Dealing with a yeast infection can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but yeast infections are pretty common, with over 138 million women worldwide suffering from recurrent yeast infections.
You may be familiar with some of the usual signs and symptoms, such as itching and burning in the vagina/vulva area, but what about some of the other symptoms? Could a yeast infection cause bumps such as bumps and blisters? Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Yeast Infection?
- Can You Get Bumps From a Yeast Infection?
- What Do Yeast Infection Bumps Look Like?
- How Long Do Yeast Infection Bumps Last?
- How Do You Get Rid of Yeast Bumps?
- What Are Other Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
- When to See a Doctor?
- How Can DrHouse Help You?
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a type of infection that affects the vagina. The vagina contains natural bacteria and yeast called candida, which usually co-exist in harmony. If, however, there is an increased amount of candida present, it can lead to an infection.
Yeast infections are very common and can happen in both sexually active and non-sexually active women. Some of the main symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Vaginal or vulval itching
- A burning sensation during sex or urination
- Vaginal swelling
- Painful sex
- Redness
- Thick, clumpy vaginal discharge (commonly described as resembling ‘cottage cheese’)
While yeast infections can be uncomfortable, in most cases they’re easily treated, with symptoms easing in a couple of days. More severe cases may need additional treatment from a doctor.
Some of the known causes of yeast infections include:
- Use of antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Use of hormonal contraceptives
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
Although it’s important to note that a yeast infection can affect anyone, regardless of whether they fall into one of the categories above.
Can You Get Bumps From a Yeast Infection?
In addition to the usual yeast infection symptoms, you can develop bumps and blisters as a result of a yeast infection. This is a less common symptom, but sores and bumps can happen – especially if there is skin irritation or a rash.
According to the Mayo Clinic, bumps and sores can occur from a yeast infection that has led to severe soreness and itching, as well as from cracks that may have appeared in the affected area.
Developing bumps during a yeast infection may be the sign of a more complicated infection, and you should consult a doctor if you have concerns or your symptoms continue to worsen.
What Do Yeast Infection Bumps Look Like?
Bumps from a yeast infection look similar to other types of sores. They may be mistaken for sores from herpes or another type of rash. They may appear red, raised or even look like fluid-filled blisters.
While yeast infection bumps are hard to distinguish from other types of bumps and blisters, you can usually identify them in relation to your other symptoms. As they are usually an additional symptom, they will most likely be present with other symptoms, such as a rash, redness, and irritation.
If you have bumps and sores present without the other symptoms of a yeast infection, you should consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of another condition.
How Long Do Yeast Infection Bumps Last?
A yeast infection typically lasts a week, with symptoms beginning to ease after using treatments such as creams or ointments. The yeast infection bumps should clear after the rest of the symptoms have eased.
Yeast infection bumps can cause itching, and if they become scratched and irritated, they could become infected. If your sores do not start improving, consult a doctor for further advice and treatment.
How Do You Get Rid of Yeast Bumps?
Yeast bumps may be treated alongside other yeast infection symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for yeast infections include antifungal treatments such as:
- Clotrimazole
- Ciclopirox
- Nystatin
- Fluconazole
Antifungal treatments work by preventing the growth of yeast. Most yeast infection treatments are available as topical or suppository medicines. However, fluconazole is only available in tablet form.
Some other treatments that could help treat the symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and has antimicrobial benefits.
- Coconut oil may help to heal wounds, while also reducing inflammation.
- Probiotic yogurt when combined with honey, could help to improve symptoms of yeast infections.
For bumps and sores that are itchy, you may want to use an anti-itch medicine, such as hydrocortisone. It’s important not to use hydrocortisone cream for longer than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Avoid scratching the bumps to help prevent further irritation and possible infection.
What Are Other Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?
Bumps and blisters are just one symptom of a yeast infection, but there are others to look out for that could be signs that you have an infection. These symptoms include:
Itching or Burning
This is one of the most common signs of a yeast infection. It can be difficult to ignore this symptom, leaving you feeling uncomfortable.
Burning Sensation During Urination
While a yeast infection isn’t classed as a UTI, it can affect your urinary tract, leading to a burning sensation when you pee.
Inflammation, Redness and Swelling
A yeast infection could cause the infected area to become inflamed, red, and swollen. This can make many activities uncomfortable.
