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My 78yr. old mother has been living with us for two years. Other than her Alzheimer's she has been in fairly good health and happy, except for an ongoing yeast infection. I have had her to multiple doctors and she has had vaginal suppositories of all kinds, several different creams and antifungal medications. It may seem to clear up for a day or two, but then it is back again. It causes her to itch and burn terribly and she is just miserable. Has anyone else had to deal with this problem and if you have is there a working solution? I feel so sorry for her and our lives now seem to revolve around her misery. Can anyone help me with this?

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There are some very good suggestions here. I know because I used to have a terrible time with them. I tried so many things. I really feel for her. They are so uncomfortable. From MUCH TRIAL and error I'll tell you what really helps, IMO.

The best medication is an oral medication called Diflucan. It treats stubborn yeast that can be harbored in your throat, bladder, lungs, vagina, and blood. It is a strong medication, but for stubborn cases, repeated doses may be necessary. It's the only thing that actually killed the yeast infection for me. It is a serious drug. Discuss it with her doctor.

Terazol cream is the best anti yeast cream. It comes in a tablet to insert in vagina, but don't go that route. Cream is the best. Be sure to use all the cream, even if symptoms appear to be gone. Ask for an extra tube to keep on hand. This used to be prescription only even after some creams became available over the counter. It's the best, IMO.

Have her wear a pad in her panties even if she doesn't need one. Change it several times per day. It will keep the area dry. That is a must. I would do it long term. The drier it stays, the less chance for yeast to grow. To me cotton panties stay wet, but a microfiber that breathes and doesn't hold moisture is best for me. You can see what works for her.

Don't get into hot tub.
Avoid anything scented.
Switch to fragrance free and dye free soap, detergent, fabric softner, etc.
Dry very well after bathing. Perhaps stand in front of fan.
Ensure she is cleaned very well after bowel movement.
Don't wear anything tight on her crotch.

Get her tested for diabetes. My yeast issues were related to high blood sugars. Once the blood sugars came down, the yeast issues did too.

I never had luck with yogurt, probiotics, etc.

I hope she gets better.
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If her panties are nylon, please change them to cotton. Make sure they stay dry, even if she has to change several times a day. That will help a lot. Increase her consumption of probiotics, yogurt. Do not use bubble baths in her bathtub and wash her perianal area with a specially made cleanser purchased in the area of the store where tampons are sold. Sorry she's having all this trouble, I know she's miserable.
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I noticed someone else mentioned Diflucan. It is a God send. I'm surprised her physician hasn't suggested it. And yes and watch her sugar and bread intake.
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Lila Jean, too many antibiotics can encourage yeast growth.
neveralone, recurring yeast infections are likely caused by improper wiping after a BM. Mom is probably wiping back to front.
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Yeast lives in the body all the time - it is when it gets out of hand as in your situation that it causes problems. Along with stopping soda pop - you might consider stopping all wheat products and other high carb food items for a month or so. Stick to low glycemic (low sugar foods). You can find a list if you google "low glycemic foods". Also, watch out for food items containing modified corn starch and corn syrup or corn syrup solids in the labeling. Good Greek Yogurt will facilitate the growth of "good" bacteria and help with the yeast infection also. LOTS OF WATER DRINKING! :-) Best wishes. P.S. some good pro-biotics would probably be helpful also - you can find some wonderful pro-biotics at some of the organic or health food type stores. Usually in the refrigerator cases.
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When my mom had this problem the doctor took a swab to send away and was able to tailor medication effective against the specific organism. There is lots of dietary advice on line, probiotic capsules can't hurt. Often diabetics are troubled with yeast infections, has she been tested? I would think some of the soothing diaper rash creams might give her some relief.
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I'm not a medical professional, but I was told that when you take antibiotics, they destroy the good bacteris that grows inside your body and then the bad things inside you take over and you have yeast overgrowth. Antibiotics may cause it in some people, but I hardly ever took them and I still had repeated yeast problems.
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If she is sensitive to scents in laundry soaps or fabric softeners, that can cause discomfort in the area we think of first when we hear 'yeast infection'. It might cause discomfort in that area and not bother others. Or, the discomfort is so strong that any other is ignored.
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Stop the creams & suppositories. Get rid of this yeast infection good & for all.

Tell the doctor to write a presription for Diflucan tablets. Generally, only one tablet is needed, but sometimes 2 or 3 are taken to assure that the yeast is killed.
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Trader Joe's has unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate for about $4. It lasts a long time and you can dilute with water or add to other juices. Avoid mainstream cranberry cocktails: the sugar in it defeats the use of cranberry. If you have a juicer and can find fresh cranberries, that could be powerful: but tart. There are some supplements out there that have high doses of natural cranberries in it.
D-mannose I think. Check the thread here. It's been discussed before.
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