Thrush
What is Thrush?
Thrush (also known as candidiasis) is an infection caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans. Candida (or yeast) is a naturally occurring organism that lives in your body’s digestive tract and on your skin. Yeast helps with your digestion and aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from your food.
However, when there is a disruption to your immune system or digestive tract, an overgrowth of yeast may occur, resulting in thrush. Thrush is most common in women, infants, and the elderly, and those with suppressed or compromised immune systems.
Types of Thrush
Thrush can affect:
the vagina (vaginal thrush)— occurring in about 75% of women over their lifetime
the mouth (oral thrush)— most often occurring in infants and toddlers, but can also occur after chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and neck, and in people who take steroids, wear dentures, or have diabetes. It’s thought babies may develop thrush as a result of them having a weaker immune system, or because they picked up Candida from their mother’s vagina during birth
the nipple (nipple thrush)— found in breastfeeding mothers as a result of their baby having oral thrush and infecting their nipples
Vaginal Thrush
Symptoms of vaginal thrush vary but usually include:
vaginal itching or burning
thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese, often with a yeasty smell
redness or swelling of the vulva
stinging or burning when urinating or during sex
splits in the skin on your genitals
Oral Thrush
Symptoms of oral thrush include5:
white or yellow dots or patches on your inner cheeks, tongue, gums or lips
pain or difficulty swallowing
burning pain in your mouth
a dry cottony sensation in your mouth
a bad taste in your mouth
loss of taste
cracked, dry skin at the corners of your mouth
Nipple Thrush
Symptoms of nipple thrush include:
nipple pain, breast pain or both
burning, stinging, itching or stabbing pain in the breast
a deep ache that radiates throughout your breast
nipples that are tender to the touch
nipples appearing bright pink
cracked nipples that are slow to heal
signs of thrush in your baby’s mouth (e.g. white coating on the inside of the mouth) or bottom (red rash with spots around it)
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida albicans.
Factors that contribute to the overgrowth of this yeast include:
certain medications, especially antibiotics, corticosteroids and the oral contraceptive pill
cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy
conditions that weaken the immune system, such as leukaemia and HIV
diabetes
excessive use of mouthwash
poor diets, especially diets low in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid
hormonal changes in women
wearing dentures that don’t fit well
smoking
Nipple thrush may also be linked to a history of vaginal thrush.
Is thrush contagious?
Nipple and oral thrush can be very contagious between a mother’s nipple and a baby’s mouth from breastfeeding, and mothers and babies can get into an ongoing cycle of reinfecting each other. It’s important that both mother and baby are treated for thrush to prevent this cycle of transmission.
While vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the exchange of bodily fluids and bacteria, in addition to the warmth in the vaginal area, create an environment in which yeast will grow and cause thrush.
Yeast infections may be transmitted through sexual activity, but the likelihood of transmission is small. While thrush in men is rare, men who have sex with a woman with vaginal thrush may develop a penile yeast infection, with uncircumcised men more susceptible. Symptoms may include:
a red rash or white, shiny patches on the penis
moist skin on the penis
thick white substance under the foreskin or in other folds of skin
itching and burning of the penis
Men who develop these symptoms should see a doctor, as they may be signs of other conditions including STIs.
It’s generally recommended to abstain from sex until thrush symptoms have cleared up.
When should you see a doctor?
While thrush isn’t usually serious, it can be painful and irritating. If your symptoms last more than seven days, become too uncomfortable, continue to reoccur, or you and your baby are both affected, you should visit your doctor.
Symptoms of vaginal thrush can also be similar to other vaginal conditions, so you should see your doctor if:
you have several episodes of thrush in a short period
have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner
have pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding
thrush treatments haven’t worked. Recurring thrush may be a sign of undiagnosed, underlying diabetes
What are the treatments for thrush?
Oral thrush treatment usually involves antifungal preparations which can be in the form of medication, lozenges, mouthwash or drops.
Vaginal thrush may be treated with antifungal creams or vaginal pessaries (tablets) that are inserted into the vagina. Oral medications may also be used.
Nipple thrush is usually treated with antifungal tablets and creams, while thrush in your baby’s mouth is treated with oral gel or drops.
You can find all of these products at your local MediADVICE pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist about each treatment and what to expect, and be sure to ask if medication is safe if you’re breastfeeding.
You should also ask your pharmacist about the best duration of treatment for your type of thrush, as some medications have a stronger percentage of active ingredients, resulting in shorter treatment times, while others have a weaker percentage of active ingredients, requiring a longer course of treatment.
Preventing yeast infections
There is no way to prevent thrush 100% of the time. However, there are things you can do to help limit infections. These include:
following good oral hygiene practices
avoiding overuse of mouthwashes and sprays
regular dentist visits
limiting foods high in sugar and yeast (e.g. bread, beer and wine)
taking a probiotic to reduce the likelihood of developing thrush after a course of antibiotics
quitting smoking
avoiding using soap, perfumed sprays and toilet paper around your vagina
avoiding douching
wearing loose fitting pants and breathable, cotton underwear
keeping your vaginal area clean and dry
wiping from front to back after going to the toilet
A number of factors can contribute to thrush, including medications. At MediADVICE, we can help you manage your health with a Medication Review, where one of our pharmacists will review your medication. We can also provide advice on which products may be most helpful in treating and managing symptoms of a particular yeast infection.
Book a Medication Review at your nearest MediADVICE today.
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