How to Soothe Thrush Itching? Instant 5-Minute Cure

Authored by

Dr David Schoenfeld

05 October 2022

Reviewed by

Samantha Burgess

Lead Healthcare Content Creator

How to Soothe Thrush Itching? Instant 5-Minute Cure - welzo

What’s covered?

Introduction

Thrush is primarily a yeast infection caused by Candida, which is the short-term of a family of bacteria which live mainly in the mouth, throat, stomach, and vagina. During a thrush, the Candida will grow in a small area of the flori, which can result in overgrowth. Its saprozoic fungi reside naturally within the bowel. The bacterium may appear harmless. However, the effects are more noticeable when the yeast population increases. In a lifetime, around 73 per cent are affected by the vagina.

Overview

Thrush can be uncomfortable and painful but is not considered severe or dangerous. According to estimates, about 75% of women will have vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime. However, if left untreated, it can cause severe complications.

Thrush does not always cause symptoms that require antifungal treatments. However, suppose the itching and irritation become unbearable. In that case, it's best to seek medical attention and get some relief from the itchiness!

What is thrush?

Thrush is a yeast infection that affects the vagina, mouth, or digestive tract. It's caused by a fungus called Candida albicans and is not the same as a vaginal yeast infection. Thrush can be uncomfortable and leave you feeling raw from all of your scratching—but it doesn't have to be this way!

What are the symptoms of thrush?

Thrush is a common yeast infection that can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include itching and burning in the affected area, thick white discharge, pain during urination or intercourse, redness of your vulva (the outer part of your vagina), and bleeding after sex or wiping. If you have any of these symptoms, you must see your doctor immediately because thrush can spread quickly from one person to another if it's not treated correctly.

Vaginal yeast infection

Yeast infections can be caused by antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes or even wearing tight underwear that rubs the skin in your vagina.

You will notice itching and burning in your vaginal area if you have thrush. Your genitals may also look white and flaky (like dandruff).

The best way to treat thrush is to use an antifungal cream such as Canesten or Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream, which you can get from any chemist or supermarket.

What are the causes of vaginal yeast infections?

You may get a vaginal infection if you:

Have poor hygiene practices. A clean, dry vulva is vital for healthy sex. Suppose you do not wipe your vagina properly after urinating or having sex. In that case, it can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, leading to a yeast infection.
Hormonal changes. When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the hormones in your body change, which puts you at a higher risk of developing a yeast infection than those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Increased sugar intake. Yeast feeds on sugar and other carbohydrates we consume daily through our diets and medications such as antibiotics (which destroy good bacteria). It makes it easy to grow out of control in warm, humid conditions, such as those found under your clothing during exercise activities (elevation), due to heat retention caused by tight dress underneath, such as running shorts/pants. Sweat build-up will only worsen, creating an ideal breeding ground for fungi-type microorganisms like Candida Albicans. They cause many common health problems, including digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, and sinus congestion & allergies, because they thrive best in moist environments like bathrooms and showers. It is also present on skin surfaces, making them more susceptible than ordinary people when exposed regularly."

How to prevent vaginal yeast infections?

Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
Wipe from front to back.
Wear cotton underwear.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet and take probiotics regularly, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid douching and sexual intercourse during periods when thrush is present in your body (usually after a woman has had an antibiotic).

How can I get rid of a yeast infection as quickly as possible?

As mentioned above, a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus. The fungus lives in small amounts on your skin and inside your body, but it can cause symptoms like itching or burning in and around the vagina when it grows out of control.

Thrush is another common skin condition caused by a yeast infection. It's easy to confuse thrush with other vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or trichomoniasis—and vice versa! Here's how to tell them apart: BV causes fishy odour and discharge; thrush does not. Trichomoniasis produces a white cottage cheese-like discharge that may be frothy or clumpy at first glance; thrush does not produce this kind of discharge either!

Yeast infections are a common condition that affects many women. There are many reasons you may have a yeast infection, including antibiotics or birth control pills that kill off good bacteria in your body. The most common yeast infection symptoms are vaginal itching and vaginal discharge, but there are other signs.

If you think you have a yeast infection, make an appointment with your doctor to find out for sure. Your doctor will examine your vagina and cervix by looking at them with a speculum, like a pair of tongs that opens up the vagina so they can see what's going on inside. Suppose you have other symptoms besides vaginal itching, such as pain during sex or when peeing. In that case, it's more likely that something else is happening—like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis (both STIs).

If you have a yeast infection, there are several ways to treat it:

Over-the-counter medicines (like Monistat)
Prescription medications (like Diflucan)
Natural remedies like essential oils and probiotic vaginal microbiota

Suppose you wonder how long it takes for yeast infections to go away naturally without any treatment. In that case, the answer depends on what type of yeast infection.

