Thrush is a common problem that over 130 million women worldwide deal with each year. One of the key problems of thrush is dealing with the desire to scratch; come with us as we look at various methods you can use to beat the itch-scratch cycle.

Thrush is common in women – it’s something that many of us experience, so it’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. In fact, research shows that around 130 million women worldwide deal with thrush every year! Yeast infections normally aren’t too serious and can be easy to treat, but the symptoms can be uncomfortable. 

What Causes Thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, a species of yeast fungus that lives on your skin and inside your vagina. Under normal circumstances, these microorganisms, alongside billions of others, act as your natural microbiome; they live in harmony with your body’s functions and processes, and in exchange they help to prevent infections from outside forces. However, on occasion, these candida can grow out of control, leading to an infection themselves.

Most often, you will get thrush when you are already sick with something else; your immune system is too busy dealing with the other condition to keep track of the candida, or is just operating at a lower level from tired or exhausted.

Vaginal yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted infection, although you can pass them along to your partner if you have sex while you have a case of thrush. Thrush can also be triggered by sexual activity.

What are the Symptoms of Thrush? 

The most common symptom of vaginal thrush is white vaginal discharge, along with itching and irritation. This can cause soreness around the vagina, which can include redness and inflammation. Many also experience discomfort while urinating and having sex.

How Do I Stop Thrush from Itching? 

Thrush is treated with antifungal cream. You’ll usually have a pill or gel which is inserted into the vagina along with a cream which is applied to the labia to soothe the itching. It can take up to 7 days for the infection to clear up entirely, which might mean living with thrush for an uncomfortable couple of days while your symptoms are still present.

The worst thing you can do is scratch the affected area, as this will make the irritation worse. You’ll need to avoid having sex until your symptoms clear up, as this can also exacerbate the symptoms and potentially pass on the infection to your partner. There are other things you can do to minimise itching and prevent thrush from recurring: 

  • Use soap scent and irritant-free soap
  • Avoid synthetic underwear and stick to cotton material
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
  • Try to wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe around the affected area 
  • Avoid using sprays, scented feminine wash or scented pads near the vagina 
  • Use a water-based lubricant during sex if you are prone to vaginal dryness 
  • Avoid vaginal douching as this is known to make yeast infections worse

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Home Remedies for Thrush 

There are things you can do at home to help keep thrush at bay. They might be useful to try if you are bothered with regular yeast infections. 

  • Probiotics. They are a type of bacteria which help to maintain a balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Plain yoghurts and cottage cheese are full of probiotics. You can also get probiotic supplements if dairy isn’t suitable for you. 
  • Coconut oil. Using this oil in your diet comes with a lot of benefits. It’s good for thrush because it has antifungal properties and you can apply this directly to the affected area.
  • Apple cider vinegar. The acidic nature of the vinegar can help to kill off the overgrowth of yeast that leads to thrush. It is important to NEVER apply it directly to the affected area. If you plan on using it, dilute half a cup of the vinegar into the bathwater and sit in the bath for 20 minutes.
  • Vitamin C. Incorporating more vitamin C in your diet can strengthen your immune system and help it fight infection, including yeast infections like thrush. 
  • Tea tree oil. This powerful essential oil has antifungal properties which can eliminate bacteria. Use only a few drops and always dilute it before applying it to your skin. 
  • Cut down on sugar. Having a high sugar diet can cause yeast to grow and multiply. Adopting a healthier diet will help to reduce this. 

References

NHS (2019). Thrush in men and women. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/.

Contributors, W.E. (n.d.). Vaginal Itching, Burning, and Irritation. [online] WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginal-itching-burning-irritation.

Healthline. (n.d.). Home Remedies for Yeast Infections. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/yeast-infection-home-remedy.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on April 26th, 2020. It has been updated for accuracy, readability and comprehensiveness.