What does a yeast infection look like on skin. How can you identify thrush symptoms in men and women. What are the most effective treatments for yeast infections. How to prevent recurring thrush infections.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Thrush in Men and Women

Yeast infections, commonly known as thrush, are a widespread fungal condition affecting both men and women. While generally harmless, these infections can cause discomfort and may recur if not properly treated. It’s important to note that thrush is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), despite its potential to be triggered by sexual activity.

What Causes Thrush?

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in our bodies. Under normal circumstances, this fungus is harmless. However, certain conditions can disrupt the balance of bacteria in our bodies, leading to thrush:

• Skin irritation or damage
• Use of antibiotics
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy)

These factors create an environment conducive to fungal growth, particularly in warm, moist areas of the body.

Recognizing Thrush Symptoms in Women

Women experiencing thrush may notice several distinct symptoms:

• White vaginal discharge (often resembling cottage cheese)
• Itching and irritation around the vagina
• Soreness and stinging during sexual intercourse or urination

Notably, the discharge associated with thrush typically does not have a strong odor. This characteristic can help distinguish it from other vaginal infections.

Can thrush occur in other areas of the body?

Yes, thrush can affect various parts of the body beyond the genital area. It may appear in the armpits, groin, and between fingers. In these locations, thrush often manifests as a red, itchy, or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge. It’s worth noting that on darker skin tones, the rash may be less obvious.

Identifying Thrush Symptoms in Men

Men with thrush may experience the following symptoms:

• Irritation, burning, and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
• White discharge (similar to cottage cheese)
• Unpleasant odor
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin

These symptoms can cause significant discomfort and may interfere with daily activities and sexual function.

Is thrush always symptomatic?

Interestingly, thrush doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms. Some individuals may carry the infection without experiencing any discomfort or visible signs. This asymptomatic nature can sometimes lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Visual Identification of Thrush on Different Body Parts

Understanding what thrush looks like on various body parts can aid in early detection and prompt treatment. Here’s a brief description of thrush appearance in different areas:

Thrush on the Penis

On the penis, thrush typically presents as redness and inflammation, particularly around the glans (head) and under the foreskin. White, chunky discharge may be visible, resembling cottage cheese in consistency.

Thrush in the Vagina

In the vagina, thrush often appears as thick, white discharge coating the vaginal walls. The surrounding skin may appear red and inflamed, and small, red spots might be visible on the vaginal walls or cervix.

Thrush on the Skin

When thrush affects the skin, it usually manifests as a red, itchy rash. The affected area may appear scaly or flaky, with visible white or yellow discharge. In skin folds or moist areas, the rash might look raw or develop small pustules.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Thrush

While mild cases of thrush can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare provider:

• First-time thrush symptoms
• Age under 16 or over 60
• Recurring thrush (more than 4 times in 12 months)
• Unsuccessful treatment attempts
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Presence of thrush alongside a weakened immune system

In these cases, a healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

What happens during a thrush diagnosis appointment?

During a thrush diagnosis appointment, the healthcare provider will typically:

1. Ask about your symptoms
2. Conduct a physical examination of the affected area
3. Possibly take a swab sample to test for other infections

This comprehensive approach helps ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Effective Treatments for Yeast Infections

Treating thrush usually involves antifungal medications. These can be administered in various forms:

• Oral tablets
• Vaginal pessaries
• Topical creams

The choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection. Most thrush infections clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.

How are recurring thrush infections treated?

For individuals experiencing frequent thrush infections (more than 4 times in 12 months), longer-term treatment may be necessary. This could involve taking antifungal medication for up to 6 months. A healthcare provider can help identify potential underlying causes and recommend an appropriate treatment regimen.

Over-the-Counter Solutions and Pharmacist Assistance

If you’ve previously been diagnosed with thrush and are familiar with the symptoms, you may be able to purchase antifungal medication from a pharmacy without a prescription. Pharmacists can offer valuable advice on the most suitable treatment options.

How often can you safely use over-the-counter thrush treatments?

It’s important to use antifungal medications judiciously. You should not use over-the-counter antifungal treatments more than twice in a 6-month period without consulting a pharmacist or doctor. Overuse of these medications can lead to antifungal resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat.

Prevention and Self-Care Measures for Thrush

While thrush can be effectively treated, prevention is always preferable. Here are some measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing thrush:

• Use water and emollient (like E45 cream) instead of soap to wash the affected area
• Dry thoroughly after washing
• Wear cotton underwear
• Avoid sexual intercourse until the infection has cleared if it causes discomfort

Equally important are the things to avoid:

• Using soaps or shower gels in the genital area
• Using douches or deodorants on the vagina or penis
• Wearing tight underwear or tights

Can dietary changes help prevent thrush?

