How to Treat and Prevent Yeast Infections

While yeast infections usually clear up quickly with treatment, you'll probably still be uncomfortable until the medication works. This can feel like forever when you aren't feeling well. Luckily, you can try a few different things at home to relieve the itching while you wait for the infection to clear.

1. 1
   Wear loose cotton underwear and clothes. Loose cotton clothes won't trap heat and moisture around your genitals, both of which could make the infection worse. You can also try sleeping without underwear on. This might make you more comfortable too. ^[11]

   • This is also a good way to reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection in the first place.
   • If you wear pantyhose, make sure these aren’t too tight either. ^[12]
   • On the other hand, avoid panties made from silk or nylon. These can trap moisture. ^[13]
2. 2
   Use a cold pack or cool bath to relieve itching. A yeast infection is very uncomfortable, but you have options to help with the itching. Try hold a cold pack against the area or taking a cool bath to relieve the discomfort. ^[14]
3. 3
   Try putting petroleum jelly on your vagina to reduce itching. Sometimes, yeast infections can spread outside of your vagina and onto your vulva. In this case, some petroleum jelly can help relieve the itching, so try rubbing a little bit onto any external itchy spots around your vulva. ^[15]

   • This is only recommended for use outside your vagina, not inside.
4. 4
   Avoid scratching to prevent more irritation. Yeast infections are really uncomfortable and you'll probably feel tempted to scratch. However, this is a bad idea and could make the irritation worse. Do your best to avoid scratching until the infection clears up. ^[16]

   • As long as you're undergoing treatment for your infection, the itching and discomfort should end before too long, so you'll feel better soon.
5. 5
   Don't use tampons if you're using creams or suppositories. Tampons can soak up the medication from creams or suppositories. This prevents medicines from working properly and they might not heal your infection. Skip tampons until your treatment is done.
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Once you get rid of your yeast infection, you’ll probably want to avoid having more in the future. Luckily, you can take some steps to prevent this. Preventing yeast infections can be a little tricky and these tips don’t always work, but they can improve your chances of avoiding more infections.

1. 1
   Change your tampons and pads often while you’re menstruating. This can also reduce your chances of getting an yeast infection. ^[17]

   • Don’t use perfumed or fragranced tampons or pads either.
2. 2
   Keep fragranced sprays and perfumes away from your vagina. These products can all increase your chances of catching a yeast infection. Avoid any perfumed sprays, soaps, or bubble baths to support your vaginal health. ^[18]

   • Hot tubs and hot baths could also put you at risk for yeast infections, even if you don’t use any fragrances. It’s best to avoid them.
3. 3
   Don’t use a douche. While you might feel clean after douching, this actually kills good bacteria that keeps your yeast levels under control. Without that bacteria, yeast could grow and cause an infection. Avoid douching altogether. ^[19]

   • In general, all you need to keep your vagina clean is warm water.
   • Also don't use a douche if you currently have a yeast infection. This could make it worse. ^[20]
4. 4
   Take probiotics to support your vaginal bacteria. Results are mixed and not all doctors agree, but probiotics could help prevent yeast infections. Specifically, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 supplements might help. Try getting a supplement with this probiotic type to see if it helps you. ^[21]

   • There are many other home remedies for yeast infections like tea tree oil or yogurt-infused tampons. None of these are proven to work, and some might even make the infection worse.
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