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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 3 2001
The treatment of Candida vaginitis and vulvitis
Thrush (candidiasis) is the most common genital infection in women. It is caused by a fungus, Candida albicans, which normally lives in our bowels. If the fungus gets into a woman's vagina it can cause an infection.
The symptoms of this infection include genital itching and a white discharge. There may be redness or swelling in the genital area.
Many medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as thrush. To be certain of the diagnosis the woman's doctor has to take a swab from the infected area.
Thrush usually clears up quickly with the correct medicine. Several antifungal medicines are available as creams or pessaries and can be bought without a prescription. They need to be put inside the vagina to be effective. If one course is not sufficient, see your doctor.
Women can help to reduce the irritation of thrush by washing their genital area with salty water (two teaspoons in one litre of water) instead of soap. They should also avoid wearing tight fitting nylon underwear.
Some women get recurrent thrush. When this happens, the doctor will check that the thrush is not a sign of another problem such as sugar diabetes. Recurrent thrush may require treatment with a course of tablets by mouth.
