Yeast infection creams contain substances with antifungal action. They inhibit the growth and spread of the fungus that causes yeast infections. They are also beneficial for relieving symptoms like irritation, itching, redness, swelling or discharge.
A yeast infection is caused by excessive growth of Candida albicans fungus in the genital area. It can affect both men and women of any age.
Creams for yeast infections can be purchased at pharmacies and are generally available without a prescription. However, it is important to see a doctor for assessment if you have symptoms to determine whether you do have a yeast infection and to indicate the best treatment.
Vaginal creams
Vaginal creams for yeast infections should be recommended by a doctor. They should be applied as directed to the external and internal vagina. If the doctor indicates a longer course of usage, be sure to finish the cream as instructed, even if you symptoms have improved.
Ointments should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless indicated by an OBGYN.
The most commonly used topical creams for yeast infections are:
1. Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole inhibits the growth of Candida albicans, which relieves symptoms of itching, redness, and discharge.
This medication can be purchased as an ointment or tablet to be inserted into the vagina. It can come with 1, 3 or 6 applications, depending on the product purchased.
How to use: Apply clotrimazole once per day, ideally at night time, for 1 to 6 days (depending on your doctor’s recommendations and the severity of your symptoms). Use the applicator included in the package, and be sure to avoid use during menstruation.
In men, clotrimazole cream should be applied on the head and shaft of the penis twice a day for 1 to 3 weeks, as prescribed by a doctor.
You should avoid sex during treatment, as yeast infections can be easily transmitted, and the medication may reduce the efficacy of condoms.
2. Butoconazole nitrate
Butoconazole nitrate is another antifungal ointment that is used to prevent the multiplication of fungal cells in the genital area. It is beneficial for the treatment of vulvar and vaginal inflammation from yeast infections, as well as the treatment of other related symptoms.
This medication is available in cream or tablet form, to be used intravaginally.
How to use: Butaconazole is usually indicated for use once a day (preferably at night time) for 3 days. It can be inserted into the vagina as a tablet, which will then dissolve into a cream, or inserted as a cream using an applicator. It should not be used during menstruation. Symptoms that persist for longer than this time should be assessed by a doctor.
3. Nystatin
Nystatin ointment prevents the growth and spread of Candida albicans fungus, and can be used to relieve yeast infection symptoms in women or men.
This ointment can be found in pharmacies, and usually contains 10 or 14 vaginal applicators.
How to use: In women, nystatin ointment should be used once a day, preferably at night, for 10 to 14 days, as prescribed. The ointment is injected deeply into the vaginal canal using the applicator. Its use must not be interrupted during menstruation. If symptoms do not resolve within 14 days, you should return to the doctor for reassessment.
In men, nystatin ointment should be used 1 or 2 times a day, for 1 to 3 weeks. It is applied topically to the glans and foreskin.
4. Miconazole
Miconazole cream helps to relieve itching, redness or discharge caused by yeast infections, It destroys Candida albicans cells and can also be used for the treatment if anal yeast infections.
It can be used as a topical cream or a vaginal tablet, and it often found over-the-counter with different treatment durations, 1, 3 or 7 days.
How to use: In women, the ointment is injected into the vagina once per day, preferable at night, for 14 days or as prescribed by your doctor.
In men, miconazole is applied toically to the foreskin twice a day for 1 to 3 weeks.
5. Tioconazole + tinidazole
Tioconazole is commonly used to treat yeast infections, but it may also be therapeutically used for the treatment of other infections, like trichomoniasis or gardnerella infections.
It usually comes as cream in seven pre-filled applicator, for use intravaginally.
How to use: Insert the applicator deeply into the vagina and inject the cream once a day at nighttime for 7 days, preferably outside of your period. In some cases, the doctor can prescribe the cream twice a day for 3 days.
6. Isoconazole
Isoconazole ointment works by eliminating the fungus that causes vaginal yeast infection, helping to relieve symptoms like itching, redness or vaginal discharge.
This ointment is typically sold in seven vaginal applicators.
How to use: Inject isoconazole vaginal ointment into the vagin using the applicator, once a day (preferably at night) for 7 consecutive days. This ointment may reduce the effectiveness of a condom or diaphragm, and may therefore increase your chances for unwanted pregancy or an STI.
7. Fenticonazole nitrate
Fenticonazole nitrate ointment is indicated for vaginal yeast infections and vulvovaginitis caused by the Candida albicans fungus. It works by eliminating this fungus to relieve symptoms of itching, irritation, redness and vaginal discharge.
This ointment is also available for purchase in form of seven vaginal applicators.
How to use: Inject fenticonazole nitrate ointment deeply into the vagina using the vaginal applicator once a day (preferably at night) for 7 days. Discard the applicator after use. Fenticonazole nitrate can also be found in the form of vaginal ovules.
8. Terconazole
Terconazole is an antifungal agent that slows and stops the proliferation of fungal yeast cells in the genital area. It helps to relieve symptoms like itching, redness and discharge.
This medication can be purchased as a cream or vaginal suppository, both which are prepared in pre-filled applicator. You should opt for the form advised by your doctor.
How to use: Insert the applicator deeply into the vaginal canal and use once per day. Duration of treatment will vary depending on your doctor’s instructions. This medication can decrease the efficacy of condom use, therefore sex relations should be paused during treatment.
Read more about the different forms of yeast infection medicine that your doctor can prescribe.
Possible side effects
Some common side effects that can occur with antifungal creams include redness, swelling, burning, hemorrhage, itching or abdominal pain.
Sitz baths for yeast infections may be a great treatment option for patients who experience side effects or have allergies to antifungals.
Contraindications
Creams for yeast infections should not be used by children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
These creams should not be used by those with an allergy to antifungals, like clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole. Vaginal clotrimazole should not be used by women with an allergy to cetostearyl alcohol.
Yeast infection creams are not recommended for women presenting with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, foul-smelling odor or vaginal bleeding. In these cases, you should consult your gynecologist.
Care during treatment
Some considerations for treatment of yeast infections with creams include:
- Wash and dry your hands before use.
- Cleanse the genital area, to remove reside from previous cream use.
- Maintain adequate overall hygiene, making sure to use dry underwear at all times.
- Use loose cotton underwear.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, sugar and fatty foods.
Women should also avoid tampon use, vaginal douching and spermicide use during treatment. Learn more about the candida diet, and how your food can help to treat or prevent a yeast infection.
Quick recovery of a yeast infection
Some simple ways you can speed-up your yeast infection treatment is by ensuring low sugar intake and using probiotics. These can cure the infection much quicker and complement the treatment advised by your doctor. You can also check-out these home remedies for yeast infections to use in conjunction with your prescribed therapy.