You can purchase over-the-counter treatments for yeast infection at a drug store or pharmacy.
Yeast infections are fairly common among women and most women will have a yeast infection at some point in their life, according to Medline Plus. But just because it's normal doesn't mean it's pleasant. Even a mild yeast infection can cause itching, slight burning sensations and painful urination. There are some things you can do to help treat a yeast infection without your doctor's help. However, if self-treatment doesn't work, the yeast infection reoccurs or your symptoms are particularly bad, see your doctor as soon as possible. A yeast infection may be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Over-the-Counter Antifungal Treatment
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments that come in a cream, tablet or suppository are the most common treatment for a vaginal yeast infection, according to Mayo Clinic. Over-the-counter remedies are a type of drug called azoles. The most common active ingredient in these types of drugs is butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and terconazole. Over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for three days, and often provide relief from symptoms caused by a yeast infection fairly quickly. Side effects of topical medications can include slight burning and irritation during application.
Basic Care
Along with taking an over-the-counter antifungal treatment, there are some basic changes you should make to help treat a yeast infection. Switch to cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants and shorts, which can cause further irritation. Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, douches and tampons when you have a yeast infection. These same measures can also help prevent a yeast infection from reoccurring once it has been treated.
When to See Your Doctor
Over-the-counter medications are for uncomplicated yeast infections - a medical term used to denote a yeast infection with mild to moderate symptoms that does not reoccur. If you have a complicated yeast infection, meaning it has reoccurred more than once, have severe symptoms such as extensive redness, swelling and itching or you are pregnant, see your doctor right away. A complicated yeast infection will likely require different treatment, but your doctor will need to diagnose the exact problem before he can prescribe the correct treatment.
For Men
While yeast infections in men are less common than in women, they can occur, and sexual activity can cause bacteria to spread. Signs of a male yeast infection commonly include a reddish rash, itching or burning along the tip of the penis, according to Mayo Clinic. Apply an antifungal cream such as Monistat to the affected area twice per day for one week or until the irritation goes away. Refrain from sexual contact until signs of the yeast infection are gone. If the symptoms don't go away within a week, see your doctor for more extensive treatment.
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