What Are the Treatments for Candida Albicans?
Candida albicans is the principal cause of candidiasis (moniliasis), one of the most common fungal infections. It is a naturally occurring yeast microorganism that can be found on the skin and in the mucous membranes of the human body. However, a number of factors such as diabetes, pregnancy or a weakened immune system may cause an overgrowth of Candida albicans, resulting in candida infections. A number of treatment options are available to treat these infections.
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Topical Treatments
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A number of topical anti-fungal treatments are used to treat Candida albicans infections. These treatments are the first choice for vaginal, oral and skin infections, and are usually effective for mild to moderate cases. They are formulated to be applied directly to the infected area and are commonly available in the form of creams, douches, mouth rinses and suppositories. Topical candida treatments include amphotericin B suspension (Fungizone), nystatin (Mycostatin), clotrimazole (Femizole-7), tioconazole (Vagistat) and miconazole (Monistat).
Oral Treatments
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Some treatments for Candida albicans are formulated to be taken by mouth. For several years, oral treatments called azole drugs have been used as effective treatments for Candida albicans. They include fluconazole (Diflucan), Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and Itraconazole (Sporanox). One of the most widely prescribed oral drugs is fluconazole, which is a single-dose prescription for vaginal yeast infections.
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Probiotic Supplements
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Probiotic supplements, such as acidophilus capsules, are a natural, holistic treatment that is gaining in popularity. Clinical studies prove that the "good" bacteria contained in these supplements are effective in treating and preventing Candida infections. These bacteria, which include Lactobacillus acidophilus, reverse the overgrowth Candida albicans, restoring the normal balance between the good and the bad bacteria in the body. Fermented foods such as yogurt and kombucha also contain probiotic bacteria, and are used as natural treatments for Candida infections.
Herbals
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Herbal remedies are one of the most ancient treatments for Candida albicans. The herbs used for these treatments typically contain active biological compounds that have anti-fungal properties. They include garlic, goldenseal, gentian violet, apple cider vinegar and oil of oregano.
Intravenous Medications
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Severe, systemic infections caused by Candida albicans may require treatment in a hospital. Potent anti-fungal medications are administered intravenously. These medications include amphotericin B, micafungin and anidulafungin. Intravenous medications are used after other forms of treatment such as azole drugs have failed, or when the Candida infection is extremely aggressive.
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