Mom has an ongoing yeast infection. Any suggestions?

No more soda-pop. Please check into other dietary causes.
Antibiotics can cause yeast infections. Yogurt can help prevent.
Improper hygiene can cause yeast infections. You may have to start monitoring.

I have a friend who is overweight she has a yeast infection under her breasts and in the crevices of her fat, she says Desenex power is working for her. Not the cream cause it needs to be kept dry not moist! Hope this helps.

If her panties are nylon, please change them to cotton. Make sure they stay dry, even if she has to change several times a day. That will help a lot. Increase her consumption of probiotics, yogurt. Do not use bubble baths in her bathtub and wash her perianal area with a specially made cleanser purchased in the area of the store where tampons are sold. Sorry she's having all this trouble, I know she's miserable.

When my mom had this problem the doctor took a swab to send away and was able to tailor medication effective against the specific organism. There is lots of dietary advice on line, probiotic capsules can't hurt. Often diabetics are troubled with yeast infections, has she been tested? I would think some of the soothing diaper rash creams might give her some relief.

My mom's gynecologist recommended a probiotic called Rephresh ProB. Pricey, but it works. Also, Gold Bond powder.

Another suggestion is to wash her clothing in laundry detergent that is unscented "free and clear", same with the fabric softener if you use it. Wish the stores still had Ivory Snow flakes for washing clothes. Yes, I checked Amazon but I didn't want to pay $225 for 6 boxes :P

There are some very good suggestions here. I know because I used to have a terrible time with them. I tried so many things. I really feel for her. They are so uncomfortable. From MUCH TRIAL and error I'll tell you what really helps, IMO.

The best medication is an oral medication called Diflucan. It treats stubborn yeast that can be harbored in your throat, bladder, lungs, vagina, and blood. It is a strong medication, but for stubborn cases, repeated doses may be necessary. It's the only thing that actually killed the yeast infection for me. It is a serious drug. Discuss it with her doctor.

Terazol cream is the best anti yeast cream. It comes in a tablet to insert in vagina, but don't go that route. Cream is the best. Be sure to use all the cream, even if symptoms appear to be gone. Ask for an extra tube to keep on hand. This used to be prescription only even after some creams became available over the counter. It's the best, IMO.

Have her wear a pad in her panties even if she doesn't need one. Change it several times per day. It will keep the area dry. That is a must. I would do it long term. The drier it stays, the less chance for yeast to grow. To me cotton panties stay wet, but a microfiber that breathes and doesn't hold moisture is best for me. You can see what works for her.

Don't get into hot tub.
Avoid anything scented.
Switch to fragrance free and dye free soap, detergent, fabric softner, etc.
Dry very well after bathing. Perhaps stand in front of fan.
Ensure she is cleaned very well after bowel movement.
Don't wear anything tight on her crotch.

Get her tested for diabetes. My yeast issues were related to high blood sugars. Once the blood sugars came down, the yeast issues did too.

I never had luck with yogurt, probiotics, etc.

I hope she gets better.

Is there a relationship between yeast build-up and antibiotic usage?

I'm not a medical professional, but I was told that when you take antibiotics, they destroy the good bacteris that grows inside your body and then the bad things inside you take over and you have yeast overgrowth. Antibiotics may cause it in some people, but I hardly ever took them and I still had repeated yeast problems.

Lila Jean, too many antibiotics can encourage yeast growth.
neveralone, recurring yeast infections are likely caused by improper wiping after a BM. Mom is probably wiping back to front.

Perhaps I should clarify my question... Has she been on antibiotics recently? Have you noticed a pattern of a yeast infection after the use of antibiotics, or have you ruled that out?

Have her go without underwear. She may need to dry out. Be warned, she may fight you on this.

I noticed someone else mentioned Diflucan. It is a God send. I'm surprised her physician hasn't suggested it. And yes and watch her sugar and bread intake.

If she is sensitive to scents in laundry soaps or fabric softeners, that can cause discomfort in the area we think of first when we hear 'yeast infection'. It might cause discomfort in that area and not bother others. Or, the discomfort is so strong that any other is ignored.

Hi, my mom is diabetic with AZ she suffered from constant UTI's which I know is not the same but same area and causes.. I was literally at the gyno with her every 2 weeks. Her primary doctor put her on potassium first liquid which was discontinued so she was switched to Klor- Con 20 a potassium pill that dissoldes in water instead of a blood thinner. She is still on and has never had a UTI or yeast infection since. She has been wearing depends for a long time for bowel accidents she does not have bladder accidents. The doctor suggested cranberry pills and juice and water for me and that did the trick for me when I felt a UTI coming on. It was a great side affect to a medicine she needed anyway. I agree with others have her tested for diabetes but all the creams and stuff just relieve the symptoms and very messy.. Hope you find the solution that''s right for her. At least now you can go to her doctor with all this advice.

