Can Hydrogen Peroxide Treat a Yeast Infection?
Is Peroxide Good for Yeast Infections?
Peroxide is not good for all yeast infections and should not be the first line of treatment for a yeast infection, especially a vaginal yeast infection.
Some people use it to lessen symptoms of a yeast infection, but it is not shown to cure yeast infections every time. This is because hydrogen peroxide does not work on every species of yeast.
What Can Hydrogen Peroxide Treat?
Hydrogen peroxide has long since been used as a disinfectant against bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide is a solution used for efficient control of various bacteria, their spores, yeasts, and viruses.
Better outcomes have been seen when using hydrogen peroxide for the following conditions:
Mild cuts, scrapes, burns
Canker sores inside the mouth
Cold sores
Gingivitis
Do not put this product in your eyes and do not swallow this product. If you are using hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse, mix with equal parts water before swishing and then spitting.
What is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection is an overgrowth of fungus that leads to an infection. When you think of “yeast infection” most people assume you are talking about an infection in the vagina. However, many areas of the body can have yeast infections.
Yeast infections are most likely to develop in the folds of the skin. The most common areas of the body for a yeast infection include:
Vagina
Groin
Nails
Armpits
Between the fingers
Under the breasts
Mouth and throat
Feet, toes (athlete’s foot)
Yeast infections can also affect the blood, brain, and bones, but these conditions are rare and uncommon. Common yeast infections have similar signs and symptoms:
Intense itching
Burning
Swelling
Redness
Irritation
Pain during sex (vaginal yeast infection)
Soreness
Rash
Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use.
You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infection
For open to air surfaces such as your toe or in between your fingers, you can pour hydrogen peroxide directly over the area to kill the yeast.
If the sting is too much, you can dilute the hydrogen peroxide.
How do You Dilute Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infections?
Some suggest diluting hydrogen peroxide with water at a 1:1 ratio, which would equal the same amount of water (H2O) as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Can You Put Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Vagina?
No, you should not put hydrogen peroxide in your vagina. Often times, this causes more irritation. Douching with hydrogen peroxide is not advised.
The vagina contains a certain pH balance, that when disrupted can cause more problems. Douching with hydrogen peroxide can have adverse effects such as:
Vaginal irritation
Possible spread of bacterial vaginosis (further up urinary tract)
Burning sensation
How to Apply Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infections
Before applying hydrogen peroxide for a vaginal yeast infection, you should consider a couple of things:
First, you should never put hydrogen peroxide directly inside your vagina.
Second, there is no research that supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.
The only way to safely use hydrogen peroxide for a vaginal yeast infection is to speak with your doctor first.
They may recommend adding hydrogen peroxide to your bath or diluting it prior to application may help with yeast growing on the genital area.
You should not use hydrogen peroxide for yeast infections over a long period of time.
What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection?
The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is by treating it with prescription medications. Several prescription yeast infection medications are available.
Prescriptions come in cream or pill form. The cream is inserted inside the vagina (intravaginally). Often relieving symptoms instantly.
Some yeast infection medications include:
Terazol (terconazole) -prescription cream
Fluconazole (Diflucan) -prescription tablet
Miconazole (Monistat) – OTC cream
Notice that these medications end in the letter’s “azole.” This is common among anti-fungal medications and are known as the “Azole antifungals.”
What Can You Soak in for a Yeast Infection?
If you are looking to soothe and relieve symptoms a baking soda bath may help with symptoms of a yeast infection. It is understood that baking soda has antifungal effects as well.
Some other popular home remedies for yeast infections include:
Greek yogurt
Essential oils such as oregano and tea tree oil
Probiotic suppositories
Coconut oil
Apple cider vinegar
Garlic
How Do You Stop Itching Down There Fast?
The fastest way to stop itching down there is to get an official diagnosis and treatment plan from a reputable doctor. Without a diagnosis, you may be wasting your time with ineffective and potentially harmful treatments.
A doctor can diagnose your yeast infection and prescribe proper medication that will clear up your symptoms fast.
Yeast infections can often get worse over time, if not treated properly. Do not wait for your vaginal itching to get better on its own.
If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, make an appointment with PlushCare today to speak with a doctor.
You can book an appointment to speak with a board-certified physician about your signs and symptoms.
Read More About Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infection
Sources
Zubko, E. I., & Zubko, M. K. (2013). Co-operative inhibitory effects of hydrogen peroxide and iodine against bacterial and yeast species. BMC research notes, 6, 272. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-272
acog.org. Vulvovaginal Health. Accessed on November 3, 2020. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health
NIH. Hydrogen peroxide. Accessed on February 9, 2021 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14676737/