While not directly linked to thrush prevention, maintaining a balanced diet can support overall immune function. Some people find that reducing sugar intake or incorporating probiotic-rich foods helps manage recurrent thrush, although scientific evidence for these approaches is limited.

Special Considerations for Thrush Treatment

When treating thrush, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions with other aspects of your health and lifestyle:

Thrush Treatment and Contraception

If you’re using barrier methods of contraception such as condoms or diaphragms, be aware that antifungal creams can damage these devices. This could compromise their effectiveness as contraceptives. Consider using alternative methods of protection during thrush treatment or consult with a healthcare provider for advice.

Thrush in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always consult a healthcare provider before using any thrush treatments. Some antifungal medications may not be suitable during pregnancy or while nursing. Your healthcare provider can recommend safe and effective treatment options.

Thrush and Sexual Partners

In most cases, it’s not necessary to treat sexual partners unless they are also experiencing symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing recurrent thrush infections, your healthcare provider may recommend treating your partner as well to prevent reinfection.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for thrush can help you manage this common condition effectively. Remember, while thrush is generally not serious, persistent or recurrent infections should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health issues.

Thrush in men and women

Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects men and women. It’s usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back. It is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Check if you have thrush

Thrush symptoms in women

• white vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell
• itching and irritation around the vagina
• soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee

Thrush symptoms in men

• irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
• a white discharge (like cottage cheese)
• an unpleasant smell
• difficulty pulling back the foreskin

Thrush in other areas

Thrush can affect other areas of skin, such as the armpits, groin and between the fingers.

This usually causes a red, itchy or painful rash that scales over with white or yellow discharge. The rash may not be so obvious on darker skin.

Sometimes thrush causes no symptoms at all.

See what thrush looks like on the vagina, penis and skin

Thrush on the penis

Credit:

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/608488/view

Thrush in the vagina

Credit:

BIOPHOTO ASSOCIATES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/295797/view

Thrush on the skin

Credit:

DermPics/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/616916/view

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you have the symptoms of thrush for the first time
• you’re under 16 or over 60
• thrush keeps coming back (more than 4 times in 12 months)
• treatment has not worked
• you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
• you have thrush and a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy

You may also be able to get help from a sexual health clinic if you think you have thrush.

What happens at your appointment

The GP will want to confirm it’s thrush and rule out other infections.

You’ll be asked about your symptoms.

If it’s not clear it’s thrush:

• a doctor or nurse may look at your vagina, penis or skin
• a cotton bud may be wiped over the discharge to test for other infections

Thrush treatment

You’ll usually need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation.

Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.

You do not need to treat partners unless they have symptoms.

Recurring thrush

You might need to take treatment for longer (for up to 6 months) if you keep getting thrush (you get it more than 4 times in 12 months).

A GP can help identify if something is causing your thrush, such as your period or sex.

They’ll recommend how often you should use treatment.

A pharmacist can help with thrush

You can buy antifungal medicine from pharmacies if you’ve had thrush diagnosed in the past and you know the symptoms.

A pharmacist can recommend the best treatment for you. Ask if they have a private area to talk if you’re embarrassed.

You should not use antifungal medicine more than twice in 6 months without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

Things you can do yourself to ease discomfort and prevent thrush returning

Do

• use water and emollient (like E45 cream) instead of soap to wash the affected area

• dry properly after washing

• wear cotton underwear

• avoid sex until thrush has cleared up if sex is uncomfortable

Don’t

• do not use soaps or shower gels

• do not use douches or deodorants on your vagina or penis

• do not wear tight underwear or tights

Important

If you have sex during treatment, be aware that antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means your contraception might not work.

What causes thrush

Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex.

Thrush is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless.

Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes.

This can happen if:

• your skin is irritated or damaged
• you’re taking antibiotics
• you have poorly controlled diabetes
• you have a weakened immune system (for example, because of HIV or chemotherapy)
• you’re having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• you’re pregnant

Community content from HealthUnlocked

Page last reviewed: 27 October 2020
Next review due: 27 October 2023

Breast Yeast Infection While Breastfeeding Guide

Thrush is a common infection that can happen while breastfeeding. Learn the causes, signs, and symptoms behind this infection, as well as how to treat it, so you can feel better sooner.

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Candida is a type of yeast that can be found naturally in your vagina, gut, mouth, and even on your skin. It’s especially active where there are warm, dark, and moist skin folds, such as under your breasts. While it’s not uncommon for breastfeeding moms to experience a yeast infection under the breasts, it is important to treat it before it leads to additional complications.