I have a long history of yeast infections which led me to stopping all fabric softeners when washing my underwear and putting a cup full of lysol, along with the usual soap. I make sure things are dry down there. Sometimes AZ and age cuts down on the number of showers taken. If this is the case, then cleaning the area daily with a washcloth and letting everything dry is a must. I was tested over and over for diabetes but I do not have it. I then started self treating by seriously cutting out carbs and sugar. Then I added yogurt to my daily diet along with probiotic pills specifically for vaginal yeast. I have never had a UTI but one doctor said he recommend cranberry juice or pill to help keep an acidic environment which helps prevent the yeast. Nothing really worked until…Diflucan…praise God for this medication. Now I only get yeast if I have been an an antibiotic but I continue my eating, bathing habits and everything else I have mentioned as a prevention and avoid antibiotics as best I can. Before all the above, I had an ongoing yeast infection for 7 years and the various doctors finally said there was nothing they could do to help, it was a miserable 7 years.

Does she wear depends? She may need to air out at night. Make sure her private areas are completely dry after bathing. You can use plain yogurt to soothe the outside of the vulval area several times a day. No perfumes, powders. Dove soap unscented or cetaphil is good. Reduce sugar intake. No baby wipes. Maybe a warm washcloth if she needs a little extra then wash washcloths with hot water. Have her start eating yogurt for a snack.

Probiotics and eating yogurt can help keep yeast infections away. If she has skin folds, make sure she is clean and dry, the cotton panties are a great suggestion. Probiotics come in gummy and chewable tablets as well as capsules/caplets. You can ask her doctor but it shouldn't affect any medicaitons.

Stop the creams & suppositories. Get rid of this yeast infection good & for all.

Tell the doctor to write a presription for Diflucan tablets. Generally, only one tablet is needed, but sometimes 2 or 3 are taken to assure that the yeast is killed.

Regular monostat cream or is there a chance she is sugar cause that can cause infections and caffeine in coffee sodas soap remove those out of diet or depend on her age etroven my be needed.

Hi all. You can google so much info on how all these topics are related. You can make your own laundry soap or buy unscented natural products. Diet can cause yeast over-growth, drugs can cause imbalance. Taking a really good and natural probiotic is not only a good way to cleanse and keep your gut healthy but much of our health comes from the good bacteria we have. Anti-biotics even if taken in the past can influence how many beneficial bacteria are in the body, so taking a natural probiotic is a great idea for all of us. Beware of pharma brands and go for trusted natural companies, or see or call a Naturopath to get a recommendation.
Always consider that long list of "possible" side effects when buying drugs or pharma products. Raw veggies are still the best medicine for about anything.

I love juicing! It's something to look forward to and I feel great.

Yeast lives in the body all the time - it is when it gets out of hand as in your situation that it causes problems. Along with stopping soda pop - you might consider stopping all wheat products and other high carb food items for a month or so. Stick to low glycemic (low sugar foods). You can find a list if you google "low glycemic foods". Also, watch out for food items containing modified corn starch and corn syrup or corn syrup solids in the labeling. Good Greek Yogurt will facilitate the growth of "good" bacteria and help with the yeast infection also. LOTS OF WATER DRINKING! :-) Best wishes. P.S. some good pro-biotics would probably be helpful also - you can find some wonderful pro-biotics at some of the organic or health food type stores. Usually in the refrigerator cases.

My mother was advised to drink cranberry juice every day to help prevent yeast infections. Ask your doctor.

Too much sugar (soda, ice cream, candy etc. ) can cause yeast infections too.

Trader Joe's has unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate for about $4. It lasts a long time and you can dilute with water or add to other juices. Avoid mainstream cranberry cocktails: the sugar in it defeats the use of cranberry. If you have a juicer and can find fresh cranberries, that could be powerful: but tart. There are some supplements out there that have high doses of natural cranberries in it.
D-mannose I think. Check the thread here. It's been discussed before.

Change her diet! More yogurt without sugar, no sodas, no sweets and no dairy (milk, cheese (except yogurt), and eat lots of veggies. I have never had a yeast infection in my almost 67 yrs. At night have her drink about 1/4 cup of lemon juice (this is actually an alkaline for urine ph) plus honey (natural antibiotic) and definitely NO ANTIBIOTICS. Her system needs a rest.

There are so many great suggestions here. Just wanted to add that my mother-in-law found yogurt wasn't enough, so she takes Probiotics (CVS brand) in addition to the yogurt. First you may have to get the Diflucan to get it under control, then keep up with the Probiotics. Diflucan is very good, so this combination should work. Good luck with this - hope it helps.

Have her tested for diabetes. My mom had the same issue and that is what they found in her case. Hang in there!