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Vaginal yeast infections are a common complaint among females. Approximately 75% of women have a yeast infection at some point. Yeast infections are the second most common type of infection in the vagina.
The symptoms that accompany a yeast infection are uncomfortable. Itchy, tender skin in an area that can’t be scratched in public. These are symptoms that any woman would want to get rid of fast. Unfortunately, some products marketed for yeast infections will treat the symptoms but not the underlying cause.
What is Vagisil?
Vagisil for yeast infection is an over-the-counter medication that can give you immediate relief for your vulva’s itching skin. Vagisil’s uses are limited to dealing with irritation. However, it won’t aid you in permanently getting rid of yeast infections. Vagisil comprises benzocaine and resorcinol, which are numbing compounds that obstruct nerve signals in your body.
What is Vagisil used for?
Vagisil cream for yeast infections can be beneficial in minimizing pains, irritations, or soreness caused by vaginal yeast infections, but Vagisil won’t cure the actual vaginal yeast infections.
Vagisil also contains possibly irritating and harmful components that may be best avoided during vaginal yeast infections.
What Chemicals are in Vagisil?
Vagisil ingredients include five percent benzocaine, which is a mild anaesthetic. Common side effects include mild stinging, burning, or itching in the skin area where it is applied. Another active ingredient in vagisil is two percent resorcinol which helps with pain and itching. However, this ingredient may not be safe if you are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, another formulation of Vagisil maximum strength containing benzocaine 20%, resorcinol 3%, and a Vagisil sensitive anti-itch creme containing hydrocortisone 1% to deal with external itching is available. Although Vagisil for thrush is often considered a yeast infection treatment, it does not cure the infections.
How should I use Vagisil?
Vagisil numbing cream is for external use only. It can be applied using a fingertip to the affected area 3-4 times a day for 7 days.
Warnings related to the use of Vagisil
- Vagisil should be applied externally only to the affected area. Avoid contact with the eyes.
- If there is no improvement in the symptoms within 7 days, consult a doctor.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Why Doesn’t Vagisil Treat the Yeast Infection?
The reason that Vagisil doesn’t treat is that it is not an antifungal medication. Yeast infections occur when the microscopic fungus candida overgrowth occurs in your vagina. Candida is typically found inside several body areas, including the mouth, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems.
Several things can cause this yeast imbalance.
The environmental changes in the vagina can encourage the candida to grow. An overgrowth of candida (a type of fungus) can cause a fungal infection. To combat this overgrowth, an antifungal medication is required.
Vagisil has medical ingredients to treat the symptoms the yeast infection can cause, such as itching and burning on the vulva and vagina, but it cannot combat yeast overgrowth.
Antifungal Creams and Suppositories for Yeast Infections
Clotrimazole, miconazole or tioconazole are antifungal compounds in antifungal suppositories and creams. They have been exhibited to have powerful results against various candida species and are usually effective in just a few days.
Clotrimazole
Uses:
This is an antifungal medicine used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Clotrimazole is available as an external cream, an internal cream, and a pessary.
Precautions:
You must abstain from sex until you have finished your treatment. This medicine may damage diaphragms or condoms and decrease the effectiveness of vaginal spermicides. Therefore, these methods are unreliable in preventing sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy while using this medicine.
Side effects:
Common side effects include:
- vaginal irritation/burning
- redness
- itching
Severe side effects include:
- skin rash,
- allergic reactions: itching or hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- pain while passing urine
- vaginal pain
Internal and external creams and clotrimazole pessaries are considered safe during pregnancy.
Miconazole:
Uses:
Vaginal miconazole comes in the form of a cream or suppository that can be inserted into the vagina. The cream is usually applied twice daily for up to 7 days on the skin around the vagina. The suppositories are used as follows:
- one-time dose (Monistat 1)
- once at bedtime for three days in a row (Monistat 3)
Precautions:
- Avoid vaginal intercourse or the use vaginal products, including tampons, douches, or spermicides, during your treatment.
- Make sure that you complete the course of your treatment. If your symptoms recur, follow up with your doctor.
- Miconazole may damage the latex in condoms and diaphragms. Therefore, it is recommended to use an alternate form of contraception or avoid intercourse. Moreover, having vaginal intercourse while you have thrush can infect your partner.
