Thrush or Candida is a type of fungal infection that affects the vaginal area. It is often accompanied by cystitis and can be very uncomfortable. Candida is a normal part of the flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina and care must be taking when treating it.
The Symptoms of Vaginal Thrush
Vaginal thrush is characterized by itching and soreness in the vaginal area. As the infection takes hold, a creamy white discharge develops and this may have a cheesy odor. If treatment is not sought or is not effective, the condition can cause the skin to harden, crack and bleed. In some cases the urethra, vulva, perineum and anus are affected and become swollen, red and painful. Hard creamy-colored pustules may appear.
What Causes an Outbreak of Candida
Fungal infections thrive in moist, warm conditions but there are several other factors that can cause an outbreak. These include the following:
• Slight damage to vaginal tissue due to rough sex or tampon usage
• Tight jeans or nylon underwear that restricts airflow
• Sitting in restricted warm places for extended periods such as when traveling
• An excess of refined yeasty foods in the diet
• Increased sugar levels in the premenstrual phase of a woman’s cycle
• Menopause causes dryness in the vagina that may cause the skin to crack
• Hormonal changes in pregnancy can encourage fungal infections such as thrush
• Oral contraceptives increase vaginal glucose levels, thus providing ideal conditions for Candida
• Antibiotics tend to kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, allowing fungal infections to develop
Treatment for Vaginal Thrush
In past decades, thrush was normally treated by topical creams which could be extremely messy. While pessaries and cream are still used and provide a calming soothing effect, the most common treatment is a single-dose capsule of flucanozole. This is a prescription only, triazole antifungal drug and is marketed under several different trade names.
Flucanozole works by inhibiting an enzyme that is used by fungal cells to make ergosterol. Ergosterol is part of the fungal cell membrane that is required for growth. While flucanozole is effective, it is also toxic and it is not recommended for repeated use in chronic thrush infections.
In chronic cases, doctors suggest a preventative approach by eliminating as many of the causative factors as possible. Clotrimazole cream is often prescribed and this should be applied two or three times a day. A Clotrimazole pessary may be used instead and this should be inserted at night.
Nystatin is another antifungal medication that works well and is available in various forms.
Vaginal thrush is an unpleasant fungal condition that causes discomfort and itching. It is often the result of hormonal changes but can also be caused by diet and medication. There are several ways to treat it but a single-dose capsule of flucanozole is generally considered the fastest, most convenient method.
Reference:Coping with Candida by Shirley Trickett, Sheldon Press, 2007
