Ask Your Pharmacist – Yeast Infections
A CAPSULAR MOMENT -YEAST INFECTION
By David Bodunde Rph
Yeast infection (Vulvovaginal candidiasis) is one of many different types of vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. Other types include bacterial vaginosis (caused by a bacteria infection), atrophic vaginitis (found in postmenopausal women), irritant vaginitis (caused by allergies to things like soap, perfume, condom, etc).
A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of fungal yeast called Candida albicans. Every woman has small amounts of Candida in her vagina and the infection occurs when the balance of organisms in the vagina is upset leading to an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Vaginal yeast infections is rarely found in girls before puberty and in celibate women, it tend to occur more frequently in women who are pregnant; taking birth control pills, steroids, or antibiotics or have uncontrolled diabetes.
Risk Factors
- More common in sexually active women
- Wearing tight synthetic undergarments like nylon or lycra that traps heat and moisture
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotic use
- Corticosteroid use
- Immuno –compromised
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- stress
Symptoms
- Severe itching of vulva and vaginal areas
- Stinging and / or burning
- Vaginal discharge from watery white to thick “cottage cheese”
Non- drug treatment
There is no specific non-drug treatment for a yeast infection but there are preventive measures for women wishing to avoid recurrent infections. These measures include
- Good genital hygiene to keep the tissue free from irritation and healthy. Use of vaginal deodorants, douching, harsh soaps and perfumed products for genital use should be avoided. It is enough to wash with mild soap and warm water.
- Tight clothing and synthetic underwear should be avoided to minimize development of warm, moist irritated skin where Candida can proliferate. Cotton and loose fitting undergarments and pants are recommended.
- Dietary modifications can be tried. High carbohydrate foods as well as those with a high yeast or sugar content seem to predispose some women to a yeast infection. Increasing the consumption of yogurt that contains lactobacillus species might be helpful.
- Use of Probiotics especially in women on antibiotic therapy is on the rise and the jury is still out on the
- Effectiveness of this practise. But it has been found that the use of probiotics in combination with an oral antifungal agent shows a significant benefit in treating a yeast infection.
OTC treatments
There are a variety of over the counter treatments for women with simple cases of uncomplicated yeast infection. They are available as vaginal creams, vaginal tablets or vaginal ovules. They are highly effective (70-90%) and selection is generally determined by length of therapy desired or the woman’s previous experience. Clotrimazole and miconazole are available as 1-, 3-, 6- and 7 day regimens.
Fluconazole (Canesoral), an oral medication formerly available as a prescription-only, is now available over the counter. It is the most successful alternative to vaginal antifungals and is also highly effective (97%). It is not recommended for women under 18 years or for those who are pregnant or lactating.
To speak with David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit the Manitouwadge Pharmacy, Unit 2, Hallmarket Square in Manitouwadge or call 826.3888
The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.
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