A Thrush Question?


Question:
Can it clear up by itself or does it absolutely need treatment, I had some thrush symptoms a couple weeks ago, and I havent treated it internally, only externally, but it seems better, I was just wondering if it can happen?

Answers:
Applying an anti-fungal cream (e.g. miconazole cream) to the affected area is likely to be effective, with cure rates of 80 to 90 percent. Many of the common creams may damage condoms and make then weaker.

Common treatments include nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole.

Pessaries that are inserted in the vagina area also effective.

Wash your hands before inserting a pessary or applicator.

A single dose may be all that is needed for mild disease but those with severe conditions should be treated for five to seven days (occasionally longer).

A single dose of oral medication, fluconazole, can be effective, but is usually not used as a first line of treatment. It can be useful in difficult cases or when creams have not worked in proven thrush infections.

An acidic gel may be helpful to restore the correct acidity in resistant cases.

Bathing in warm salty water can relieve the itch and aid recovery. A doctor may be able to prescribe creams to relieve the pain.

No study has been able to prove that treating the male partners of women will stop reinfection, although it may be advised particularly if the male has some symptoms which have not settled.

Women with recurrent unexplained thrush should see a specialist. Women with HIV may have severe yeast infections that are difficult to cure.

Accurate diagnosis of the condition requires a laboratory test of the vaginal discharge.

Over the counter non-prescription treatments are intended for use only by women with a confirmed history of recurrent thrush due to the common yeast (candida albicans). Self treatment by women thinking they have thrush may delay correct diagnosis and encourage resistant forms of thrush.

How can it be prevented?

Wash and thoroughly dry the genital area at least once a day. Avoid perfumed and coloured soaps, bubble baths and vaginal douches.

Wipe with toilet paper from front to back after a bowel movement.

Do not wear tight clothes or underwear. Some people believe the use of tampons should be avoided because the organism thrives in warm, moist, dark places.

Eating acidophillus yoghurt is recommended by some women to stop yeast infections.

Some women also use plain lacto-bacilli yogurt to the vaginal area, although there is not much scientific evidence to support this (it won't do any harm!).

Having some cream available during a course of antibiotics may be useful.

Creams that increase the vaginal acidity (acigel) may be tried to reduce recurrent thrush.

Future trends

Effective oral medications have recently become available to cure yeast infections. Factors that lead to recurrent thrush are being studied.

Getting help

Thrush treatment is available over the counter in pharmacies.

However, as symptoms may not be an accurate guide, an examination and tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis and exclude other conditions. The condition is best to be seen by a doctor.
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