A yeast infection is a common condition that can affect both men and women. It is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, and it can appear on many parts of the body — including the mouth, skin folds, nails, genitals, and the spaces between the toes. In this article, you will find practical tips for treating and preventing yeast infections at home, as well as guidance on when to visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection happens when Candida fungi grow out of control in or on the body. Small amounts of Candida naturally live on your skin and inside your body without causing problems. However, certain conditions — like a weakened immune system, antibiotic use, or excess moisture — can allow this fungus to multiply too quickly.
Yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but they can sometimes be passed between partners. Anyone can develop one at any stage of life. According to Health Canada, fungal infections are among the most common infections treated in primary care settings across the country.
Common Sites of Yeast Infection
While vaginal yeast infections are the most well-known type, Candida can also grow in other areas. These include the mouth (called oral thrush), the armpits, under the breasts, between the toes, under the fingernails or toenails, and on the penis.
Each location may look a little different, but common signs include redness, itching, burning, and sometimes a white or yellowish discharge. In addition, affected skin may appear cracked, flaky, or swollen.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Symptoms of a yeast infection vary depending on where it occurs. For vaginal yeast infections, the most common symptoms include intense itching or burning around the vagina, thick white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese, redness or swelling of the vulva, and pain during urination or sex.
For a penile yeast infection, symptoms may include redness, itching, or a rash on the head of the penis. Oral thrush often appears as white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. If you are unsure whether your symptoms point to a yeast infection, it is always best to check with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
Home Treatment Tips for a Yeast Infection
There are several steps you can take at home to ease symptoms of a yeast infection. However, these tips work best for mild cases. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve within a few days, please speak with your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic.
General Skin and Body Yeast Infections
For a yeast infection on the skin — such as in the armpits or between the toes — keeping the area clean and dry is essential. Moisture encourages fungal growth, so pat the area dry thoroughly after washing.
Some people find that applying a small amount of plain garlic paste directly to the affected skin offers relief, as garlic has natural antifungal properties. That said, the evidence for home remedies is limited, and over-the-counter antifungal creams available at Canadian pharmacies are generally more effective and reliable.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Remedies
Plain yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus is a traditional home remedy that some women use to restore healthy bacterial balance in the vagina. The idea is that the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help fight off the Candida overgrowth. However, clinical evidence supporting this approach is limited.
If you choose to try this method, use only plain, unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures. Continue for one day after symptoms clear up. That said, most Canadian pharmacists and family doctors recommend over-the-counter antifungal treatments like miconazole cream or suppositories as a first step, as these are well studied and widely available without a prescription.
Yeast Infection on the Penis
Men with a penile yeast infection can apply plain, unsweetened yogurt or an over-the-counter antifungal cream to the affected area to soothe discomfort. It is important to keep the area clean and dry. If a woman has a vaginal yeast infection and her partner shows symptoms, both partners should seek treatment to avoid passing the infection back and forth.
Yeast Infection Prevention Tips
Preventing a yeast infection often comes down to simple habits. Small changes in your daily routine can make a significant difference, especially if you tend to get recurring infections.
Clothing and Hygiene
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight jeans or form-fitting gym wear trap heat and moisture, which creates an ideal environment for yeast to grow.
Choose breathable, cotton underwear. Synthetic fibres like nylon or spandex do not allow air to circulate as well, which can encourage fungal growth.
Change out of wet clothing — such as a swimsuit or workout gear — as soon as possible.
Wash the genital area gently with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Avoid perfumed soaps, coloured soaps, scented bubble baths, and vaginal douches, as these can disrupt your body’s natural balance.
Always dry the genital area thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
These small habits can significantly lower your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection. Furthermore, they help support the natural bacterial environment that keeps Candida in check.
Preventing a Yeast Infection While Taking Antibiotics
Antibiotics save lives, but they also kill the beneficial bacteria in your body that normally keep Candida under control. As a result, yeast infections are a common side effect of antibiotic treatment. If you are taking antibiotics and want to reduce your risk, there are a few helpful steps you can follow.
Avoid using tampons during antibiotic treatment if possible, as they can interfere with the vaginal environment.
Take warm saltwater sitz baths regularly. Sitting in a shallow bath of warm, mildly salted water can help soothe irritation and keep the area clean.
Some people add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to a sitz bath to help balance vaginal acidity. However, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying this, as it may not be appropriate for everyone.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about taking a probiotic supplement while on antibiotics. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains may help restore healthy bacteria levels. You can also find these beneficial bacteria in plain yogurt and other fermented foods.
