There isn’t one type of thrush treatment that works best for all the various types of thrush. That’s because this infection can manifest in many different parts of the body. For each one, how trush affects the body is a bit different, and the treatment tailored accordingly.
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We’re going to break down the most common types of thrush and the best treatment in each case:
Vaginal Thrush
One type of thrush affects the woman’s reproductive system, appearing in the vagina. It is treated with common antifungal medications – Miconazole, Clotrimazole or Fluconazole. In most cases, one of these will treat the infection, but your doctor will also advise you to practice proper hygiene and clean the affected area carefully and gently each day. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then oral medication may not be the best option as the medication can affect the child. Your doctor will likely prescribe you an alternative antifungal treatment.
Penile Thrush
For men experiencing thrush on their penis, doctors often recommend imidazole. This treatment works on most types of thrush and is generally the recommended treatment for penile thrush. There may be instances where the thrush hasn’t cleared up after about two weeks of treatment. In those cases, the doctor will likely then prescribe Fluconazole. Fluconazole will help to attack the infection in another way as it is more effective at clearing it up.
Oral Thrush
The other most common type of thrush is oral thrush – an infection that appears in cottage cheese-like lesions inside the mouth. Fluconazole is the most effective form of oral thrush treatment. It is more effective in treating people who do not have AIDS as opposed to those who do have it; however, it is still effective in treating both. If the problem isn’t cleared up by this medication, the doctor may prescribe another form of anti-fungal medication.
The Right Treatment
As you can see, there isn’t always one best treatment type for each form of thrush. Not everyone will respond the same way to the same medication, and doctors may have to carry out some trial and error with medications to find the best treatment option. Your age and medical condition will also determine which type of treatment is most appropriate for you.
While most medications used to treat thrush are available over the counter, be sure to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you start using them to ensure you are using the best medication for your particular circumstances.
For the treatment to be as effective as possible, you should also practice good hygiene and keep the affected area clean, washing it daily and keeping it clear of additional bacteria.
