A vaginal yeast infection happens when there is too much yeast (a type of germ) in the vagina. A yeast infection causes vaginal discharge, itching, and irritation. Yeast infections are treated with pills taken by mouth or with a cream that is put in and around the vagina.

• Help your child use the medicine as prescribed by the health care provider.
• Be sure your child finishes all doses of the medicine, even if they start to feel better. Stopping the medicine too soon can make the infection come back.
• To soothe pain or itching in the vaginal area, your child should soak once or twice a day in a tub of warm water (without soap) for 10–15 minutes, spreading the legs so the water reaches the vaginal area.
• These tips can help ease vaginal irritation now and help your child avoid it in the future:
  • Sleep in a nightgown or T-shirt instead of pajamas so air can move freely around the vaginal area during sleep. If comfortable doing so, sleep without underpants.
  • Wear white cotton underpants. 
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes rather than tights and leggings.
  • Take off wet bathing suits as soon as possible.
  • Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement (poop).
  • Don't use soap in the vaginal area.
  • Take showers instead of baths. If taking a bath, avoid bubble bath and only use shampoo, conditioner, and soap at the very end of the bath. Don't sit in a tub with shampoo, conditioner, or soap in the water. Just before getting out of the tub, rinse the vaginal area with plain water.
  • Use unscented detergent when washing underwear and don't use fabric softener. 
  • Take a break from tampons if they cause irritation. Try pads or a menstrual cup instead.
  • Do not douche. It can make irritation worse and can lead to other health problems.
• People who are sexually active should know that:
  • Yeast infections can spread to another person during sex. Any partner with burning, redness, irritation, or discharge should see a health care provider.
  • Vaginal creams, tablets, or suppositories prescribed for yeast infections can weaken condoms and diaphragms. A different type of birth control is needed while using the medicine.

Your child:

• still has pain, itching, redness, and discharge after taking all the medicine
• has new or worsening symptoms
• gets better, then shows signs of a yeast infection again

Why do yeast infections happen? Yeast infections happen when a fungus called Candida, which often lives quietly in the body, grows too much. This can happen, for example, in someone:

• right before their period starts
• who takes some kinds of medicines, such as antibiotics and steroids
• who uses some types of birth control
• who has diabetes and their blood sugar is not well-controlled

How do health care providers diagnose yeast infections? Health care providers diagnose a yeast infection based on symptoms and examination of the vagina. They may also send a sample of vaginal discharge (taken by wiping a swab inside the vagina) to the lab to be looked at under a microscope.

If my child has signs of another yeast infection, should we restart treatment? If your child gets better, then has signs of another yeast infection, talk to your health care provider before starting any treatment at home. This way, you can be sure that it really is a yeast infection and that they get the right medicines.