Fungal Infections: Thrush Treatment
The fungi Candida albicans is the common cause of thrush; an infection that can occur in both men and women most commonly on the skin, and around the genitals – anywhere that is warm and moist. In each case, a thrush treatment is available.
What causes thrush?
Usually harmless, the Candida albicans fungi go unnoticed, kept under control by the body’s immune system and ‘good bacteria’.
With more than half of all women experiencing vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime, often developing ‘out of the blue’, certain factors can cause the Candida albicans fungi to multiply, resulting in a thrush infection.
Why do I have it?
Women often believe that thrush occurs because they are unhygienic. This isn’t always true; if anything, women who clean themselves too much are more at risk as they are washing away the ‘good bacteria’ that keep our natural balance just right. This is magnified if you use perfumed products that can irritate the vagina.
There are many reasons for why you may suffer from thrush – but you may be able to prevent it. Avoid wearing tight clothing such as skinny jeans; using perfumed products (as mentioned above). Most importantly, eat well, rest and generally take care of yourself.
In some cases the cause may be unavoidable, such as being pregnant, taking antibiotics or having uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses that affect your immune system.
Symptoms
You may experience one or all of the below symptoms:
- Itching and soreness around the entrance to your vagina
- Pain during sex
- A stinging sensation when you urinate
- Vaginal discharge – Although vaginal discharge isn’t always present in every case of thrush, when it is, the discharge is usually odourless and can be thick and white, a bit like cottage cheese
In more severe cases, you may experience one or all of the below symptoms:
- Redness of the vagina and vulva
- Cracked skin around the entrance to the vagina
- Swelling of the vagina and vulva
Summary/Treatment
With all this talk of fungi, soreness and itching – fear not. There are a wide range of thrush treatments available. Speak to your pharmacist to find out which may be the best one for you or if it’s your first time suffering from thrush visit your GP.
About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer on fungal conditions such as Thrush Treatment
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