal suppository is it is not difficult to handle, say like a cream or an ointment; because creams may get out of your vagina and may pose problems.
Vaginal ointments or creams work to kill the yeast and clean your vaginal tract. Similar to suppositories being packed with inserters, vaginal cream are packed with applicators. These devices help you to measure a proper quantity and also help you apply the cream onto the infected areas. The most commonly used over the counter (OTC) meds are miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
Precautions needed while using vaginal creams
Stay away from creams or ointment that only let you apply the cream onto the tissues surrounding the vagina. Such creams can at best reduce the itchiness of your skin. Instead, you may need to use a proper antifungal cream that can treat infections caused by yeast. However, when you use an oil-based cream, care must be taken on the methods used for birth control. It is certainly not advised to use a diaphragm or a condom. This is because oil-based vaginal cream can have properties that can damage a diaphragm or condom.
Most importantly, check if the condition is a yeast infection and not a bacterial infection, or any other skin related conditions. It is recommended that you consult your doctor. This is a necessary step because a wrong medication can only make matters worse in such cases.
Make sure that you are following all the instructions printed on the package carefully. It is important to apply the cream in the right amount and also know where to apply. These aspects of application are extremely important because an effective dose only can arrest the further growth possibilities of yeast.
Also, if you are taking other drugs, especially other antifungal medicines – they can change the way a vaginal cream works. Hence, it is required to talk to your pharmacist or a doctor on the possible interactions between antifungal medications with other drugs you are currently consuming.
It is required to note down the frequency of yeast infections. If you experience yeast infections for more than three times per year, you may need to inform about it to your doctor. In such instances, your treating doctor may provide doses of antifungal drugs which are to be taken regularly. Dosages may be timed in a suiting manner so as to prevent likely occurrences of periodic yeast infections.
Invasive yeast infections
When yeast (especially candida genre of fungus) gets into your blood, it may cause a few adverse medical conditions. Before checking on the likely side effects, do you wonder how would yeast get into your blood? It is possible in a few ways. Yeast can get into your blood through medical devices or equipment. When yeast gets into your blood, it can find its way to several vital organs of your body. Upon gaining entry, odds of invasive yeast making its way to your bones, eyes, heart and brain are very high.
Such invasive yeast infections are observed in people living in a healthcare centers for long, or those who have been discharged from a hospital recently. Similar to other fungal attacks, the chances of you getting an invasive attack are also high if you are either diabetic or if your immunity levels are low. Common signs of an invasive yeast infection are chills, tremors and fever. An invasive yeast infection is treated with intravenous antifungal medications.
In sum, yeast infections may be triggered due to diabetes, pregnancy or when you have a weak immune system. Yeast infections in vagina carry a lot of similarities with those from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or bacterial outgrowth. Other types of yeast infections include diaper rash triggered infections. You may also need to know that antifungals given to adults do not go well to treat newly born babies. Once yeast gets into your blood, it can lead to severe health problems. An invasive yeast infection is managed with intravenous antifungal medications.
Yeast infections can be treated by using over the counter (OTC) meds such as a suppository or an antifungal cream. Such over the counter (OTC) medications are sold in supermarkets and drugstores. Common ingredients used in suppositories are miconazole or clotrimazole. Ointments or creams work to eliminate yeast infections. Commonly used over the counter meds for yeast infections are miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.
Above all, make sure the condition is a yeast infection and not any other skin-related medical condition. You are hence advised to consult your doctor. This is necessary because an improper medication can only make matters worse in such cases. Ensure that you follow all instructions listed on the package. While you are consuming other drugs, usage of antifungal creams or medicines can trigger interactions. Hence, talk to your pharmacist about possible risks of drug interactions. Note down the frequency of yeast infections. If they occur for more than three times in a year, your treating doctor may provide you with doses of antifungal meds which are to be taken regularly.