Yeast infection is usually diagnosed with microscopic examination or culturing. A microscopic slide is placed on a small scraping of affected area and a single drop of 10% KOH (potassium hydroxide) is dropped on the slide, KOH dissolves skin and leaves candida, if slide show large number of candida when observed under microscope yeast infection is confirmed.
Treatment for yeast infection comes in wide range these days this could include vaginal creams and pills that kill candida albicana. Though it may causes severe irritability when at peaks but it is not a serious problem and can vanish soon if treated properly. Doctors usually prescribe antimycotics, clotimazole and other anti-fungal drugs that inhibit existence and growth candida species. Local treatments like vaginal suppositories and medicated douches are also suggested for immediate results. In cases of breast feeding thrush gentian violet is used to treat kill candida but noted pediatrician William Sears suggest not to use it regularly for long as it may cause throat ulcers to nursing babies.
Yeast infection is sometimes misdiagnosed by even medical personnel as bacteria, if treated with antibiotics, this can lead to increase the severity of condition as it eliminates its natural competitor for resources and provide ideal environment for growth.
Treating yeast infection only with medication is not always the best solution; as underlying causes which are aiding in yeast growth must be addressed too. For example wearing nylon under-wears or thongs which hinder skin breathing and make skin moist all the time is found to considerably increase the risk of getting affected with yeast infection in immuno-compromised patients.
Carbohydrates or sugars also aid in growth of candida so patients suffering with diabetes are at a greater risk for candidiasis. Candida usually reside in digestive tract so any dietary changes directly affect its growth, avoiding foods that contain high amounts of fermentable sugars like sucrose, lactose, glucose etc can also help in preventing the excessive growth of candida.
It must be noted by all patients that above information is only for awareness purpose and under no circumstances people should try to self medicate themselves. Instead if any yeast infection symptoms are noticed they must visit their doctor immediately.