Conventional Treatment of Candidiasis

Conventional treatment of candidiasis

Conventional treatment of candidiasis involves a combination of a few strategies - lifestyle modifications together with medication:

Lifestyle modifications

There are a number of lifestyle modifications that are recommended to help reduce the risk of further symptoms:

Probiotics - the friendly bacteria in probiotics makes the intestinal tract more acidic, inhibiting the growth of candida albicans, as well as producing hydrogen peroxide, which also kills the candida albicans and prevents overgrowth and reduces symptoms by promoting proper intestinal flora
Tea tree oil - most conventional doctors recommend a vaginal douche with diluted tea tree oil can be used on the infected areas (only the vagina, penis and skin but definitely not the stomach or mouth) to quickly relieve symptoms, as it is a potent anti-fungal

Medications

There are a few different medications which can be prescribed, depending on the severity of symptoms and proliferation of the candida albicans yeast in the body:

Anti-fungal medications - there are a variety of tablets sold in pharmacies which can be purchased without a prescription in Australia. There may be some side effects in some people, depending on the dose
Creams with low-strength corticosteroids - topical vaginal creams can be used with corticosteroid tablets, which should only be taken over a short-term
Topical vaginal creams and suppositories - these are also sold in pharmacies which have anti-fungal medication in this format; there may be some side effects in some people, depending on the dose

Most conventional treatments last from a few days to a number of weeks, depending on how resistant to treatment the candidiasis infection is. Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed as re-infection can occur with an even more resistant strain or another type of strain of the candida albicans yeast.

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Last reviewed: 2 September 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009

Acidophilus (glossary)
Biotin (vitamins)
Echinacea (glossary)
Fibre (nutrition articles)
Folic acid (vitamins)
Garlic (nutrients)
Omega 3 fatty acids (glossary)
Probiotics (glossary)
Vitamin A (vitamins)
Vitamin C (vitamins)
Vitamin E (vitamins)
Zinc (minerals)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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