Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Treatment of Thrush
Drugs used to treat vaginal thrush are available without a doctor’s prescription. The most commonly used drug is clotrimazole, which is inserted in the vagina either as a cream using an applicator or in the form of a pessary. For recurrent vaginal thrush, the doctor may prescribe a drug to be taken orally, such as fluconazole. You can also buy a single dose tablet of fluconazole from the chemist, to treat vaginal candida and balanitis caused by candida. However, although all topical (applied to the skin) antifungal products can be used during pregnancy, oral treatment is not recommended.
The doctor may also suggest self-help measures including:
- Washing the vaginal area with water only, avoiding the use of perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants or douches.
- Avoiding using latex condoms, spermicidal creams and lubricants if they cause irritation.
- Changing tampons frequently or using sanitary towels.
- Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes if possible.
The treatment of oral thrush in babies is usually antifungal drops or gel. An antifungal cream may also be prescribed for the breastfeeding mother to apply to the nipples to prevent re-infection. If the infection has spread to the mother’s milk ducts, a course of antifungal treatment may be recommended. Most infections respond well to oral medication, as long as you complete the course of tablets. However, there are occasions when intravenous therapy (when the medication is injected directly into the bloodstream) may be required.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken to relieve pain, while the antifungal treatment takes effect. A breastfeeding counsellor may be able to offer specialist advice if problems persist. Oral thrush often improves within days of starting treatment and clears up within a week, but the infection may recur.
