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Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good for a Yeast Infection?

General Health and Preventive Care  /  Blog

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Good for a Yeast Infection?

PlushCare Content Team

Written by PlushCare Content Team

PlushCare Content Team

PlushCare Content Team

The PlushCare team is composed of medical doctors, registered nurses, and health experts who enjoy writing about health topics. Our content is reviewed by our team of medical professionals to ensure accuracy.

January 7, 2021 / Read Time 4 minutes

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.

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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 (thrush)

  • 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

  1. 1

    Book on our free mobile app or website.

    Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.

  3. 3

    Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.

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 

  1. 1

    Book on our free mobile app or website.

    Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.

  3. 3

    Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.

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 schedule an appointment to speak with a board-certified physician about your signs and symptoms. 

You can book an appointment here, or download the free PlushCare mobile app. The average appointment lasts just 15 minutes and 97% of conditions are successfully treated on the first visit.

Read More About Hydrogen Peroxide for Yeast Infection

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