Treating yeast infection is easy as long as it remains superficial, that is as long as it does not penetrate the skin to become systemic. For healthy people, most doctors can diagnose yeast infection, medically termed as candidiasis, without laboratory tests. A quick exam of the mouth or the skin usually confirms the presence of candidiasis. If at all any confirmation is needed, a small scraping of the area is placed on the slide with hydrogen peroxide. If a branching pattern, consistent with yeasts is observed it can be safely said that one needs treatment for yeast infection.

The only way to confirm vaginal yeast infection is to undergo a complete gynecologic exam. The doctor may also take urine and blood tests for confirmation of his diagnosis. The gynecologic test is quite uncomfortable. You should not have sexual intercourse or douche the vagina for 2/3 days before the exam because doing so may make the diagnosis more difficult.

For people with weak immune system, it may be necessary to perform more invasive tests. To check Candida specimen in the urinary tract or blood, specimen collection may be necessary.  CT scan or MRI may be necessary to see if the Candida has reached the brain and if the tests show positive results, undergoing a biopsy may be necessary to confirm that it is really Candida, not anything else.

Therefore, treat yeast infection as soon as you notice it. Most of the first time candidiasis can be treated at home with over the counter drugs or prescription medicines. If the immune system is strong, the infection clears within one week. However, if you have any other disease that may have weakened your immune system, consult the doctor as soon as you notice something that may or may not be yeast infection. There is no point in taking risks.

Treat vaginal yeast infection at home with the following remedies. You will have to massage these yeast infection medications not only in the vagina, but also on the surrounding area for 1 to 7 days, depending on the severity. The medications are:

1.    Miconazole

2.    Tioconazole

3.    Butoconazole

4.    Clotrimazole

If the symptoms persist, see the doctor immediately.

If you have oral thrush:

1.    Swish nystatin around your mouth.

2.    Adults can have troches, which are nothing but antifungal lozens.

3.    Adults can also take tablets like fluconazole in addition to nystatin.

4.    Clean the dentures thoroughly if you use them.

5.    Maintain excellent oral health.

6.    In case of children, all objects that the baby puts in mouth should be sterilized.

7.    Breast feeding mothers should also check for candidiasis.

Yeast infection medications for skins consist of clotrimazole creams and lotions. These can be applied where there is superficial candidiasis. Other than that, the place should be kept dry and clean. For diaper rashes in children, frequent change of diaper and use of barrier creams should help in speedy recovery.

If you treat yeast infection in the first stage, it will go away within one or two weeks. Now, how do we know that we have yeast infection in the first place?

1.    In women, the signs of vaginal yeast infection are a typically white cheesy discharge that itches and irritates the vagina. There may be pain during intercourse and burning sensation with urination.

2.    The sign of oral thrush or candidiasis in the mouth is white lacy patches on top of the red base. The white patch looks like milk curd, but cannot be wiped out.

3.    Superficial yeast infections appear as red flat rash with scalloped edges. Look for them in the in the armpit, under the breast, in the fold of the skin, under the nail bed in the genital area and even between the toes.

Be careful of “satellite lesions”. These are small rashes that appear by the skin candidiasis. They look almost similar and cause itching and pain. Talk to the doctor about them, if you have them. Be careful about the oral thrush too. Do not try to remove the whit plaque with blade or any applicator, even it is cotton tipped. The underlying tissues may start bleeding if you do so. Thrush too can be painful and make it difficult to drink or eat. Often this leads to avoidance of water and in its turn may lead to dehydration. Care should be taken that the person with thrush does not get dehydrated.

Lead a hygienic and healthy life. Eat healthy food. Wear loose cotton clothes so that air can circulate freely. Keep your self as much dry as possible, especially the places with yeast infection.  Treating yeast infection is not going to create any problem.