Thrush, also
known as candida or candidosis, is a yeast
infection caused by the Candida albicans
fungus.
Many women are affected by vaginal thrush
at some point in their lives and in some
women it may recur regularly. The condition
develops when Candida albicans, which is
often present in the vagina causes itching,
irritation, discharge, redness, soreness
and swelling of the vagina and vulva.
Oral thrush,
also caused by Candida albicans, is a common
fungal infection in babies. It produces
white spots inside the mouth.
In people
who have reduced immunity, such as those
with AIDS or diabetes mellitus, or people
who are on a prolonged course of antibiotics
or use intravenous drugs, the fungus sometimes
spreads into the blood and other tissues,
left untreated, this can be very serious.
Symptoms
In women
the symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching,
irritation, discharge, redness, soreness
and swelling of the vagina and vulva and
a thick, white vaginal discharge.
It
is uncommon in men but it can occur, causing
irritation and redness particularly on the
head of the penis (balanitis).
In
babies the symptoms include creamy yellow
or white spots in the mouth which produce
a sore mouth that may make a baby reluctant
to feed.
Thrush can
become a serious problem if it is left untreated.
Causes
Candida albicans
is a fungus which is found widely in nature
and is frequently present in the mouth and
the vagina and does not usually cause any
symptoms.
The growth
of the fungus in the vagina is normally
suppressed by both harmless bacteria and
the immune system. However harmless bacteria
in the vagina may be destroyed as a result
of changes in levels of female sex hormones
(this may occur during pregnancy, before
periods or when taking the oral contraceptive
pill), by taking antibiotics or using a
spermicide. The fungus then multiplies which
leads to symptoms.
Vaginal thrush
may also develop after having sexual intercourse
with a partner who has a candida infection.
Stress may trigger an episode of the condition.
Uncontrolled
overgrowth of candida in the mouth may be
caused by factors that reduce the natural
resistance. Thrush in infants is common
and is usually not associated with other
disease.
Treatment
Antifungal
drugs used to treat vaginal thrush are available
without a doctor’s prescription. The most
commonly used drug is clotrimazole, which
is inserted in the vagina either as a cream
using a applicator or in the form of a pessary.
For recurrent vaginal thrush, the doctor
may prescribe a drug to be taken orally,
such as fluconazole.
The doctor
may also suggest self-help measures including:
- Washing
the vaginal area with water only, avoiding
the use of perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants
or douches.
- Avoiding
using latex condoms, spermicidal creams
and lubricants if they cause irritation
.
- Changing
tampons frequently or use sanitary towels.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting
clothes if possible.
- Lactobacillus
yogurt pessaries or tampons may encourage
more 'friendly' bacteria in the vagina.
The treatment
of oral thrush in babies is usually by antifungal
drops. A anti-fungal cream may also be prescribed
for the breastfeeding mother to apply to
the nipples to prevent re-infection. Oral
thrush often improves within days of starting
treatment and clears up within a week, but
the infection may recur.
| 
Thrush
