Thrush
Thrush is the most common form of yeast infection Thrush is a yeast infection (candida albicans) which tends to affect warm, moist areas of the body such as the vagina, penis, mouth and certain areas of skin.
Thrush is more common in people with diabetes as high sugar levels lead to better conditions for the yeast to grow.
A dry mouth coupled with a higher amount of glucose in the saliva can also make for favourable conditions for thrush.
Causes of thrush
- High blood sugar levels is one of the main causes of thrush and so is weakened immune system, which is also common in people with diabetes.
- Damaged or irritated skin also promotes the growth of thrush.
- Smoking increases the chance of oral thrush and certain oral contraceptives may cause vaginal thrush.
Symptoms of thrush in women
- Vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis) symptoms include:
- Soreness and irritation
- White curd appearance on the skin
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- White vaginal discharge
- Reddening of the vulva (the outer parts of the vagina)
- Itching around the vagina (infectious vaginitis)
Oral thrush (oral candidiasis) symptoms include:
- A nasty or bitter taste
- Redness or bleeding inside the mouth
- Creamy white coloured patches (lesions) in the mouth (cheeks, lips, tongue or the back of the mouth)
- Painful and sore mouth (can include the throat)
- Cracks at the corners of the lips (angular cheilitis)
Thrush in men (candida balanitis)
Symptoms of thrush in men include:
- Reddening or swelling or soreness of the glans (head) of the penis
- Itching around the tip of the penis
- Discharge beneath the foreskin
- Nasty odour
- Pain during urination
- White curd-like appearance on the skin
- Painful experience during sex
- Candidal skin infections can also occur around folds of skin such as armpits and the groin.
Treatments for thrush (candida)?
Thrush may be treated by anti-fungal creams or by orally taken thrush treatments.
Typically used thrush treatments include:
Topical imidazole
Fluconazole
Itraconazole
Clotrimazole
Ketoconazole
Always consult your physician and follow their prescription
Prevent thrush from occurring
For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels under control will certainly help to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks of yeast infections.
Genital infections can be reduced by wearing looser fitting clothing (particularly underwear), washing your genitals regularly but avoiding the use of scented soaps and shampoos.
Oral candidiasis can be prevented by:
Maintaining good dental hygiene
Brushing twice a day
Rinsing your mouth after eating
Flossing regularly
Using mouthwash
Maintaining clean dentures
Regularly visiting a dentist