Cracked Skin in the Affected Area
Yeast infection symptoms such as redness and swelling could lead to cracked skin in the affected area. This can cause further itching, pain, and swelling, and could lead to bumps, sores, or blisters.
Pain During Sex
Having sex while suffering from a yeast infection can be very uncomfortable. The friction from penetration could irritate areas that are already inflamed and swollen. Sex while suffering from a yeast infection isn’t advised, as you may transmit it to your partner.
Thick, White Vaginal Discharge
A yeast infection can produce a discharge that’s thick, white and clumpy. Many people compare it to cottage cheese, and it is one of the giveaway symptoms of a yeast infection.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time, it’s worth consulting a doctor to get a diagnosis. Once you learn to recognize the symptoms of an infection, you will be able to source the treatment you need to relieve your symptoms quickly.
Many people experience recurring yeast infections. Someone who presents four different episodes of a yeast infection can be diagnosed with recurrent candidiasis, requiring further tests and examination to determine the underlying cause. Repeated infections can occur as a result of self-diagnosis, which is why it’s important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
When to See a Doctor?
While most yeast infections can be treated at home with the help of over-the-counter treatments, you should visit make an appointment with a doctor if:
- It’s your first time experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection.
- You have concerns about your symptoms.
- Your symptoms aren’t easing after using yeast infection treatments.
- Your symptoms become worse over time.
- You suspect your symptoms may not be due to a yeast infection.
If you’re experiencing regular infections, consult a doctor to discuss treatments. There may be an underlying cause that requires further testing to get to the bottom of your recurring infections.
How Can DrHouse Help You?
While yeast infections are not something that you want to deal with, they are fairly common. With the right treatment, you can get rid of your symptoms quickly and return to your normal life.
At DrHouse, we can help you to get the treatment you need for your yeast infection. We offer on-demand online doctor visits, so you can get the treatment you need without having to leave your home. We can also provide you with a prescription for medication, if necessary.
If you think you may have a yeast infection, get started with us today.
FAQ
Does a Yeast Infection Cause Bumps?
A yeast infection can present many symptoms, one of which could be bumps or sores. This is a relatively uncommon symptom, however. A yeast infection can cause bumps in the affected area, especially if there is inflammation and cracked skin, which could cause sores and blisters to form.
Are Yeast Infection Bumps Itchy?
One of the main symptoms of a yeast infection is itchiness and burning. Bumps may form in the infected area, which could further add to the itching.
You can help relieve the itching by treating the cause of the infection, as well as using a hydrocortisone cream, which could help provide some much-needed relief.
How Do You Get Rid of Yeast Infection Bumps at Home?
Yeast infection bumps will disappear alongside other symptoms of the infection. By applying topical or suppository treatments, or taking oral medication, you can help clear the infection and relieve all of your symptoms. The bumps caused by the infection should also clear up.
Most yeast infections clear up within a week. If your symptoms show no signs of improvement after this period, however, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
Key Takeaways
While a yeast infection can be unpleasant, it is a very treatable infection, with many over-the-counter products available. While some of the main symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, and inflammation, the infection can cause bumps and sores that can cause discomfort for sufferers.
With the right treatment, it’s possible to treat a yeast infection quickly, helping to relieve sores and blisters, and other symptoms.
If you suspect your bumps have been caused by something other than a yeast infection, make an appointment with a doctor to help identify other possible causes so that you can get the right treatment.
Sources:
- New figures show 138 million women suffer from recurrent thrush, The University of Manchester. Available from: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/new-figures-show-138-million-women-suffer-from-recurrent-thrush/
- Erika N. Ringdahl, Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, American Family Physician. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0601/p3306.html#
- Yeast infection (vaginal), Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20378999
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Vaginal yeast infections (thrush): What helps? 2019 Jun 19. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543219/
- Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62. doi: 10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. PMID: 16418522; PMCID: PMC1360273.
- Darvishi M, Jahdi F, Hamzegardeshi Z, Goodarzi S, Vahedi M. The Comparison of vaginal cream of mixing yogurt, honey and clotrimazole on symptoms of vaginal candidiasis. Glob J Health Sci. 2015 Apr 3;7(6):108-16. doi: 10.5539/gjhs.v7n6p108. PMID: 26153168; PMCID: PMC4803919.
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