Quick Way to Kill Candida

Candida is a type of fungus that is normally present, in very small amounts, in the body. Occasionally, the fungus may grow more than it should in the vaginal area, particularly if the immune system is weaker than normal, causing yeast infections. These infections are marked by itching, burning, redness and soreness in the vaginal area.

Antifungal Creams

• A number of over-the-counter anti-fungal medications kill vaginal candida fairly quickly. According to MedicineNet.com, some commonly used medications for vaginal candida include Femstat (butoconazole), Lotrisone (clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate), Monistat (miconazole) and Terazol (terconazole). These medications are typically sold in cream or suppository form and are meant to be inserted directly into the vagina. Some medications are designed to kill candida after one day, three days or seven days of treatment.

  To kill Candida with one of the over-the-counter treatments, use the applicator that comes with the medication to insert the cream or suppository into your vagina before you go to bed at night. You don't have to use it during the day, but follow through with each nightly treatment to avoid Candida regrowth.

  Avoid inserting tampons into your vagina, and do not have sexual intercourse until the treatment is complete. Tampons could absorb some of the medication, making it less effective. You could also spread Candida to your partner through sexual intercourse.

Stay Dry

• To help candida medication be more effective, keep the vaginal area dry. Wear cotton-crotch underwear and avoid tight clothing that makes it difficult for air to circulate beneath it. Always wipe from front to back, as wiping in the other direction may introduce germs to the vagina that may stimulate candida overgrowth. If you go swimming, change out of your wet swim clothes the minute you are done, as moisture helps candida to thrive.

Prescriptions

• Sometimes over-the-counter medications don't kill Candida effectively or the fungus comes back rather quickly. In such a case, you may need prescription medications to get rid of it. Some oral medications are fast acting and bring symptom relief within just a few days. However, you may need to take medication for several days, as stopping too early may encourage it to grow again. To kill it entirely, take your medication exactly as your doctor directs and finish the entire course of medicine. According to WebMD, Diflucan (fluconazole), Sporanox (itraconazole) and Nizoral (ketoconazole) are commonly used oral medications for killing candida.

Oral Thrush

• In some cases, candida affects the mouth, causing oral thrush, a condition marked by oral lesions. To treat this quickly, try a topical medication in cream, ointment or oral solution form. According to MedlinePlus, nystatin and clotrimazole are commonly used over-the-counter treatments for thrush. If these fail to work quickly enough, see your doctor or dentist for a prescription.