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Thrush
Medical Questions » Thrush
| Name: Thrush |
| Also known as: Candidiasis; Moniliasis |
| A fungal infection that occurs most commonly in the mouth and the vagina. |
Causes of Thrush
The fungus Candida albicans is responsible for the infection in all sites. Oral: quite common in infancy, particularly in bottle-fed babies, and may be triggered by a course of antibiotics that destroy the bacteria in the mouth that normally control the growth of excess fungi. Vaginal: Candida albicans lives in the gut where it causes little or no trouble. When it comes out on to the skin around the anus, it dies off; but if that skin is warm, moist and irritated, it can grow and spread forward to the lips of the vagina (the vulva). A warm climate and the aggravating factors of tight jeans, pantyhose, the contraceptive pill, nylon bathers, antibiotics and sex give the area between a woman' s legs the right degree of warmth, moisture and irritation to make the spread of the fungus relatively easy. Antibiotics aggravate the problem as they can kill off the bacteria that normally keep fungi under control. Entry of the fungus into the vagina is aided by the mechanical action of sex and the alteration in the acidity of the vagina caused by the contraceptive pill. |
Symptoms of Thrush
Oral: Grey/white patches on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks that cannot be rubbed away with a finger tip or cotton bud. May spread through the intestine and emerge to infect the skin around the anus, where it causes a bright red rash that is slightly paler towards the center. Vaginal: an unpleasant white vaginal discharge, intense itching of the vulva and surrounding skin, and often inflammation of the urine opening so that passing urine causes discomfort. |
Tests for Thrush
Swabs may be taken from mouth, buttocks or vagina to confirm the identity of the responsible fungus. |
Treatment for Thrush
Oral: antifungal drops or gels in the mouth, and antifungal creams around the anus. Vaginal: antifungal vaginal pessaries (tablets), vaginal creams or antifungal tablets taken by mouth. The sex partner must also be treated as he can give the infection back to the woman after she has been successfully treated. Prevented by wearing loose cotton panties, drying the genital area carefully after swimming or showering, avoiding tight clothing, wiping from front to back after going to the toilet and not using tampons when an infection is likely.
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Complications of Thrush of its treatment
Oral: rarely causes serious complications. Vaginal: many women have repeated attacks, which may be due to inadequate treatment, contamination from the gut, or reinfection from their sex partner. |
Likely Outcome of Thrush
Oral: most babies respond rapidly to the correct treatment. Vaginal: usually settles with treatment, but reinfection common. |
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