Candidiasis is a very common infection, especially in the female genital region. There are many medications to treat it, and ointments are usually indicated to relieve symptoms.
The infection can be caused by any species of fungi of the genus Candida, which are about 20. But the most common is Candida albicans . Either way, candidiasis is curable.
Although the most affected area is the genitals, the condition can also affect the skin, esophagus, mouth, nails and intestine. In more rare cases, the infection can spread and affect different parts of the body.
It is important to note that, although it affects the genital areas, candidiasis is not an STD. The fungus that causes Candida naturally inhabits the human body and only triggers an infection when it proliferates in excess.
The cause varies widely, but, in general, the appearance is favored by low immunity and humidity in the place. The use of antibiotics can also contribute to the emergence of candidiasis, as these drugs unbalance the amount of microorganisms that inhabit the body.
Candidiasis is treated with products that act as antifungal and drying agents. It can be orally, intravaginal and by topical ointments.
The use of ointments for candidiasis aims, in addition to combating infectious agents, to relieve symptoms such as intense itching, small ulcers on the spot and burning, common in the disease.
In this text, we will detail the use of ointments to treat candidiasis, presenting the different options and forms of action. Continue reading and check it out!
Contents
Ointment for female candidiasis
Ointments to treat female candidiasis should be prescribed by a gynecologist, who will carry out the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate product.
Usually, the treatment lasts about a week, but this period and the way the products are applied also needs medical guidance.
Pregnant women should pay attention to the specific indications for each ointment, as some cannot be used by pregnant women.
In general, tampons or other intravaginal products should not be used during treatment with candidiasis ointment . It is also not recommended to have sex during this period.
In addition, it is not recommended to perform treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis during menstruation.
Ointments for candidiasis are usually used on the vulva and vagina (the external and internal area of the female genital organ). They use substances that act as antifungals, such as:
Nistatina
The Nystatin is an active ingredient that fights several species of fungi, including some of the genus Candida . It acts by altering the cell membrane of susceptible fungi, changing their permeability and “leaking” the liquid from the cells, causing their destruction.
The nystatin vaginal cream comes with an applicator so that the substance is inserted into the vagina. The application should be done with the woman on her back and with her legs slightly bent, following all the indications on the package insert.
Nystatin can also be used by pregnant women. However, during application, care must be taken not to exert excessive pressure on the cervix.
The ointment can be found in pharmacies and needs a white (common) medical prescription. Check out some of the products that have 60g of cream + applicator:
- Nystatin Medley (price: R $ 9.08) *;
- Nistatina Greenpharma (price: R $ 4.08) *;
- Teistinal Vaginal Cream Nystatin (price: R $ 6.83) *;
- Nistatina Neo Química Gynecological Cream (price: R $ 9.24) *;
- Nystatin Gynecological Cream Prati-Donaduzzi (price: R $ 9.87) *.
* Values consulted in September. Prices may change without notice.
Clotrimazol
The Clotrimazole is an antifungal substance recommended for the treatment of infections of the genital region. The vaginal cream with clotrimazole should be used on the external area (vulva) and also applied internally, usually for 1 to 2 weeks.
This active ingredient acts by inhibiting the synthesis of a sterol essential for the survival of fungi, decreasing infestation.
The application of clotrimazole ointment is similar to that of nystatin. The woman should insert the applicator deep into the vagina and release the cream, in addition to applying it to the external regions. The application must happen 3 times a day.
Clotrimazole vaginal cream can also be found in pharmacies, and usually does not retain a prescription. Some options, with 35g of cream + applicators, are:
- Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream Germed Pharma (price: R $ 18.94) *;
- Clotrimazole Medley Vaginal Cream (price: R $ 16,10) *;
- Gino-Canesten Vaginal Cream (price: R $ 39.80) *.
* Values consulted in September. Prices may change without notice.
Ointment for male candidiasis
Although less common, candidiasis can also affect the male genital organ. This usually happens when a man has sex with an infected woman, also developing the infection.
It is characterized by the presence of intense itching on the penis, as well as small ulcers, swelling and whitish plaques on the glans.
In general, the ointments used for female candidiasis (such as Nystatin and Clotrimazole) also work for candidiasis in men.
There are still other options of ointments that work to fight genital infection, such as Isoconazole , Miconazole and Terconazole . Products containing these substances are, for example:
- Terconazole EMS (price: R $ 18.26) *;
- Icaden cream (price: R $ 25,10) *;
- Medocon Isoconazole Nitrate (price: R $ 12.19) *.
The application of the ointment should be performed 2 to 3 times a day on the glans and foreskin, spreading over the infected area. The use usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, but if the symptoms persist for a longer time, other forms of treatment will be necessary.
The diagnosis and prescription of ointments and medications must be made by a urologist, who will assess the condition and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
* Values consulted in September. Prices may change without notice.
Read more: What are the ointment options for male and female candidiasis?