Causes of Yeast Infections

A breast yeast infection occurs when too much Candida is present under the breast, causing an imbalance of healthy bacteria and microflora (microscopic algae and fungi). An infection called candidiasis, or yeast infection, develops as a result.

Breast Yeast Infection Symptoms

A breast yeast infection can cause a condition called intertrigo, which is a rash that develops between the folds of the skin. The rash can appear on the skin beneath your breast, but can also be found around your breasts and on your nipples. If you’re experiencing an itching, burning, and/or painful rash under or around your breasts, you may have developed a breast yeast infection. Be sure to have this rash examined by your doctor for further evaluation and care.

What a Breast Yeast Infection Looks Like

An intertrigo rash brought on by a breast yeast infection will appear red or reddish-brown and possibly raw looking. You may also notice cracked or crusty skin around the breast or patches of small round bumps that ooze and emit a foul odor.

Breast Yeast Infection Treatment

A mild yeast infection can clear up on its own in a few days. However, a more severe infection can take up to two weeks to resolve if not treated and could lead to further complications such as pain, inflammation, and skin infection. If you have a breast yeast infection, you can first try treating it with over-the-counter medications like the antifungal clotrimazole and hydrocortisone cream to reduce redness and swelling. 

If an over-the-counter medication doesn’t seem to be helping or symptoms worsen, you should consult your doctor, who can prescribe a more potent antifungal.

Home Remedies

Though professional research and studies around home remedies for breast yeast infections are minimal, some moms anecdotally recommend the tips below to relieve symptoms commonly associated with breast yeast infections:

• Coconut Oil. Contains naturally occurring antifungal properties and can be applied directly to the affected area.
• Apple Cider Vinegar. Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak the affected area for 20 minutes.
• Oregano Oil. Inhibits the growth of Candida; add a few drops to a carrier agent such as coconut oil or olive oil and apply to the rash.

These remedies may (or may not!) be helpful in relieving your unique symptoms. However, they should not take the place of a consultation and attention from a medical professional to resolve a yeast infection under or around your breasts.

Fluconazole Use While Breastfeeding

Your doctor may prescribe a triazole antifungal agent called Fluconazole. As a breastfeeding mom, it’s only natural that you may feel concerned about taking any medication, in the event that it could pass through your milk to your little one. You’ll be relieved to know that the American Academy of Pediatrics considers Fluconazole safe for use while breastfeeding. While it does pass through your milk, the amount your baby may receive is far smaller than the amount you’re taking.

Infection Prevention

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent future breast yeast infections. These include:

• Drying your skin completely after a bath or shower. 
• Avoid wearing tight clothing. Instead, opt for looser-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics that won’t trap moisture next to your skin.
• Wearing a comfortable bra that provides good support.
• Increasing your intake of probiotics, such as yogurt, and decreasing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates you eat.

As always, continue to take good care of yourself, eat healthy, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest. Most importantly, don’t stress about a funky rash. It happens to a lot of moms and is often just a temporary—and easily resolved—blip along your breastfeeding journey!

Symptoms of thrush in dogs (candidiasis), diagnosis, how to treat

Thrush (candidiasis, candidiasis) is an infectious disease caused by fungi (most often of the genus Candida albicau) that are in the natural microflora of the animal. Once in a favorable environment for themselves, they begin to actively multiply, causing damage to the internal organs and skin of a pet. The age of the dog does not matter.

Causes of thrush in dogs

Constantly present in the intestines and on the skin of the animal, candidiasis can develop under the influence of external factors. These include:

• secondary infection as a decrease in the body’s resistance;

• a state of stress, which can be facilitated by moving, changing the time zone, climate, diet, medical procedures;

• long-term use of drugs, for example, antibiotics, hormones;

• lack or excess of vitamins;

• lowered immunity;

• excessive use of dry food, malnutrition;

• injuries of the skin – wounds, abrasions, burns, through which infections can penetrate;

• dermatitis, accompanied by tissue necrosis;

• malignant neoplasms;

• chronic infections in the body.

If a catheter is permanently placed in the dog to open the urethra artificially, for example, in case of diabetes, the likelihood of mechanical damage and, as a result, fungal infection is very high.

Symptoms of thrush in dogs

Candidiasis is characterized by a blurred clinical picture, since there are several types of thrush:

• pulmonary;

• intestinal;

• skin;

• vaginal.

Intestinal candidiasis is characterized by lack of appetite, apathy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other manifestations of gastroenterocolitis. Often you can observe white overlays, hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal areas, eyes.

