From the Guidelines
Yeast infections on the face should be treated with topical antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole creams applied to the affected area twice daily for 2-4 weeks. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections 1, the treatment of yeast infections should follow IDSA and NCCN guideline recommendations. For more severe infections, oral antifungal medications like fluconazole may be prescribed, with a standard dose of 100–400 mg every 24 h 1. It is essential to keep the face clean by washing with a gentle cleanser twice daily, avoid touching the infected area, and maintain good hygiene. During treatment, avoid heavy moisturizers, makeup, and skincare products containing oils that could feed the yeast. Yeast infections on the face are typically caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, which naturally exist on skin but can multiply excessively due to factors like humidity, compromised immune system, antibiotic use, or diabetes. Some key points to consider when treating yeast infections on the face include:
- Avoiding the use of antifungal agents that are not effective against the specific type of yeast infection, such as Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, which are resistant to fluconazole 1
- Monitoring for signs of infection spread or worsening symptoms, such as fever or increasing redness and swelling
- Considering the use of oral antifungal medications for more severe infections or those that do not respond to topical treatment
- Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding activities that may exacerbate the infection, such as sharing makeup or skincare products. If symptoms don't improve within a week of treatment, or if you experience fever or spreading infection, consult a healthcare provider as you may need prescription-strength medication or have a different condition.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is used for the treatment of dermal infections caused by various species of pathogenic dermatophytes, yeasts, and Malassezia furfur. In vitro, clotrimazole exhibits fungistatic and fungicidal activity against isolates of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis and Candida species including Candida albicans
The treatment for a yeast infection on the face is clotrimazole (TOP), as it exhibits fungistatic and fungicidal activity against Candida species, including Candida albicans.
- Key points:
- Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent
- Effective against various species of pathogenic dermatophytes, yeasts, and Malassezia furfur
- Exhibits fungistatic and fungicidal activity against Candida species, including Candida albicans 2 Alternatively, nystatin (TOP) can also be used for the treatment of cutaneous or mucocutaneous mycotic infections caused by Candida albicans and other susceptible Candida species 3
From the Research
Treatment for Yeast Infection on the Face
The treatment for a yeast infection on the face typically involves the use of antifungal medications.
- Topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole 4, miconazole 5, and bifonazole 6 have been shown to be effective in treating cutaneous candidiasis, a type of yeast infection that can occur on the face.
- These medications can be applied directly to the affected area and are available in various forms, including creams, lotions, and solutions.
- In some cases, oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole may be prescribed, especially for more severe or widespread infections 7.
Topical Therapies
Topical therapies are often preferred for treating yeast infections on the face because they can be applied directly to the affected area and have fewer side effects compared to oral medications.
- Azole drugs such as miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole are commonly used to treat yeast infections and are available in various topical formulations 8.
- Allylamines and benzylamines such as terbinafine, naftifine, and butenafine are also effective against yeast infections, but may be more commonly used to treat dermatophytic fungal infections 8.
Choosing a Treatment
The choice of treatment for a yeast infection on the face depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the patient's medical history, and the presence of any underlying conditions.
- Clotrimazole, nystatin, and miconazole have been shown to be effective and well-tolerated topical treatments for cutaneous candidiasis, with complete cure rates of 73%-100% 7.
- Oral fluconazole may be considered for more severe or widespread infections, but its use should be carefully evaluated due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications 7.