Thrush is a type of yeast infection that typically results from the overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.[1] Although thrush infections are typically harmless, they can cause the affected individual to feel uncomfortable and may result in recurring symptoms.
Fortunately, numerous thrush treatments are available in the form of antifungal creams and tablets that can help relieve the symptoms. In this guide, our experts comprehensively discuss how to treat thrush and provide empirically backed answers to common questions about the condition.
What are the symptoms of thrush?
The symptoms of thrush differ depending on factors such as the area affected and whether the affected individual is male or female.
Genital thrush
Genital thrush is one of the most common types of thrush and typically results in the discharge of a white substance resembling cottage cheese from the vagina or penis.[2] Genital thrush symptoms also include irritation and itching around the vagina in women, and around the head or under the foreskin of the penis in men.
In some instances, genital thrush can cause a stinging sensation when urinating. Men with genital thrush may also experience discomfort when pulling back the foreskin.
Recommended reading: What Causes Thrush?
Oral thrush
According to the NHS,[3] oral thrush can cause white patches called ‘plaques’ to appear inside the mouth. If the plaques are wiped, the skin underneath them on the tongue or the inside of the cheek may become red and bleeding may ensue.
Oral thrush can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth, a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, and/or the appearance of cracks at the edges of the mouth. These symptoms can make it difficult to chew and eat food for the affected individual. In some instances, oral thrush may cause a temporary loss of taste.
Thrush treatment options
Fluconazole
Fluconazole is a chemical that prevents an enzyme called lanosterol 14-ɑ-demethylase from increasing the body’s levels of ergosterol (a chemical that forms the membrane of fungal cells). This mechanism enables Fluconazole to disrupt the structure of the cell membrane of Candida albicans (the fungus that causes thrush), limiting its growth in the body and reducing thrush symptoms as a result.[4]
Recommended reading: How to Treat Fungal Infections
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is a cream to treat thrush and can also be used to treat other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, depending on the concentration of Clotrimazole inside the cream. It contains varying amounts of the active ingredient Clotrimazole, which has the same scientific mechanism as Fluconazole.[5]
The primary difference between Clotrimazole and Fluconazole is the spectrum of activity. Clotrimazole has a broader spectrum of activity, which is why it can be used to treat thrush as well as numerous other types of fungal infections (provided a healthcare professional is consulted beforehand).
Clotrimazole is also typically prescribed for the treatment of vaginal thrushing a pessary or an internal cream.[6]
Clotrimazole external 1% cream (for fungal infections and thrush)
Clotrimazole external 1% cream is a topical treatment for fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot and jock itch) and external genital irritation caused by thrush. It contains a 1% concentration of the active ingredient Clotrimazole and is the generic version of its branded counterpart Canesten 1% cream.
Clotrimazole 1% external cream is medically identical to Canesten external 1% cream but is available at a lower price as it is a generic form of treatment.
Clotrimazole external 2% cream (for thrush only)
Clotrimazole 2% external cream (available as Canesten 2% external cream) contains a 2% concentration of the active ingredient Clotrimazole and is used to relieve external irritation caused by a thrush infection.
Canesten Pessary
Canesten Pessary is specifically used to treat vaginal thrush. It consists of a prosthetic device known as a pessary that is designed to be inserted into the vagina using an applicator consisting of a plunger. Canesten Pessary is used to internally administer a dosage of the active ingredient Clotrimazole to the affected individual.
Canesten Pessary provides targeted treatment directly to the affected area, releasing Clotrimazole slowly over a few hours to ensure prolonged treatment. This mechanism of action means that the treatment does not need to be applied frequently, in contrast to Clotrimazole cream treatments that may need to be reapplied routinely.
Individuals who prefer not to use a pessary may wish to consider Canesten Thrush Internal Cream, which also comes with an applicator that is designed to be inserted into the vagina to apply the cream internally before being removed. In comparison, a pessary is designed to stay inside the vagina, making it a single-dose treatment.
Canesten Duo
Canesten Duo consists of an oral capsule containing 150 mg of Fluconazole and an external cream with a 2% concentration of Clotrimazole. Canesten Duo provides a dual-action thrush treatment that can treat thrush infections through two mechanisms simultaneously; the oral capsule fights the infection internally and the external cream can be applied to the affected area to relieve itchiness.
