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Candida - Thrush Symptoms and Thrush Treatment

By Peter James Field

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Published: 16Mar2010
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Thrush is an annoying infection that can affect both women and men.

Anyone who has had thrush will know of the discomfort, pain and distress that this condition can cause. So what is thrush and can it be prevented?

The medical name for thrush is candida or candidosis. Thrush is caused by an overabundance and imbalance of bacteria and natural fungal yeast found in the body. It commonly manifests around the woman's genitals although it can affect men and may also appear in the mouth.

Oral Thrush

Oral Thrush can be seen as cream colored or pale yellow spots within the mouth which can be very uncomfortable; it is often accompanied by a burning, sore sensation. If you are experiencing such symptoms, a doctor should be consulted to diagnose the condition as it can mask other more serious conditions such as mouth cancer.

New born babies can develop oral thrush from picking it up during birth when passing down the birth canal. Drinks of cool water, especially after a milk feed, help to relieve the discomfort.

Other sufferers can include denture wearers, people with poor nutrition or an immune deficiency as well as those prescribed steroid medication or steroid inhalers.

Treatment is through the use of prescribed antifungal medicines that generally stay in the mouth for a while such as pastels or mouth washes.

Genital Thrush in Women

Initial genital symptoms tend to be an itching and a burning soreness in this sensitive area. This is soon followed by swelling and itching deep within. Sometimes the woman also experiences a discharge. The discomfort is such that, no matter what the sufferer is doing, it cannot be ignored.

Naturally, fast and immediate relief is desired by the sufferer. Unfortunately, effective treatment takes time, however washing with cool water or soaking in a cool bath can help to bring relief as can applying nappy rash cream or specific creams formulated for the job.

Longer term relief can be obtained from the application of an overnight pessary, either a brand name (which generally has an external cream for simultaneous use), or the pharmacy's own brand. These are available both on prescription and over the counter.

Doctors may prescribe weekly pessaries or tablets for women who suffer from frequent attacks of thrush in order to put a stop to the annoying cycle.

There are several things which can cause thrush in the genital area. These range from antibiotics or the controlled application of chemotherapy; wearing close fitting underwear and/or tights; overly rigorous cleaning with soap of the affected area and diabetes.

It can also be brought on through bodily changes caused by pregnancy or passed on through intimate contact from one partner to another. Despite the latter, thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection or STI.

Understanding the reasons that thrush occurs helps in controlling and eradicating the condition. Common sense and easily managed home control measures include:

- Stop wearing tights. If tights must be worn, use crotch-less ones

- Wear loose fitting panties, jeans, pants/trousers

- Wear pantie liners which are renewed regularly to ensure the infection does not remain or spread. Sanitary wear should also be changed frequently

- When washing the genital area, do not use soap. Use aqueous cream or a soap substitute instead

- Wash your hands after going to the toilet and wash or apply cream to the affected area

- Keep a cloth specifically for the genital area and boil-wash it regularly

- Refrain from using perfumed products on the genital area as these can cause irritation and encourage thrush.

Genital Thrush in Men

Although not as common as with women, men may also suffer from genital thrush. In men, it tends to show itself under the foreskin and/or red patches on the shaft. A discharge may also be noticed.

Treatment is by the use of anti-fungal creams or tablets.

Some home control measures are identical to those recommended for women. e.g.

- Wear loose fitting underwear, jeans, pants/trousers

- When washing the genital area, avoid the use of soap. Use Aqueous cream or a soap substitue instead.

- Wash your hands after going to the toilet and wash or use cream on the affected area.

- Keep a cloth specifically for the genital area and boil-wash it regularly.

- Refrain from using perfumed products on the genital area as these can cause irritation and encourage thrush.

In conclusion, thrush, although unpleasant, can be kept under control by good hygiene practices however is not necessarily caused by poor hygiene.

Diagnosis by a medical doctor, often through a swab test, is highly recommended in order to rule out other conditions and obtain the correct medication.

Peter Field is a leading British hypno-psychotherapist with busy clinics in London and Birmingham, England. He is a Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and Fellow of the Royal Society of Health. Peter's really effective self hypnosis downloads and CDs are available at his hypnosis downloads site. For more of his articles & other useful info please visit his therapy website: Peter Field Hypnotherapy Hypnosis UK

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