How you can treat oral thrush infection

Doctors prescribe antifungal medication for patients with candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or oesophagus. The typical treatment for mouth or throat infections that range from mild to severe severity is the application of an antifungal drug to the mouth's soft tissue for seven to fourteen days. Clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin are some drugs that fall under this category.

Treatments can be of external or internal use for fungal infection. However, you should follow the directions carefully to avoid possible complications.

To view the range of thrush medication available at Welzo, click here.

Can yeast infections heal themselves?

You can treat yeast infections can be treated with antifungal medications such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs, antifungal creams or oral medications. You may treat yeast infections in the mouth with an over-the-counter (OTC) medicated mouthwash that contains clotrimazole or miconazole. For vaginal candidiasis, you may use OTC antifungal creams or suppositories containing butoconazole nitrate (Gyno-Daktarin), clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche) or miconazole (Monistat 1). Call your doctor to discuss other treatment options if your symptoms do not improve after using these products for one week.

Mild yeast infections will go away with no treatment but can last up to seven days. You can get an emergency doctor's advice if you feel pain for a month or more. Your GP or pharmacist can suggest the best solution.

How can I tell if I have a yeast infection or an infection of the urinary tract (UTI)?

The first thing to do is to consult your doctor for a definite diagnosis. It's important to note that the symptoms of thrush and UTI are similar. The main difference between these two infections is the location of their origin. Thrush occurs in the mouth, while UTIs usually happen lower in the urinary tract (such as in the bladder or urethra).

However, it's not always easy to tell whether you have a yeast infection or an infection of your urinary tract (UTI). They both cause a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination and pain during sex. If you're unsure about what kind of infection you have, ask your doctor how they will make this determination or if they need further tests before giving you any treatment options.

What are the different ways to treat thrush?

Patients need to receive individualized treatment for their infection by taking antibiotic drugs. You may, however, choose some alternative medicines for your symptoms if you wait to go to the doctor for diagnostics and prescriptions.

Many infections occur because our immune systems are not functioning correctly. It is commonly experienced when the bacteria on antibiotic drugs do not kill their normal bacteria. When taking a probiotic supplement that contains live bacteria, you help maintain a natural bacteria population to help prevent yeast infections or worse.

If you're looking for a quick fix, you can do some things in a pinch.

Oral rinse: You can use a solution made of water and baking soda to help soothe the pain in your mouth.
OTC medicines: If you want relief immediately, try taking an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol and Tums. These can help with the pain of thrush, and they'll also help with any swelling or inflammation that occurs as well.
Boric acid: This is an effective treatment option for thrush because it kills off any bacteria causing it and will reduce any redness or irritation from infection too! It's important not to eat boric acid, though, because it's poisonous if ingested orally, so use it externally instead!
Tea tree oil: There is no scientific evidence proving tea tree oil works for thrush. However, many people have reported getting rid of this condition. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, which kill off all those nasty germs causing inflammation on their tongues/mouths etc.

There are many options for easing thrush, but the fastest cure is an oral rinse

For an instant cure, there is a range of options for easing thrush itching. You can try OTC medicines like Boric acid, tea tree oil, yoghurt, or probiotic supplements. Suppose you have the time to spare and don't mind waiting a few days to see results. In that case, garlic is known for its antifungal properties, and coconut oil has been used by many as an effective remedy for thrush. Oregano oil is another popular option. However, it may be too strong if you don't want to use it externally in your vagina (a common mistake).

Are there any home treatments for thrust?

Self-testing helps you determine which treatment is most appropriate. The treatment you select varies depending on the trials and symptoms you have. Whenever thrush is treated, you should carefully read all the information about its patients before undergoing the medication. You should note any adverse effects associated with your prescription and ask for a physician's advice unless it occurs. You could even consult your doctor or pharmacist about your thrush.

The most effective way to treat thrush infection

Many factors can cause yeast infections, such as stress, antibiotic use, or being pregnant. It's not common to get thrush during pregnancy, but it has been known to happen.

Itching is one of the signs of thrush, and there are several ways you can soothe itching while treating the yeast infection in your mouth. The most effective way is to combine prescription medicine with home remedies and over-the-counter products.

Conclusion

Antibiotics and antifungal drugs are the most effective way to cure thrush. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing or underwear during this time because they may cause irritation and worsen the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Suppose you have an infection in your urinary tract. If that happens, you should seek medical attention immediately because if left untreated for too long, it can cause serious complications such as kidney damage or even death.

To learn more about thrush or to take an online consultation for a prescription medication, click here.

Or, click here to learn more about thrush and other vaginal infections through our women's health hub.

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