What is the best ointment for candidiasis?
It depends. As the infection can be caused by different species of the genus Candida, each condition requires specific treatment, which must be diagnosed by a doctor.
However, some ointments are the most popular for the treatment of candidiasis in some specific locations and situations, such as:
Cutaneous
Cutaneous candidiasis is a yeast infection that occurs on the skin, also known as candidiasic intertrigo. It is characterized by red patches on the skin, which usually itch and / or hurt.
These plaques usually occur in regions of the skin where there are folds, such as in the armpits, under the breasts, between the fingers or in the scrotum.
Cutaneous candidiasis usually occurs in these places because they are conducive to the proliferation of germs, as they are moist and hot.
The most used ointments to treat cutaneous candidiasis are:
Ciclopirox
The ciclopirox is an active ingredient widely used for fungal skin infections. It is a broad spectrum fungicide (combats different fungi) and has a high penetrating power. Therefore, it is commonly indicated for the treatment of superficial cutaneous mycoses (fungal infections that occur on the skin).
The Loprox is one of the most popular ointments to treat cutaneous candidiasis with cicloprox. The dermatological cream should be applied to the affected region twice a day, for 1 to 2 weeks.
Even after the symptoms disappear, it is important to keep using the medication for another 1 or 2 weeks to prevent the infection from reoccurring.
The price of this product is about: R $ 13.93 *.
* Value consulted in September. Prices may change without notice.
Amorolfina
Another substance used to treat cutaneous candidiasis is amorolfine hydrochloride . It is a topical antimycotic that belongs to a new chemical class of antifungal substances.
Its effectiveness against Candida is high, and it can also be found in enamels for nail infection ( Dermoceryl ) or ointment for skin infection ( Loceryl ).
As a baby
Candidiasis is a common problem in babies as young as two months. The causes are diverse, and may be related to treatment with antibiotics or steroid medications. The mother’s hormonal changes may also be related.
In cases where the mother suffers from vulvovaginal candidiasis at the time of delivery, the baby should be treated with antimycotics immediately after birth.
In children, the infection usually appears in the mouth or in the intimate region. Oral candidiasis is also known as thrush.
The baby’s affected area should be clean and carefully dry before applying ointments to the area. The treatment of candidiasis in babies is usually done with Nystatin, in specific creams / gels that can be used for this purpose, such as:
- Nystatin + Neo Chemical Zinc Oxide (price: R $ 9.58) *;
- Nystatin + EMS Zinc Oxide (price: R $ 11.39) *.
* Values consulted in September. Prices may change without notice.
Breast
Breast candidiasis usually occurs in recent mothers and may be related to low immunity. It usually happens when there is the presence of the fungus in the baby’s mouth (thrush).
So it is important to treat both infections simultaneously. For candidiasis in the breasts, different ointments composed of substances such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole can be used.
In addition, gentian violet , which acts as an antifungal and is effective in the treatment of candidiasis , can be used to treat the baby’s breasts and mouth .
What to do to relieve the pain of candidiasis?
Candidiasis is a fungal infection and its treatment should be done with medications or ointments guided by doctors. However, symptomatic treatments (which help to relieve symptoms, but do not fight infection) can be done at home, with the use of products that help in this goal.
The main symptoms, such as itching, pain and irritation at the site can be relieved with:
Home treatments
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis can be relieved by taking a sitz bath. The main objective of sitz baths is to expose the region to some substance that balances the vaginal pH and contains the irritation in the place, causing an analgesic effect.
Sitz baths are usually made with warm chamomile tea, which helps to reduce pain; or with sodium bicarbonate, which balances the pH efficiently.
To make the sitz bath with bicarbonate, you must dilute 1 scoop of the product in 1 liter of warm boiled water.
The solution can be poured into the bidet or into a basin, where the woman must remain seated for 15 to 20 minutes.
In addition, other ways of relieving candidiasis pain are known at home, by strengthening the organism.
Healthy eating, with the consumption of natural yogurt, for example, is a great way. It has not been proven effective, but it can work to reduce symptoms.
Prevent the proliferation of the fungus
With the uncontrolled growth of the fungus, the discomfort at the site, the pain and the itching tend to increase.
Therefore, one way to alleviate symptoms is to take some measures to prevent or contain the proliferation of the fungus. These measures do not consist of treatments, but some essential care to contain the infection and prevent the symptoms from being intense.
The main ones are:
- Avoid wearing tight underwear;
- Dry well after bathing so as not to leave the place damp;
- Avoid consuming large amounts of sugar;
- Not having unprotected sex;
- Clean the intimate area with neutral pH soap.
Candidiasis is a very common fungal infection, and occurs mainly in the genital region of women.
This disease can be cured, and a medical consultation is essential to make the diagnosis and indicate the best way to treat it.
In this text, we explain what ointments for candidiasis are, how they work and how to relieve the symptoms of infection.
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