How to cure thrush and not get sick again

A thrush appears almost out of nowhere and declares itself as a real torture: it itches where it is impossible to scratch. And she also has the disgusting property of returning. Lifehacker found out what are the reasons for the misfortune, whether it is worth waiting until the tests are ready, and how to reduce the risk of a new disease.

What is thrush and where does it come from

Thrush (candidiasis) is an infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida. They most often interfere with the lives of women, developing on the vaginal mucosa, and young children, when they affect the oral cavity due to the fact that babies pull everything into their mouths.

But sometimes candidiasis also affects the internal organs, if the immune system cannot resist the fungi. This happens with HIV infection, after chemotherapy, while taking medications that suppress the immune system (for example, with organ transplants).

Candida fungi are part of the natural human microflora. They usually live on mucous membranes and do not interfere, because the body's defenses inhibit their growth. But sometimes they begin to multiply at a high rate.

This happens if you:

Woman 20-40 years old. According to statistics, candidiasis is more common at this age.
Are pregnant. Changes in the hormonal background and the restructuring of the body also change the conditions in which the microflora lives.
Have sex when there is not enough natural or artificial lubrication: microtrauma contributes to the appearance of thrush.
You are taking antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs destroy not only harmful microbes, but also useful ones. Candida takes their place.
Have diabetes. Elevated blood sugar creates a breeding ground for fungi.
A person with weak immunity. Moreover, mushrooms are activated both in case of serious diseases, and in case of ordinary acute respiratory viral infections.

Thrush is treated well with special antifungal antibiotics, but it has a nasty property to come back again and again, because it is almost impossible to completely destroy all these microorganisms.

Thrush symptoms

The symptoms of the disease depend on which organs are affected. With a general infection, a person develops a high fever, chills and tremors, nausea, and headache. With candidiasis, stomatitis develops in the mouth: it hurts to eat and swallow, the gums turn red, round white spots appear on the mucous membranes - foci of infection.

Thrush in women is manifested by the characteristic symptoms:

Severe itching and discomfort in the genital area.
Profuse white or yellowish discharge. They can be dense and resemble cottage cheese.
Pain during intercourse.
Sometimes - burning and pain during urination.
Redness and swelling of the external genital organs.

How to cure thrush

Thrush is treated with special antibiotics that are active against fungal infections. Clotrimazole, fluconazole, natamycin are taken orally or suppositories and creams are used, sometimes combining these types of therapy.

Depending on the type of medication and the response to it, treatment can take from a couple of days to two weeks. If the fungal infection recurs frequently, the doctor prescribes long-term treatment.

With thrush in the mouth, rinsing with a solution of soda helps: it inhibits the growth of fungi.

Is it possible to treat thrush without a visit to the doctor

With symptoms of a general infection and with pediatric stomatitis, it is imperative to visit a doctor.

Women already familiar with thrush, who are aware of what could have caused an exacerbation, and who already have a working prescription, can begin treatment before visiting a doctor. The results of the analysis for candidiasis do not appear earlier than in a week, and the wait can be unbearable.

But if the signs of the disease raise doubts about the diagnosis (the discharge smells bad, you feel pain in the lower abdomen, unusual symptoms have appeared), then it is better to go and take a smear. Maybe Candida isn't the only germ that has caused inflammation.

If you have never had thrush and you diagnosed yourself on the Internet, then immediately forget about it and go to see a doctor.

Mandatory consult about treatment if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thrush has started twice in the last six months.
Previously, you or your partner have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms persist within 7-10 days after starting treatment.

In all these cases, the doctor must clarify the diagnosis and choose the best treatment.

How not to get sick with thrush

Use linen made from natural fabrics that does not squeeze or chafe anywhere. Irritated skin, warmth and moisture are ideal conditions for the development of fungi.
Wash your uniform often.
For the hygiene of the genitals - only water or special mild soap (the latter not more often than once a day).
Use hygiene products that are free of dyes and fragrances.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
Sometimes fungi even react to dietary changes and alcohol. Eat less sweet and savory.
Try to make sure that the child does not pull dirty hands and objects into his mouth: this is less likely to get stomatitis.
And universal advice: support your immune system with proper nutrition and active walks in the fresh air.