How to treat thrush in women
Thrush in women can be treated using any of the thrush treatments detailed in the previous section, provided the affected individual consults a medical professional and is deemed eligible for treatment.
Women can use Fluconazole to treat thrush if they:
- Are not pregnant nor intending to become pregnant
- Are 16 to 60 years old
- Are not taking the prescription medicine ‘Cisapride’
- Are not allergic to Fluconazole
- Have consulted a pharmacist or doctor
Women can use generic Clotrimazole cream or branded Canesten cream to treat thrush if they:
- Understand that Clotrimazole 1% cream and Canesten 1% cream are suitable for both thrush and other fungal infections such as jock itch and athlete’s foot
- Understand that Clotrimazole 2% cream and Canesten 2% cream are recommended specifically for thrush
- Have consulted a pharmacist or doctor
Women can use Canesten Pessary or Canesten Internal Cream if they:
- Understand that this treatment is specifically used to treat vaginal thrush
- Have consulted a pharmacist or doctor
Recommended reading: Staying Healthy Downstairs - A Guide to Feminine Hygiene
How to treat thrush in men
Thrush in men can be treated using any of the thrush treatments detailed in the previous section except for the Canesten pessary and internal cream.
Men must only use Fluconazole to treat thrush if they:
- Are 16 to 60 years old
- Are not taking the prescription medicine ‘Cisapride’
- Are not allergic to Fluconazole
- Have consulted a pharmacist or doctor
Men must only use generic Clotrimazole cream or branded Canesten cream to treat thrush if they:
- Understand that Clotrimazole 1% cream and Canesten 1% cream are suitable for thrush and other fungal infections
- Understand that Clotrimazole 2% cream and Canesten 2% cream are recommended specifically for thrush
- Have consulted a pharmacist or doctor
How to treat recurring thrush
Recurring thrush can be treated using the treatments discussed in the previous sections, namely Fluconazole and Clotrimazole (provided the affected individual consults with a healthcare professional to determine treatment eligibility).
It is worth noting that the excessive use of antibiotics can reduce the number of good bacteria in the body, making it easier for the Candida albicans fungus to multiply and cause recurring thrush infections. Moreover, recurring thrush can occur if the individual is genetically predisposed to it (known as familial candidiasis).
Recommended reading: Why Do I Keep Getting Thrush? Recurring Thrush Explained
Answers to common questions on how to treat thrush
What is the best way to treat thrush?
There is no single best way to treat thrush as treatment depends on the type of thrush experienced. For instance, thrush can be treated by taking Fluconazole tablets after obtaining a prescription or by applying a cream containing Clotrimazole to the affected area. Vaginal thrush in particular can be treated using a pessary or Canesten internal cream.
Ultimately, the choice of treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection as well as patient-specific factors. This is why it is imperative to consult a medical professional if thrush symptoms are experienced.
Are there any natural ways to treat thrush?
There are no scientifically proven natural ways to thrush. If thrush symptoms are experienced, it is recommended to consult a medical professional about clinically suitable thrush treatments such as those described earlier in this article.
How long does it take to treat thrush?
The time taken to treat thrush depends on the type of thrush experienced and the treatment administered. For instance, Fluconazole 150 mg capsules can be used to treat genital thrush within two days. On the other hand, Clotrimazole 1% and 2% creams can help relieve external genital irritation caused by thrush in two weeks, provided they are applied to the affected area routinely.
What happens if you don’t treat thrush?
Leaving thrush untreated can cause symptoms to worsen. The infection can spread to other parts of the body (especially among individuals whose immune systems are weak), causing a condition known as invasive candidiasis (also known as systemic candidiasis) that can occur throughout the body, in the bloodstream or on the membrane lining of the heart or skull.
Can you treat thrush while on antibiotics?
Yes, it is possible to treat thrush while taking antibiotics by using antifungal treatments. However, symptoms may recur despite the use of these treatments if antibiotics are excessively and concurrently used by the affected individual.
Does Clotrimazole treat thrush?
Yes, Clotrimazole can treat thrush. It is the primary active ingredient in generic Clotrimazole external creams, Canesten internal and external creams, and Canesten Pessary.
Can Amoxicillin treat thrush?
No, Amoxicillin cannot treat thrush because it is an antibiotic, not an antifungal medication. The excessive use of antibiotics like Amoxicillin can have the opposite effect, disrupting the body’s natural microbial balance and causing the Candida fungus that causes thrush to overgrow.
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