Vaginal thrush is characterized by vaginitis, accompanied by mucous discharge mixed with flakes from the genital slit, itching and redness.

The skin form is manifested by symptoms of dry dermatitis: lesions on certain parts of the body (back, hips, shoulder blades), which are black or gray and oval in shape. This is nothing more than the accumulated dead epithelium, which becomes a favorable environment for the reproduction of the fungus. When the dog scratches the affected areas of the skin, additional damage appears that exacerbates the infection. With wet dermatitis, papules, pustules appear, which, bursting, form weeping eczema. Another characteristic feature is alopecia.

The most severe form is pulmonary. It develops against the background of septicemia and is manifested by pneumonia. Fortunately, it is extremely rare.

How is thrush diagnosed in dogs

The disease is considered poorly understood, so there are not so many diagnostic methods. The veterinarian makes a preliminary diagnosis based on tests and clinical examination. The final diagnosis is made only after microscopy of pathological material, for which swabs are taken from the vagina and other mucous membranes, skin scrapings, overlays or pathological films. Smears-prints are stained according to Gram – the presence of fungi confirms the staining in pink.

How to treat thrush in dogs

Candidiasis in dogs is successfully treated, but it must be understood that the effectiveness of treatment depends on the timely visit to a veterinary clinic to eliminate the pathogenic focus.

First of all, the causes that led to the occurrence of thrush should be eliminated. Previously indicated drugs are canceled – antibiotics, hormones, antiparasitic agents. Meals enriched with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and macronutrients are introduced into the animal’s diet. Dry food should be avoided.

To increase the immunity of the dog, it is recommended to additionally give vitamins, after consulting with the veterinarian.

With the skin form of candidiasis is carried out:

1. Local therapy, which includes the use of drugs such as nizoral, zoomucol, Wilkinson’s ointment.
2. General therapy with the use of potassium iodide, Levorin.

If a catheter is used, it must be removed. In the presence of diabetes in a dog, specialists control the course of the disease, regulate complications.

After the pet’s condition improves, which occurs on average after 2 weeks, a swab is taken from him again for the presence of a fungus.

Measures to prevent thrush in dogs include providing a complete diet, including meat, offal, cereals, vegetables, strict adherence to therapy manipulations according to treatment regimens developed by a veterinarian.

Oral candidiasis: symptoms, features, diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Article content:

1. What is candidiasis?
2. Causes of oral candidiasis URL
3. Symptoms and features of the course of candidiasis in children
4. Symptoms of oral candidiasis in adults
5. Diagnosis of oral candidiasis
6. Treatment of candidiasis

The health of our body directly depends on the condition of the oral cavity. However, if you thought that only the integrity of the teeth affects the state of the oral cavity, this is not so. In addition to dental units, the oral mucosa has no less impact on human health, which is an ideal breeding ground for various bacteria that can both strengthen the immune system and adversely affect the general condition of the body, causing various diseases. One of these ailments is oral candidiasis, which has no age restrictions, and therefore occurs in people of any age.

What is candidiasis?

Oral candidiasis (thrush) is a white cheesy plaque on the oral mucosa caused by a unicellular fungus of the genus Candida. Ideally, this organism is present in a small amount among the beneficial microflora of the intestines, vagina, nasopharynx or on the skin of 70-80% of people. This state of affairs in medicine is considered the norm, since in small quantities this type of fungus is completely harmless. However, under the influence of certain factors, the acidic environment in the human body can become less concentrated, which will lead to an increase in the pH level and the reproduction of a fungus such as Candida.

Most often, oral candidiasis occurs in children and the elderly, who are forced to wear a denture, under which an ideal environment for the reproduction of the fungus is formed. Adults, whose immunity has weakened for one reason or another, also suffer from candidiasis.

Causes of thrush in the oral cavity

The following circumstances can serve as reasons for the appearance and development of candidiasis:

• Weakened immunity. These may be age-related changes or a deficiency of immune cells as a consequence of an illness.
• Pregnancy. In women who are in an “interesting” position, the hormonal background changes, which leads to metabolic disorders and a weakened immune system. As a result, the body turns into a favorable environment for the development of a harmful fungus.
• Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy many representatives of beneficial microflora, and fungi resistant to its effects, on the contrary, begin to multiply.
• Radiotherapy (radiotherapy). Exposure to radioactive rays not only kills cancer cells, but also disrupts the microflora of the body.
• Wearing a denture. Under the design of the prosthesis, an ideal environment for the reproduction of harmful candidiasis organisms develops.
• Bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs).
• Microtrauma of the oral mucosa.
• Chronic dysbacteriosis. For some organisms, an imbalance in the representatives of the microflora is a common condition. In such patients, the disease may be mildly chronic.

