Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects both men and women. It is usually harmless, but can be uncomfortable and keep coming back. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans (a yeast-like fungus).

Thrush is more common in those with reduced immunity, but can affect anyone. People who are more susceptible include; babies, the elderly and people who take certain medications that suppress their immune system. The thrush that these people suffer from can be more severe and more difficult to control. 

Thrush usually only lasts between 1-2 weeks once you start taking treatment for it. In some cases, your thrush may come back even after treatment. If this is the case, you may need to take treatment for a longer period of time, and this could be for up to 6 months.

Thrush is a common infection that can be caused by yeast and is usually harmless. Thrush mostly grows in warm, damp conditions and will develop if the levels of bacteria in the afflicted area have been changed. You may be more susceptible to thrush if you relate with any of the following:

• Have damaged or irritated areas of skin
• Take antibiotics
• Have poorly controlled diabetes
• Have a weakened immune system
• Going through menopause
• Pregnant 
• Experience dryness of the vagina

Thrush treatments come in many forms - such as oral capsules, vaginal pessaries and creams. It’s a matter of personal preference on your type of treatment.

About Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an oral capsule which is taken as a one-off dose and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It works best for internal symptoms of thrush which cannot be reached with a cream. 

The symptoms of thrush should start to disappear within 2 days of treatment. If the infection hasn’t cleared after 7 days you should see a doctor who may prescribe further treatment. 

Fluconazole capsule can be used along with a clotrimazole cream which can help soothe external symptoms.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4720.pdf

About Canesten Thrush External 2% Cream

Canesten Thrush External 2% Cream contains the antifungal ingredient Clotrimazole. 

The cream should be gently rubbed into the affected areas 2-3 times a day to treat external symptoms. It should be applied for at least 1 week after symptoms have cleared to prevent the infection from coming back. 

If you have been previously diagnosed with thrush by your GP, Canesten Thrush External 2% Cream can be purchased from the Rightdose website without a prescription.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2206.pdf

About Canesten Thrush Pessary

Canesten Thrush Pessary contains the antifungal ingredient Clotrimazole.

The Canesten Thrush Pessary is a vaginal tablet and is taken as a one-off dose. The pessary should be inserted into the vagina at bedtime using the applicator provided (pregnant women should not use the applicator). 

The symptoms of thrush should start to disappear within 2 days of treatment. If the infection hasn’t cleared after 7 days you should see a doctor who may prescribe further treatment.

The pessary can be used along with a clotrimazole cream which can help soothe external symptoms. 

If you have been previously diagnosed with thrush by your GP, Canesten Thrush Pessary can be purchased from the Rightdose website without a prescription.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2205.pdf

Alternative treatments

There are things you can do which can help whilst you are suffering with thrush.

You should:

• Use water and moisturiser to wash affected areas
• Dry affected area properly after washing
• Wear cotton underwear
• Have showers over baths
• Avoid sex 
• If having sex, use a condom

You shouldn’t:

• Use shower gels or soaps 
• Use deodorant on affected areas
• Wear tight garments

Side effects

Canesten Thrush External 2% Cream

Canesten Thrush External Cream’s most common side effect is a slight burning sensation or mild irritation while the cream is applied.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2206.pdf

Canesten Thrush Pessary

Side effects of the Canesten Thrush Pessary include: abdominal pain, genital peeling, pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2205.pdf

Fluconazole:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Increase in liver enzymes (may interact with other medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist)
• Skin rash

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4720.pdf

Thrush can be found in many areas of the body such as the armpits and groin. Men and women have slightly different symptoms of thrush. Thrush symptoms in women include:

• White discharge (may look like cottage cheese)
• Itching and irritation around vagina
• Slight swelling around lips of vagina
• Soreness/stinging during sex or peeing

It can be beneficial to keep a symptom diary to record all symptoms you are suffering from due to thrush. It is important to be very detailed with the symptoms recorded, including information like:

• Symptoms
• Time of symptoms
• How long symptoms last
• How strong symptoms are
• What makes your symptoms feel better or worse

This diary can be very useful for a doctor to look at so they can further inspect your infection to see if you are experiencing the symptoms of another health condition.

If you have any symptoms associated with thrush, it is recommended to get treatment. Mild thrush infections, usually, will clear on their own, but treatments can speed this process up. If you are not sure if you are suffering from thrush, you should speak to your GP about your symptoms.