Yeast Infections

Candidiasis, also called thrush, is a yeast infection. Candida albicans is an organism that normally makes a quiet home for itself on your skin and doesn’t bother anyone. We all carry this organism on our skin, in our mouth, in our gastrointestinal tract (gut), and in the case of women, in the vagina.

Occasionally the yeast multiplies uncontrollably, causing pain and inflammation. Candidiasis may affect the skin of the vagina, the penis, and the mouth. Candidiasis may also infect the blood stream or internal organs such as the liver or spleen. By far the most common problems are skin, mouth and vaginal infections. It also is a common cause of diaper rash. These can be bothersome infections, but are not life threatening.

Candidiasis can be life threatening if it reaches the bloodstream or vital organs such as the heart, but this is rare even in people with damaged immune systems and is almost unheard of in healthy people. Nevertheless, Candidiasis is a constant nuisance, and sometimes a serious threat to people with AIDS and some cancer patients who lack the immune resources to fight it.

Ask questions and learn more about your yeast infection, talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist today!

Candidiasis isn’t normally a dangerous disease except in rare cases when it enters the blood and spreads to vital organs of people with weakened immune systems.

For yeast infection of the skin: Your doctor or pharmacist can give you an antifungal cream or may be able to assess and prescribe you an antifungal pill.

For vaginal yeast infections: Treatment consists of antifungal medications that are administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments, or suppositories, or administered by mouth (e.g., fluconazole*). Speak with your pharmacist – many of these products intended for minor infections are available as over-the-counter treatment options.

For oral thrush (yeast infection of the mouth): Your pharmacist can assess and provide a suspension of antifungal medication to be swished in the mouth and swallowed.

For severe cases: antifungal medication taken by mouth for several days may be needed.

Find your local Pharmasave and talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist about your yeast infection and which treatment might be right for you.

After an assessment, your Pharmasave pharmacist can write a prescription for treatment instead of an over-the-counter medication or at-home treatment if deemed necessary.

The common ailments, like yeast infections, a pharmacist can prescribe for varies by province*. For more details, view the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s chart: Common Ailments Prescribing in Canada.

To learn more about how your pharmacist can help, visit your local Pharmasave store and speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist.

*Note that common ailments prescribing is not always covered by provincial health care – a pharmacy fee may apply. Speak with your pharmacist about eligibility.