Also among the factors that can cause the development of candidiasis, include some diseases that significantly weaken the immune system: tuberculosis, HIV, diseases of the digestive tract and adrenal glands.

Symptoms and features of the course of the disease in children

Children belong to the risk category, which is more susceptible to the “attack” of white Candida than adults. According to statistics, 20% of infants under the age of 1 year and 5% of newborn babies carry thrush, having become infected from the mother or from the staff of the maternity hospital. The reason for infection and active reproduction of the fungus is the immaturity of the oral mucosa, weak immunity, as well as the instability of the microflora, which is the norm for children of this age.

Fungus usually grows on the inside of a baby’s cheeks. But the tonsils, tongue, and pharynx may also be affected. As a rule, identifying thrush at an early stage in infants is quite difficult. A slightly reddened oral cavity, on which there is no sign of plaque, does not cause concern for mothers. However, after a few days, characteristic grains appear in the baby’s mouth, which in appearance resemble particles of semolina. If at this stage the treatment of oral candidiasis is not started, then small “semolina” dots will gradually turn into large curd-like lumps, and in some places into white films. Both those and other manifestations of the disease are easily removed with a sterile swab. After removing plaque, pink spots remain in place of lumps and films, and sometimes even droplets of blood appear.

If left untreated, the child’s mouth becomes covered with a uniform white coating that hides the inflamed mouth. The child becomes capricious, refuses food and breast. There may also be an increase in temperature up to 39C.

Symptoms of oral candidiasis in adults

Candidiasis in adults, like in children, does not appear immediately. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease at different stages will vary. However, with an increase in the number of bacteria on the surface of the mucosa, the signs of the disease become more and more obvious.

1. Slight redness, swelling and dry mouth. These are signs of the initial stage, when the fungus is just beginning to “conquer” the territory. Candida penetrate the cells and, releasing enzymes, dissolve the tissues of the mucosa. As a result, the patient experiences mild discomfort (it can also be more or less noticeable painful sensations).
2. Appearance of white cheesy plaque. First, small, barely noticeable white grains appear on the mucous surface of the cheeks, gums, palate or tongue, which subsequently turn into clearly visible lumps and merge together into white films. At this stage, the flakes are easily removed, and red spots with small drops of blood are found under them. Also at this stage, the patient may experience slight itching and burning.
3. Severe itching and burning. These symptoms of candidiasis indicate deep tissue damage and allergies, with which the body reacts to the release of enzymes by fungal organisms. At this stage, not only the mucous membranes of the cheeks, gums, tongue and palate can be affected, but also the pharynx and even the surface of the lips. Also at this stage, an increase in temperature and the appearance of mycotic seizures in the corners of the mouth are possible.

The most severe stage of candidiasis is the complete poisoning of the body with white candida enzymes, and, as a result, a significant weakening of the immune system. However, such severe manifestations are now extremely rare, since most patients seek to cure oral candidiasis, the symptoms of which do not yet indicate extreme stages.

Diagnosis of oral thrush

In order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs a visual examination of the oral cavity and listens to the patient’s complaints. In addition, the patient will also have to pass some tests, which include:

• scraping from the outer mucosa;
• blood sugar test;
• clinical blood test.

After receiving the results of the laboratory test, the doctor will be able to make the correct appointment. Indeed, often the disease is a side effect of diseases such as diabetes, leukemia and gastrointestinal diseases. Accordingly, without eliminating the listed diseases, you should not hope for getting rid of thrush.

Treatment of candidiasis

Treatment of the disease in each individual case will be prescribed on an individual basis. However, in any system there will be drugs such as:

1. Antimycotics (polyene antibiotics and imidazoles). They destroy candida not only on the surface of the oral mucosa, but also in other organs, contributing to the restoration of damaged tissues.
2. Vitamins (B2, B6, C and PP). Helps strengthen the immune system.
3. Calcium gluconate and iron. Calcium will reduce the manifestation of an allergic reaction, and the constant intake of new doses of iron into the body will restore the iron metabolism, which is disturbed due to the reproduction of candida.
4. Preparations for local action (iodine, lysozyme tablets, levorin ointment). Means have a local effect on the foci of thrush.
5. Rinsing solutions. These can be disinfectants and alkaline solutions that rinse your mouth every 2-3 hours.

Also during the course of therapy, it is recommended to follow a diet during which you should limit the amount of confectionery, spicy and sour foods, focusing on warm and semi-liquid dishes with a neutral taste.