According to Mayo Clinic’s guide to yeast infections, taking probiotics during and after antibiotic therapy may help some people reduce their risk of developing a yeast infection.
Medical Treatments for Yeast Infections
There are several effective medical treatments available for a yeast infection. Many of these are available over the counter at Canadian pharmacies without a prescription, while others require a doctor’s order. Starting treatment early is important. Delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread or worsen.
Topical Antifungal Treatments
Antifungal creams, ointments, and suppositories are the most common first-line treatments for vaginal yeast infections in Canada. Products containing miconazole or clotrimazole are widely available at pharmacies. These are applied directly to the affected area and typically work within a few days.
For other body sites — such as the skin, nails, or penis — antifungal creams are also the go-to option. Your pharmacist can help you choose the right product for your needs. In addition, acidic vaginal gels are sometimes used to help restore the natural pH balance of the vagina after an infection.
Oral Antifungal Medications
For more stubborn or recurrent infections, a doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Fluconazole is the most commonly prescribed oral treatment in Canada. It is taken as a single tablet and is effective for most uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections.
Oral treatment may be recommended for both partners if a penile yeast infection is present alongside a vaginal yeast infection. Your family doctor can advise the best course of action based on your symptoms and health history. As Healthline explains in their yeast infection treatment overview, early and appropriate treatment helps prevent complications and recurrence.
When to See a Doctor
While mild yeast infections can often be managed at home or with over-the-counter products, there are times when you should see a healthcare provider. Do not delay seeking medical attention if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or unusual.
Visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic if:
This is your first yeast infection and you are not sure of the diagnosis.
Your symptoms do not improve after two to three days of over-the-counter treatment.
You have had four or more yeast infections in one year (this is called recurrent candidiasis).
You are pregnant, as some treatments are not safe during pregnancy.
You have a weakened immune system due to diabetes, HIV, or other conditions.
You develop fever, chills, or lower abdominal pain — these may be signs of a more serious infection.
Your partner also has symptoms and needs evaluation.
Most provincial health plans in Canada cover visits to a family doctor for infections like this. If you do not have a family doctor, a local walk-in clinic is a convenient option. Your pharmacist is also a great first resource for advice on over-the-counter treatments available in your province.
Please note: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only. Always consult your family doctor, a walk-in clinic physician, or a licensed pharmacist before starting any treatment for a yeast infection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yeast Infections
What are the most common signs of a yeast infection?
The most common signs of a yeast infection include intense itching, burning, redness, and swelling around the vagina or vulva. Many people also notice a thick, white, odourless discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. If you experience these symptoms for the first time, it is best to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Can a yeast infection go away on its own without treatment?
A very mild yeast infection may sometimes clear up on its own, but this is not common. Most infections require treatment with an antifungal cream or medication to fully resolve. Starting treatment early helps prevent the infection from getting worse or spreading.
Can men get a yeast infection?
Yes, men can get a yeast infection, most commonly on the penis. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a rash on the head of the penis. Men can use over-the-counter antifungal creams or see a doctor for treatment, especially if their partner has a vaginal yeast infection.
Do antibiotics cause yeast infections?
Yes, antibiotics are one of the most common triggers of a yeast infection. They kill harmful bacteria but also destroy the beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida in check. Taking a probiotic supplement during antibiotic treatment may help reduce this risk — speak with your pharmacist for guidance.
How long does a yeast infection last with treatment?
With proper treatment, most yeast infections clear up within three to seven days. A single-dose oral antifungal like fluconazole often works within one to two days for uncomplicated cases. However, if symptoms persist beyond a week, you should follow up with your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic.
Is a yeast infection the same as a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
No, a yeast infection is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, it can sometimes be passed between sexual partners. Both partners should seek treatment if either one has symptoms, to avoid re-infection.
Key Takeaways
A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus and can affect men, women, and various parts of the body.
Common symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and unusual discharge.
Wearing breathable cotton underwear, staying dry, and avoiding scented products can help prevent vaginal yeast infections.
Antibiotics increase the risk of yeast infections — ask your pharmacist about probiotics if you are on antibiotic therapy.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and suppositories are effective for most mild to moderate cases and are available at pharmacies across Canada.
If symptoms are severe, recurring, or unclear, visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially if you are pregnant or have an underlying health condition.
