What is Thrush?
Thrush is a common condition that affect all ages, and both sexes. Overgrowth of a fungus called Candida causes thrush. It can cause irritation, soreness and unpleasant symptoms. Thrush can can affect your mouth, genitals and other parts of your body in both men and women. There are different types of thrush depending on what body part is affected.
About Oral Thrush
Thrush can affect the mouth, tongue and the back of the throat, which is known as oral thrush. Oral thrush is marked by the presence of white patches and which can cause pain and discomfort. Oral thrush mainly affects babies, where it is usually passed between mother and baby. This can make feeding difficult for the baby, and for the mother nipple thrush can cause pain and discomfort. Older people who wear dentures can also get thrush, as well as those who suffer from certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or who take steroid medication.
Oral Thrush Symptoms
- White lesions in the mouth that feel raised
- Thick, white coating on the tongue
- Loss of taste
- Soreness and pain whilst eating
- Cotton like feeling in the mouth
- Cracked, red skin in the corners of the mouth
How is Oral Thrush Diagnosed?
Oral thrush can be diagnosed visually by your healthcare provider. If the thrush is more widespread, a sample can be taken and tested in the laboratory. If thrush is also present in the oesophagus, an endoscopy can be carried out.
How to Prevent Oral Thrush
Good oral hygiene including brushing your teeth twice a day and taking care of dentures can help prevent thrush. Having regular health checks for diabetes, and rinsing your mouth out after taking medication can also help. Sterilising bottles and dummies can prevent thrush in babies.
How to Treat Oral Thrush
Antifungal medication can be used to treat oral thrush. Mild to moderate infections can be treated with Nystan (nystatin) oral suspension 30ml, (prescription only) or Daktarin oral gel (miconazole) 15g, which can be purchased from Click2Pharmacy. More severe and widespread infections may require an oral antifungal capsule called fluconazole 150mg. If you think you have oral thrush, our pharmacists at Click2Pharmacy can offer free advice and assistance.
About Vaginal Thrush
Candida can be present in the vagina without causing any problems. However, in some women this fungus grows and multiplies. Vaginal thrush is more common in younger age groups, in pregnancy, in women have poorly controlled diabetes and those with weakened immune systems.
Vaginal Thrush Symptoms
These can include:
- Itching, redness and soreness around the genital area
- A discharge which can be thick and white, or thin and watery
- Soreness whilst urinating
- Pain during sex
How is Vaginal Thrush Diagnosed?
In some instances, you may need to see your GP or health care provider if you have thrush. Seek medical advice if:
- If you think you have thrush for the first time
- You are under 16 or over the age of 60 years.
- The thrush is reoccurring
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Current treatment has not worked
In some cases, a swab may need to be taken from your vagina.
How to Treat Vaginal Thrush
There are various types of antifungal medication for vaginal thrush treatment in the form of creams, pessaries and oral tablets. Once treatment is started, symptoms should clear up in 7 to 14 days.
Creams are usually used externally to treat itching and soreness around the vagina. Pessaries are inserted inside the vagina using an applicator, and directly target the candida. Oral tablets are usually a single dose oral capsule that works by killing the fungus.These treatments can also be given in combinations, and are highly effective in treating vaginal thrush.
If you have had thrush before, our pharmacists can help you decide which products are best for you and offer advice on preventing further infections.
Penile Thrush (Genital Thrush in Men)
This type of thrush affects both men and women, but is more common in women. Although genital thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed between partners. This type of thrush can also be reoccurring.
Other Fungal Infections
Thrush can also affect other areas of the skin around the body such as the arm pits, the groin area, between the fingers. These are more commonly known as ringworm, athlete’s foot or fungal infections depending on the location.
Symptoms of this type of thrush can include
- A scaly, red rash that is sore and painful
- Yellow or white discharge
Treatment for this is usually antifungal creams.
