Antibiotics are powerful medicines used to treat bacterial infections. However, they don’t discriminate between harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body. This can lead to an imbalance, particularly in women, where the reduction of “good” bacteria gives yeast an opportunity to overgrow, causing yeast infections. These infections are characterized by itching, burning, and irritation in the vaginal area.
Sophia Haroon Dar, MD, an internal medicine specialist, explains that antibiotics can indeed trigger yeast overgrowth. This is because they eliminate the healthy bacteria that usually keep yeast in check. Yeast thrives in warm, humid conditions and can also proliferate if the skin is damaged or when the immune system is weakened.
Clindamycin (Cleocin) is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and take it at regular intervals without missing doses to ensure its effectiveness.
Vaginitis, an inflammation or infection of the vagina and vulva, can be caused by changes in the normal flora, including an overgrowth of yeast. Common symptoms include pain, itching, and discharge. The three most frequent types are Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Yeast (Candida) Infections, and Trichomonas Infections.
For treating yeast infections, options like Clindamycin cream 2% may be prescribed. However, it’s important to identify the specific type of yeast causing the infection, as different species may require different treatments.
Candidiasis, also known as moniliasis or a yeast infection, can affect the skin and mucous membranes. It’s usually harmless but can cause infection under certain conditions, like when the skin is damaged, in humid conditions, or when the immune system is compromised.
For more detailed information on how antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, you can read articles from various medical sources. Visit Northwell University, University of Rochester Medical, University of Rochester Medical, Student Health Center, Hopkins Medicine, Harvard Health, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for more insights.
