Thrush
Thrush is an infection with a yeast-like fungus, most commonly Candida albicans.
This fungus occurs widely and is usually unnoticed. However if it starts to multiply rapidly it can cause problems in many different parts of the body.
Like most fungi, Candida likes moist, warm places. Places where it commonly occurs include the vagina, the mouth (especially in babies, where it causes white patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks) and in the nappy area.
Most women will have at least one attack of vaginal thrush in their lives. The usual symptoms are a thick, white ‘cheesy’ vaginal discharge and intense itching. This can occur after a course of antibiotics which may have been prescribed for some other infection. Many people wrongly blame antibiotics for ‘causing’ thrush, but this is not really the case. What happens is that by killing off other ‘normal’ bacteria, antibiotics allow thrush to multiply without competition.
Other factors which may make the vagina more prone to thrush are changes in acidity which may occur during pregnancy, when taking the oral contraceptive pill, or at the time of a woman's period. People with a poorly functioning immune system and people who have diabetes are also prone to thrush.
Females who are prone to thrush should wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing such as jeans and panty-hose.
Treatment for thrush may consist of either creams or pessaries (dissolving tablets) which are inserted in the vagina. You can also take tablets by mouth to eradicate the fungus.
When thrush occurs in children it is usually treated with creams when it affects the skin, and by oral drops when it affects the mouth.
It is important to remember that there are a number of things other than thrush that can cause vaginal discharge and discomfort. It is important that these symptoms are checked by your doctor so that other, sometimes more serious, problems can be identified and treated.
Last Reviewed: 04 October 2005
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