Candida infections: symptoms, treatment and prevention

If you've ever had a stubborn yeast infection that won't quit, candida might be the cause. Candida is a common yeast that lives on skin and mucous membranes without causing trouble most of the time. When conditions change it can overgrow and cause clear symptoms, from vaginal itching to white patches in the mouth. This page explains how to spot candida, what commonly triggers it, and practical steps to treat and prevent it.

Causes and risk factors

Antibiotics are a top trigger because they kill normal bacteria that keep yeast in check. High blood sugar or poorly controlled diabetes feeds yeast and raises the chance of infections. Pregnancy, hormonal birth control, corticosteroids, and a weakened immune system (for example during chemotherapy or with HIV) also increase risk. Tight, wet clothing and hot, humid environments make local skin conditions worse. If you get repeat infections, check medicines and blood sugar with your doctor.

Treatment and quick tips

For uncomplicated vaginal candidiasis, short topical azole treatments like clotrimazole or miconazole usually work; options include one-day, three-day, and seven-day creams or suppositories. A single 150 mg oral dose of fluconazole is another common choice, but it’s a prescription in many places. Oral thrush (white patches in the mouth) is often treated with nystatin suspension to swish and swallow, or with oral fluconazole for more persistent cases.

Recurrent infections—four or more a year—need a different plan. Your provider may give a longer oral course or weekly maintenance fluconazole. Serious invasive candida that spreads into the blood or organs requires hospital care and IV antifungals such as echinocandins. Don’t self-treat if you have fever, severe pain, or symptoms that change quickly.

Simple home steps help recovery and lower the chance of return. Wear breathable cotton underwear, avoid douching and scented soaps, dry the area well after bathing, and change out of wet swimsuits quickly. If you have diabetes, keep glucose under control. Finish the full course of medicine even if symptoms ease. Talk to your pharmacist about drug interactions—fluconazole can affect warfarin, some statins, and other medications.

Probiotics and diet changes sometimes help, but they aren’t a replacement for proven antifungals. If you try over-the-counter creams and symptoms come back within two months, or if this is your first severe episode, see a clinician for testing. Diagnosis usually uses a swab and microscope or culture; quick testing avoids guessing and speeds effective treatment.

Most candida infections are easy to treat once diagnosed. If you want a specific plan, note your symptoms, any recent antibiotics or steroid use, and whether you have diabetes, then bring that list to your provider. That makes visits faster and treatment more accurate.

If you are pregnant, avoid oral fluconazole unless a doctor says it's okay. Topical azole creams are usually safer but check with your midwife or OB. Babies can get oral thrush; nystatin drops for the baby and treating a breastfeeding mother's nipples can stop re-infection. Always mention pregnancy when you talk to a clinician. Ask for clear steps.