Candidiasis is an infection caused by fungi of the Candida genus, and most cases are not caused by contagion or transmission, but by fungi that naturally inhabit our body.
The Candida species that most causes candidiasis is C. albicans, a microorganism usually present in the gastrointestinal flora.
When the immune system is healthy, it remains in the body without causing further damage, living harmoniously. However, if there are immunological dysfunctions or alterations that favor the manifestation of the fungus, candidiasis develops.
It is worth remembering that, despite being more associated with infections of the intimate region, candidiasis can also occur in the mouth, skin or internal organs – such as the esophagus.
Therefore, being caused by the action of fungi, candidiasis is treated with medications capable of combating the action of the infectious agent (antifungals), which can be orally, injectable or topically (such as creams or sprays administered by dermatological or vaginal routes).
The treatment aims to quickly alleviate symptoms, which can include intense itching, redness of the affected region, small ulcers on the surface, burning and discomfort.
Find out what are the most common remedies used to treat candidiasis!
In this article you will find the following information:
- Types of Antifungal for Candidiasis
- Oral Candidiasis Remedies (tablet and solution)
- Candidiasis creams and ointments
- Candidiasis Injections
- Candida medicine in a single dose
- Medicine for male candidiasis (penile)
- Medicine for female candidiasis (vaginal)
- Candidiasis in pregnancy: what is the best remedy?
- Oral candidiasis: what is the treatment?
- Cutaneous candidiasis (skin and nails): what are the remedies?
- Esophageal candidiasis: how to treat?
- Intestinal candidiasis: what to do?
- How long after taking Fluconazole improves candidiasis?
- What is the relationship between antibiotics and candidiasis?
- What is the best home remedy for female thrush?
Types of Antifungal for Candidiasis
There are several classes of antifungal drugs to fight the outbreak of candidiasis. They can vary depending on the mechanism of action (ie, how it will eliminate the fungus) and presentation (local or systemic treatment).
As a topical treatment, it is understood that the drug has an isolated or localized action, and can be found as ointments, creams or solutions to make mouthwash, for example. Systemic treatments, on the other hand, are those made with pills or injections, which can have action throughout the body.
In general, patients respond well to antifungal drugs, whether in ointment, solution, pills or oral pills, without the need for hospitalization or drug association (analgesic, for example).
It is worth remembering that all treatment and medication should only be indicated by a doctor, and that indiscriminate use can bring health risks.
Oral Candidiasis Remedies (tablet and solution)
The tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor, usually as a single dose (higher dosages) or over a few days (smaller and divided dosages).
In these cases, tablets and capsules should, in general, be taken with food or after meals, always with water and with extreme care so that no dose is missed.
Candidiasis creams and ointments
Some of these drugs include the same active ingredients found in oral remedies, but in the case of topical treatment the action is more localized.
How to apply, frequency and duration of treatment must be expressly recommended by the doctor. However, some usage tips include washing and properly sanitizing your hands before applying creams and ointments, taking care of the correct amount of the product, as well as being careful when spreading it (avoiding rubbing or damaging the skin).
The doctor may prescribe:
- Ketoconazole: there are options like Cream Medley and Ketonax;
- Ciclopirox: among the options sold are Fungirox nail polish and Loprox topical solution;
- Econazole: found in solutions or lotions such as Micostyl;
- Miconazole: such as Vodol powder version, Daktarin gel and Gino Mizonol vaginal cream;
- Nystatin: found in mouthwash versions (oral suspension) Canditrat and Nistrazin vaginal cream;
- Clotrimazole: among the cream options are Baycuten and Canesten, in addition to the Gino-Canesten vaginal cream;
- Terbinafine: there are products such as Lamisilate in a spray or cream solution;
- Terconazole: vaginal creams such as Gyno Fungix and Ginconazole.
Read more: Which ointments are indicated for the treatment of female and male Candidiasis?
Candidiasis Injections
This type of treatment is used in more severe cases of candida infection, systemic infections in immunosuppressed patients (with AIDS or cancer, for example). Injections must be given by the responsible professional and usually require a single application.
Candida medicine in a single dose
In general, mild and moderate conditions of candidiasis can be treated with single-dose medications (where it is necessary to use them only once, whether oral or vaginal tablets).
Among the single-dose therapeutic options are fluconazole and itraconazole. In addition, there is isoconazole nitrate, a single-dose vaginal tablet option.
Medicine for male candidiasis (penile)
Penile candidiasis can happen after sexual contact. Thus, it is common for the doctor to request that both the man and the partner take the tablet by mouth.
In general, the most effective treatment is through ointments or creams on the affected region (topical treatment). Fluconazole is the most indicated, and should be used from 7 to 14 days, but there are also:
- Clotrimazole, for up to 14 days;
- Econazole, for up to 14 days.
In more intense cases, systemic treatment can be performed with fluconazole or ketoconazole, for 7 to 14 days.
