Treatment for candidiasis can be done with the use of antifungal medicines in the form of tablets, vaginal ovules or ointments, prescribed by the doctor according to the location affected by candidiasis, which can generally occur in the vaginal, intestinal, penis or skin region. , for example.
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus that can affect women or men of any age, and occurs due to the excessive growth of this fungus, especially when the immune system is weakened due to illness or medication use.
The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the affected region, with the appearance of whitish discharge in the genital region, the formation of white plaques in the mouth or blisters on the skin, for example, being common. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor to identify the type of candidiasis and undergo treatment as advised by the doctor.
How the treatment is carried out
The main treatments for candidiasis depend on the type of candidiasis and include:
1. Female candidiasis
Treatment for female candidiasis, also called vaginal candidiasis, must be indicated by a gynecologist and normally includes the use of medications such as:
- Vaginal ointments or creams, such as terconazole, tioconazole or nystatin, used in the external region of the vagina or inside the vaginal canal, once a day, preferably at night, using the applicator provided in the package;
- Vaginal ova, such as miconazole, isoconazole or terconazole, which must be introduced into the vagina with the finger or with the help of an applicator, once a day, preferably at night.
- pills, such as fluconazole 150 mg or ketoconazole 200 to 400 mg, taken orally in a single dose.
The treatment time for female candidiasis can vary from 1 to 14 days depending on the type of medicine used, and should always be done under the guidance of a doctor. See other treatment options for female candidiasis.
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2. Male candidiasis
Treatment for male candidiasis must be carried out under the guidance of a urologist and includes the use of antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, nystatin or miconazole, in the form of ointments or creams, which must be applied to the glans and foreskin 2 to 3 times per day for up to 3 weeks, even if symptoms have disappeared.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend the use of fluconazole tablets in a single dose. Check out other treatment options for male candidiasis.
3. Candidiasis in pregnancy
Treatment for candidiasis during pregnancy must be indicated by the obstetrician, and the use of clotrimazole in ovules or vaginal tablets may be indicated. You should avoid applying this medication with the applicator, so as not to compromise the cervix.
Candidiasis during pregnancy is very common because the woman’s immune system is weakened, which facilitates the development of fungi. Treatment must be carried out before birth to reduce the risk of infecting the baby during natural birth. Find out more about the treatment of candidiasis during pregnancy.
4. Intestinal candidiasis
The treatment of intestinal candidiasis is normally done with the use of fluconazole 150 mg taken orally in a single dose, and should always be recommended by a gastroenterologist.
In addition, you can use food supplements or probiotics containing Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii to prevent the growth and proliferation of the candidiasis fungus, in addition to strengthening the immune system. Understand better how intestinal candidiasis is treated.
5. Recurrent candidiasis
In cases of recurrent candidiasis, also called recurrent candidiasis or chronic candidiasis, the cause that may be at the origin of this problem must be identified, which may be related to the use of antibiotics or contraceptives, a weakened immune system, the presence of other diseases , inadequate nutrition or wearing synthetic or very tight clothing, for example.
Therefore, depending on the cause, prevention of recurrent candidiasis can be done by changing lifestyle and diet, using probiotics, especially when it is necessary to take an antibiotic, strengthening the immune system and, in some cases, prophylactic treatment with an oral antifungal. See all treatment options for recurrent candidiasis.
6. Candidiasis in the mouth
The treatment of candidiasis in the mouth, or oral candidiasis, must be indicated by the gastroenterologist and includes the use of antifungals such as nystatin in the form of an oral solution, which must be swished and kept inside the mouth for as long as possible before swallowing, or the use of fluconazole in tablet form in a single dose, for the most serious cases.
Furthermore, during treatment it is important to maintain oral hygiene, brushing your teeth at least 3 times a day. Check out other options for treating candidiasis in the mouth.
Home Treatment Options
Home treatment for candidiasis can be done with natural yogurt, which helps balance the pH of the vagina, preventing the proliferation of fungi responsible for vaginal candidiasis.
To carry out this homemade treatment, you can dip a tampon in natural yogurt and insert it into the vagina, leaving it to act for at least 3 hours. Men can also make use of this treatment by placing yogurt on the head of the penis.
Furthermore, it is also important to modify your diet, reducing the consumption of processed foods rich in sugar, as this can promote the growth of the fungus. Candida albicans.
Care during treatment
Some precautions when treating candidiasis include:
- Maintain body hygiene, keeping the intimate area very dry;
- Avoid intimate contact without a condom;
- Wear loose cotton clothing;
- Avoid unnecessary use of medicines, especially antibiotics;
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Give preference to greens, vegetables and fruit;
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol, sugar and fatty foods.
These treatments help to treat and prevent the emergence of candidiasis and can be used by men and women of any age.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in genital candidiasis include a decrease in itching, redness and swelling, as well as the disappearance of white discharge. The signs of improvement in intestinal candidiasis are, essentially, the regulation of intestinal transit and the reduction of tiredness and weakness.
Signs of worsening
If the infection is getting worse, signs of worsening may appear such as nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever with chills or loss of appetite for long periods. If the patient shows signs of worsening candidiasis, they should go to the hospital to begin appropriate treatment.
