Thrush is an infection of the vagina, caused by yeast called Candida albicans. This form of yeast is always present and is part of our body's normal balance, but changes in the body's environment due to acid/alkaline imbalance. Antibiotics, poor nutrition, over consumption of sugar, birth control pills, hormonal shifts or compromised immune function can predispose those at risk to infection. These circumstances often provide a chance for yeast to proliferate and thrive.

Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem for women with itching, burning, redness, irritation, and a discharge that is usually white or yellowish. This vaginal infection occurs predominantly in women in their childbearing years. Pregnant women and those with diabetes are more prone to getting Candida, and it often occurs as a result of antibiotic therapy, however the infection can occur in anyone.

The main symptoms produced by a Candida yeast infection are vaginal and/or vulvar itching (pruritus), or even a vulvar burning sensation. There is a cheese-like (caseous) white to yellow or green discharge. Also there can be swelling and redness of the perineum. The discharge is not viscous (thick/not watery) and can have little to a very strong odour. Symptoms build up over one to three days. A diagnosis is obtained by Gram stain culture. Homeopathic remedies can soothe discomfort and help the body overcome infection without the use of toxic medicines.

If a vaginal infection lasts longer than a week, has offensive-smelling discharge, or is accompanied by fever and a deeper feeling of illness, it is best to see a your health care professional (in case the infection involves some organism other than simple yeast).

Prevention

• Avoid sugar and alcohol at the onset and during an infection. Foods rich in yeast and moulds such as mushrooms, bread, cheese and pickles in high quantities can also give rise to a Candida infection.
• Limit wearing pantyhose as much as possible and change to cotton underwear to allow the area to breath. Perspiration and heat will encourage bacterial growth.
• Be vigilant about personal hygiene. Use a front to back action with toilet paper to prevent re-infection.
• Antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill are notorious for inducing Candida episodes as both disturb the pH balance of the vagina. Ensure antibiotic use coincides with taking acidophilus both during and for a while after taking antibiotics. A dose should be taken two hours after each dose of antibiotics (any sooner and the antibiotic will kill the acidophilus) and continued once daily for three weeks after the antibiotic course has finished, if you are on the pill, take acidophilus every now and then to prevent a Candida infection, especially if you know you are prone to it.
• Wash with water rather than soap.
• Avoided unnecessary douches, powders, sprays and deodorants.
• Use pads instead of tampons.
• Eat lots of garlic in cooking.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT

Alumina

Frequent, copious, acrid, straw coloured discharge that causes the vulva to itch and smart and stiffens the underwear. Discharge through the daytime only. Itch increases when washing in cold water, discharge increases before and after menses.

Borax

Discharge transparent like egg white which feels hot with an irritating, scalding sensation of the inner thighs and swelling of the labia.

Calcarea Carbonicum

Milky discharge with itching of the vulva, increases when passing urine and before menses. Can occur in young girls before puberty.

Graphites

Profuse, thin, white discharge that comes in gushes, with associated back or lower abdominal pain. Discharge is more profuse in the morning on rising. Patient feels cold.

Kresotum

Itchy, milky discharge which smells like rye bread. Preceded by flushing of the face, pain in the lower back and great weakness. Discharge can burn holes in underwear, or stains impossible to remove.

Mercuris Solubilus

Stinging, offensive greenish-yellow discharge containing some solid matter (lumpy), With alternating fever and chills. Symptoms are greater at night.

Nitric Acid

Stringy discharge which is greenish or pinkish (copious) after menses.

Pulsatilla

Watery, cloudy or yellow-green discharge which causes smarting. Greater before and after menses and when lying down. Symptoms accompanied by back pain.

Sepia

Yellowish, smarting discharge with itchy vulva, sharp, stinging sensation in the uterus. Aggravated by walking, accompanied by distension of the abdomen, bearing down sensations and is more prevalent during the day.

Sulphur

White or yellow discharge which burns and stings with cramping pains in the abdomen or a pinching sensation around the navel. Pain and discharge greater the week before menses.

HERBAL TREATMENT

Herbal Tea Bath

Add 500ml of strong calendula or thyme tea to a warm bath to alleviate itching.

OLD FASHIONED REMEDIES

Yoghurt

Insert a tablespoon of natural acidophilus yoghurt into the vagina at night, during times of infection.

Vinegar/Salt Bath

Add a cup of vinegar or salt to a warm bath as both ingredients will help to restore the pH balance.

SUPPLEMENTATION

• Acidophilus/probiotic capsules (2) or powder (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) 3 times per day.
• Echinacea tincture or capsules 3 times daily.

Sources

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed, McGraw-Hill

Davidson's Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone

New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain