Intimate Infections: Candidiasis

Now that summer is coming, visits to the beach and the pool begin. It is a time when we spend a lot of time in wet swimwear and excessive sunbathing, which causes a drop in defences. As women, we become more prone to bacterial infections and candidiasis. At Farmaciasdirect we are going to help you tell the difference between a bacterial infection and a candida infection, and how to treat the latter in a few quick steps:

Bacterial vaginosis vs candidiasis

Bacterial Vaginosis | Candidiasis

Smell | Strong fishy smell | Absent

Discharge | Abnormal | Whitish, milky

Itching | Frequent | Frequent

Burning | Frequent | When urinating

If, even with this information, you cannot work out what you have, we have a key tool to determine it quickly at home. It is Ginecanestest, a medical device that recognises common vaginal infections so that you can apply an appropriate treatment. To do this, you only have to insert the stick into the vagina for a few minutes and, depending on the colour change, you can find out what it is.

If it changes colour, it is most likely a bacterial infection. For that you will have to use specific products that we will talk about on another occasion. If it does not change colour, and there is also an increase in vaginal discharge, a feeling of itching, pain and redness, it is most likely a candida infection.

Candidiasis is a common vaginal fungal infection, that is, an inflammation of your vagina. Both bacteria and fungi live in the vagina, but when the population of the Candida albicans fungus increases, candidiasis can develop. This fungus can increase when your immune system is weakened or when the beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) cannot keep the fungus under control.

Once we have determined what we have, after consulting with a professional, we have many products to relieve the symptoms or treat them. The first thing we should know is that the most important thing is hygiene of the intimate area. Just as we do not use shampoo on the whole body or toothpaste on the skin, the intimate area requires specific hygiene. Some recommendations for proper intimate hygiene are:

The importance of intimate hygiene

- Cleanse from front to back.

- Wash with water and specific soap once or twice a day.

- Wash the vulva, clitoris and labia.

- The vagina should not be cleaned inside: vaginal douches are not advisable.

- Do not use sponges.

- Wash your hands before inserting tampons.

- Avoid tight clothing and fabrics that hinder breathability.

- Intimate perfumes and deodorants are potentially irritating.

At FarmaciasDirect you will find the best products for the care and hygiene of the intimate area.

What to use for a bacterial infection?

Melagyn Gel, with Tea Tree oil (antiseptic and soothing) and a pH of 8.5 can be used both for bacterial infections and candida infections, and it can even be a daily-use gel. Another more specific gel for candida is Ginecanesgel Calm; with a pH of 8.4, it makes our vaginal pH become alkaline, where candida cannot reproduce.

After cleansing, we can treat the area with 1 Ginecanesten 500 mg ovule if the infection has occurred occasionally. With 6 Ginecanesten 100 mg ovules if the infection is recurrent. But the most appropriate is that after the antifungal treatment, probiotics are applied, orally or vaginally. For this we have Muvagyn vaginal probiotic or Ginecanesflor.

Probiotics are appropriate after antibiotic treatment, to balance the flora and lower the pH. After treatment with antifungals or corticosteroids, to prevent frequent vaginal and urinary infections and after menstruation.

There are situations in which candidiasis can occur more easily:

- If you are pregnant, the pH becomes slightly more acidic.

- If you have finished an antibiotic treatment.

- People with diabetes.

- During menstruation.

- If you take contraceptives.

- If you are HIV positive.

Who can get Candidiasis?

Having candidiasis is normal. Many women suffer from it at least once in their life and half of them suffer from candidiasis very frequently.

Sex and Candidiasis

Candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but having sex with a person who has it (male or female) can transmit it. Both men and women can suffer from candidiasis.

As you may know, the intimate area is a very delicate area in women. We should treat and care for it according to that delicacy. If you already know the symptoms and have suffered them previously, you can use these products. But if you do not know the symptoms, the cause, or you do not know what may be happening to you, the best thing to do is to consult a healthcare professional so they can help you and inform you properly. At Farmaciasdirect we are always at your disposal and you can consult us by email, WhatsApp or phone.

María José Salado Monsalves

Pharmacist specialising in dermo-cosmetics