- If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a week of using miconazole, it is advisable to inform your doctor.
Side Effects:
Some common side effects include:
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal itching, or irritation of the vagina
Severe side effects include:
- hives
- rash
Side Effects of Vagisil
Another critical question that may have crossed your mind would be, ‘Is Vagisil safe?’
Although Vagisil is considered safe, some minor side effects may occur.
The common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation, skin peeling, or local swelling. Other less common side effects include itching or redness, hives, and stinging. In addition, an allergic reaction to Vagisil may occur if you accidentally put Vagisil inside.
Vagisil anti-itch cream may lead to a burning sensation when applied. Similar side effects can occur while using Vagisil wash or Vagisil wipes as well.
Is Vagisil safe during pregnancy?
It is common to experience a yeast infection during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to consult your OB/GYN before using any medication. Similarly, you should contact a doctor before using Vagisil if you are pregnant.
Some Alternate Remedies for Yeast Infections
If you think an all-natural alternative to cure yeast infections would be better for you, various options are readily available.
Aloe vera has scientifically proven antifungal components. You can apply some aloe gel on your vulva to immediately alleviate the itching. If fresh aloe vera is within reach, don’t use the gel. Use the pulp from the leaves instead.
A 2017 study demonstrated that eating Greek yogurt can reduce yeast in the body. So consuming Greek yogurt can help keep your yeast levels low or help alleviate yeast overgrowth.
Boric acid is a topic antiseptic that the Center for Disease Control recommends for treating vaginal infections. However, this is recommended as a complementary treatment to antifungal medication.
Coconut oil also has proven antifungal properties that can be effective against candida. It is essential only to use pure organic varieties. You can apply directly to the infected area.
Are You Still Going to Use Vagisil?
Vagisil can aid in relieving the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections, but as previously mentioned, it won’t get rid of the actual yeast infections. Therefore, a better alternative to Vagisil would be to get an antifungal medication or natural treatments to eliminate yeast infections permanently.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is important to note that it is essential to speak to a doctor before using any treatments (natural or not) if this is your first yeast infection.
A 2010 study of 546 people published in Nursing Research discovered that their study participants misdiagnosed themselves with yeast infections around 30 percent of the time.
Talk with our doctor at Your Doctors Online and get a prescription to cure your yeast infection.
FAQs About Vagisil Answered By Your Doctors Online Team
Vagisil ingredients include five percent benzocaine, which is a mild anesthetic. Another ingredient in Vagisil is two percent resorcinol which helps with pain and itching.
Vagisil has medical ingredients to treat the symptoms the yeast infection can cause, such as itching and burning on the vulva and vagina, but it cannot combat yeast overgrowth.
No, Vagisil is not an antifungal. Instead, Vagisil comprises benzocaine and resorcinol, numbing compounds that obstruct nerve signals in your body.
Vagisil does not have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Instead, it is a topical gel with numbing properties that help soothe the irritated vaginal region.
Vagisil for yeast infection is an over-the-counter medication that can give you immediate relief for your vulva’s itching skin. Vagisil’s uses are limited to dealing with irritation.
Although Vagisil is considered safe, some minor side effects may occur.
The common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation, skin peeling, or local swelling. Other less common side effects include itching or redness, hives, and stinging. In addition, an allergic reaction to Vagisil may occur if you accidentally put Vagisil inside.
Your doctor carries out a pelvic exam and takes a vaginal swab sending it to the lab for testing to diagnose a yeast infection.
Vagisil is applied topically to treat vaginal irritation or itching. Application around the anus is considered safe.
Vagisil should be applied externally only to the affected area. Avoid contact with the eyes.
If there is no improvement in the symptoms within seven days, consult a doctor.
Clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole are antifungal compounds found in antifungal suppositories and creams that are very effective in treating yeast infections.
Hormonal fluctuations before your period can trigger changes in the bacteria in the vagina, increasing the probability of getting a yeast infection before a period in some individuals. Getting a period does not help. If you have a yeast infection, you must continue treatment while on your period.
Yes, you can exercise when you have a yeast infection. However, maintain good genital hygiene and wear loose cotton clothes to avoid excessive sweating.