Thrush
DEFINITION
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mucous membranes (the soft,
pink coloured skin) of the vagina or penis.
pink coloured skin) of the vagina or penis.
DESCRIPTION
In a healthy bowel and genital area many bacteria and small
numbers of yeast cells (vaginal flora) usually exist. Yeast
infections occur when there is a change in the normal balance of
these organisms. This imbalance can be caused by many things,
including medications or certain medical conditions. The most
common healthy bacteria found in the genitals are Lactobacillus
acidophilus. These bacteria may help prevent other organisms, such
as yeast, from growing in excess and causing a vaginal infection.
More than 85 percent of yeast infections are caused by a strain of
yeast called Candida albicans.
numbers of yeast cells (vaginal flora) usually exist. Yeast
infections occur when there is a change in the normal balance of
these organisms. This imbalance can be caused by many things,
including medications or certain medical conditions. The most
common healthy bacteria found in the genitals are Lactobacillus
acidophilus. These bacteria may help prevent other organisms, such
as yeast, from growing in excess and causing a vaginal infection.
More than 85 percent of yeast infections are caused by a strain of
yeast called Candida albicans.
Genital Candidiasis infections are very common in women, causing a
condition that is commonly referred to as ‘Thrush’. Genital
Candidiasis is usually not considered a ‘sexually transmitted
disease’, as it is generally caused by overgrowth of the Candida
albicans fungi that normally inhabit a person’s skin. Under certain
circumstances, this fungus can divide excessively and the large
numbers of fungal cells can produce the signs and symptoms of a
Genital Candidiasis infection. Circumstances that may allow Candida
cells to grow excessively include: diabetes mellitus, antibiotic
use, corticosteroid drugs, HIV infection, low immunity, pregnancy
(particularly in the third trimester) and use of oral
contraceptives.
condition that is commonly referred to as ‘Thrush’. Genital
Candidiasis is usually not considered a ‘sexually transmitted
disease’, as it is generally caused by overgrowth of the Candida
albicans fungi that normally inhabit a person’s skin. Under certain
circumstances, this fungus can divide excessively and the large
numbers of fungal cells can produce the signs and symptoms of a
Genital Candidiasis infection. Circumstances that may allow Candida
cells to grow excessively include: diabetes mellitus, antibiotic
use, corticosteroid drugs, HIV infection, low immunity, pregnancy
(particularly in the third trimester) and use of oral
contraceptives.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Women may experience:
- Irritation of the vulva (the entrance to the vagina and the
surrounding area) and discharge from the vagina that may be a
thick, whitish-coloured fluid. - Inflammation of the vulva.
Men who have a Genital Candidiasis infection may not
experience any symptoms, but some may experience:
experience any symptoms, but some may experience:
- Irritation and soreness of the glans and prepuce (head of the
penis). - Inflammation of the glans and prepuce.
- White, cheesy material, pits or small, circular elevations on
the penis.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of
Genital Candidiasis. Your Doctor will advise you on the latest
treatments available for the treatment of this condition and also
provide information on how to avoid re-infection. Genital
Candidiasis in women (Thrush) is treated using topical antifungal
creams (i.e. applied directly to the vagina). If the Thrush
infection does not improve, then oral antifungal medications may be
required. Genital Candidiasis in men is treated by washing the
penis and surrounding skin with soap and water, drying with a clean
towel and applying topical antifungal creams for 7 to 10 days.
Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis and Thrush are difficult to distinguish
on the basis of symptoms alone so it is important for a woman with
vaginal symptoms to see her physician for an accurate
diagnosis.
Genital Candidiasis. Your Doctor will advise you on the latest
treatments available for the treatment of this condition and also
provide information on how to avoid re-infection. Genital
Candidiasis in women (Thrush) is treated using topical antifungal
creams (i.e. applied directly to the vagina). If the Thrush
infection does not improve, then oral antifungal medications may be
required. Genital Candidiasis in men is treated by washing the
penis and surrounding skin with soap and water, drying with a clean
towel and applying topical antifungal creams for 7 to 10 days.
Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis and Thrush are difficult to distinguish
on the basis of symptoms alone so it is important for a woman with
vaginal symptoms to see her physician for an accurate
diagnosis.
DIET HINTS
Certain dietary measures can be taken to minimise the growth
of yeast in the bowel which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of
Thrush.
of yeast in the bowel which, in turn, reduces the likelihood of
Thrush.
- Try to avoid foods high in simple carbohydrate such as refined
sugars as Thrush thrives on sugar. These foods include fruit
juices, sucrose, biscuits, cakes made from white flour and sugar,
honey, white breads and pastries etc. - Eat plain yoghurt which contains live cultures of acidophilus.
This yoghurt can also be applied directly to the vagina to relieve
itchiness. - Try to include foods high in fibre such as wholegrain cereals,
fruits and vegetables, psyllium and oat bran. - Try to limit (but not completely eliminate) foods high in
carbohydrates such as potatoes, and fruits such as oranges, kiwi
fruit, pineapple, lemons and limes, grapefruit, tomatoes.
Re-introduce these foods slowly after about 1 month of
treatment. - Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can be included in the diet
every day. It is best to have garlic at a separate time to
acidophilus as the antibiotic activity of garlic may interfere with
the acidophilus organism.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- Acidophilus bifidus supplementation may help as it feeds and
promotes the growth of good bacteria. - Garlic in cooking or capsule form, may be of benefit due to its
anti-microbial and anti-fungal effect. Garlic is particularly
effective against Candida albicans. - Vitamin C and bioflavonoids promote the body’s immunity and
help protect the body against damaging toxins released from
candida. - Pau d’arco herb is thought to be an anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal agent. - Golden Seal herb may soothe and decrease inflammation of the
mucous membranes. It also has an anti-bacterial action and is
thought to help the immune system. Golden seal is also thought to
help support the liver and digestive system.
NOTES
It is important to remember that thrush rarely occurs in
post-menopausal women unless they are on hormone replacement
therapy (HRT). This is because the candida species thrives in the
presence of oestrogen. Post-menopausal women with vaginal
irritation should immediately consult their medical
practitioner.
post-menopausal women unless they are on hormone replacement
therapy (HRT). This is because the candida species thrives in the
presence of oestrogen. Post-menopausal women with vaginal
irritation should immediately consult their medical
practitioner.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints
- There are several antifungal vaginal creams available. These
may be suggested by your Pharmacist to relieve Thrush. Ask advice
on the use of these creams. - Avoid bathing too often and using perfumed soap as this can
aggravate the condition and increase the risk of Thrush. Ask your
Pharmacist about appropriate soaps and washes. - Wear loose cotton clothing and underwear to keep the genitals
cool and well ventilated. Women prone to Thrush should avoid
wearing pantyhose. Stockings are a better choice as these allow air
circulation. - Increasing the acidity of the vagina may help to prevent
Thrush. Washing with a preparation of water and vinegar may help to
achieve this. Ask your Pharmacist about a gel which can be applied
to the area as a preventative measure against Thrush. - After using the toilet always wipe from the vaginal area
towards the anus. The Thrush organisms which live outside the anus
are easily transferred to the vagina. - Make sure your sexual partner has been examined for Thrush to
avoid re-infection. - Ensure that you rinse your mouth out and gargle with water
after using an asthma puffer, look after your dentures properly and
avoid smoking. (See the Thrush – Oral topic for further
information). - If the dietary intake is inadequate, consider the nutritional
supplements recommended in this topic.