Medicine for female candidiasis (vaginal)
In general, patients respond well to topical therapies, that is, performed with creams, ointments or vaginal tablets. It usually takes between 7 and 14 days for the treatment to fight the fungi, depending on the concentration of the ointment or cream. Among the options, it can be recommended:
- Clotrimazole vaginal tablets;
- Miconazole Cream;
- Miconazole vaginal tablet;
- Econazole vaginal tablet;
- Terconazole Cream;
- Nystatin vaginal pill.
In the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, fluconazole and itraconazole can be prescribed in a single dose, in association with topical medications.
In recurrent cases or in systemic candidiasis, one can choose oral fluconazole 150mg once a week, vaginal Clotrimazole 500 mg once a week or 200mg twice a week for up to 6 months.
Candidiasis in pregnancy: what is the best remedy?
Candidiasis in pregnancy is generally not a dangerous condition for the mother or baby. It is usually caused due to hormonal changes and the pregnant woman’s vaginal pH, which favors the proliferation of the fungus.
Although it does not present risks in most cases, it is necessary to treat it correctly, preferably through creams and ointments, due to the more localized action of medications.
However, if the infection is more intense or if the responses to topical therapy are not sufficient, oral medications can be adopted (at medical discretion).
Topical treatments include vaginal ointments, creams or tablets, usually used between 7 and 14 days, based on:
- Nystatin;
- Clotrimazole;
- Terconazole;
- Miconazole.
Even in the case of creams for topical use, use during pregnancy must have medical advice and follow-up, as the possibility of use depends on factors such as the length of pregnancy and the health condition of the pregnant woman.
Oral candidiasis: what is the treatment?
Candidiasis can affect the mucosa of the mouth and throat, causing pain and discomfort throughout the oral cavity. This is a condition that usually affects immunocompromised patients, such as HIV carriers or transplant recipients.
Treatment is generally carried out with mouthwashes and gargles with nystatin-based medications and/or fluconazole tablets, in a single dose.
Patients who do not respond well to treatment with fluconazole tablets or who have any restriction to it, may be indicated to use:
- Itraconazole, 7 to 14 days;
- Voriconazole, 7 to 14 days;
- Posaconazole for 14 days.
Cutaneous candidiasis (skin and nails): what are the remedies?
The infection can affect the surface of the skin and cause rashes, itching, blemishes and redness. In these cases, the treatment can be with the use of ointments and creams based on imidazole, once a day for up to 4 weeks.
However, other antifungals can be used, such as:
- Solution or enamel based on Ciclopirox;
- Terbinafine Cream;
- Clotrimazole Cream;
- Econazole Cream;
- Ketoconazole Cream;
- Nystatin (cream or solution).
Esophageal candidiasis: how to treat?
Fluconazole is the most common medication for treatment, usually requiring use between 14 and 21 days. In cases where the antifungal does not show good results, the following can be used:
- Voriconazole;
- Itraconazole;
- Posaconazole.
The treatment time will depend on the doctor’s recommendation.
Intestinal candidiasis: what to do?
Stress and dietary changes are among the main causes of changes in the intestinal flora.
To combat the presence of fungi in the organ, it may be necessary to use oral remedies, such as fluconazole, together with dietary changes, such as the ingestion of probiotic products (milk and natural yogurt, for example), according to medical recommendations.
The diet aims to strengthen immunity and recover or restore the balance of the intestinal flora, eliminating and preventing new fungal proliferations.
How long after taking Fluconazole improves candidiasis?
Fluconazole for candidiasis is usually prescribed in pills or ointment and tends to be quite quick to act. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, relief comes soon after the first use. The improvement is gradual, but it can already be noticed the next day.
However, even if the symptoms stop and the candidiasis improves, it is necessary to keep using the medication for the period indicated by specialists.
What is the relationship between antibiotics and candidiasis?
Although antibiotics are often necessary drugs to fight some infections, their recurrent or frequent use may be related to candidiasis. This is because the vaginal flora is made up of bacteria that are fundamental for the balance and protection of the region.
With the constant use of antibiotic drugs, this balance can be affected, undermining the vagina’s natural protection. Therefore, this group of medications is not used to treat candidiasis, but may actually be responsible for its occurrence.
What is the best home remedy for female thrush?
When candidiasis arises, the ideal is to seek gynecological advice. However, home treatments can help with recovery, as long as they do not replace clinical and drug indications.
Some measures that can — and should — be taken by women even when there is no candidiasis occurring are:
- Strengthen immunity;
- Taking care of food;
- Include probiotics in food;
- Do physical activities;
- Wear cotton panties;
- Do not use intimate soaps;
- Do not wear clothes that are too tight;
- Sleep without panties;
- Ventilate, whenever possible, the intimate region;
- Reduce the use of daily protectants or irritating products.
These simple measures help to improve the condition, when the infection has already occurred, but also help to prevent new occurrences.
Attention!
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to say which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for your specific case. The information on this website is intended to provide information only, and is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a specialist or to serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
There are several drug options to treat thrush and quickly relieve symptoms. Antifungals, in general, have good results in combating the action of the infectious agent, and the treatment of localized infections is usually short — it can be carried out in a single dose or between 7 and 14 days.
Only the doctor can prescribe the best treatment for your case, so the consultation and specialized monitoring are essential.