Candida albicans is naturally found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth. Candida is also a normal resident of the skin. A thrush infection happens when the candida albicans yeast cells find a source of nutrients they like, and grow beyond what is considered normal.
Additional symptoms include inflamed, or reddened, areas in the mouth, accompanied by soreness. This can cause a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a loss of taste. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some areas might bleed slightly if they are scraped. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Cracking, itching and pain at the corners of the mouth is common with oral thrush. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Candida is normally present on the skin, and throughout the gut, and causes no health problems. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source However, when an overgrowth occurs, it is important to treat the condition before it spreads further, and gains access to the systemic circulation. A systemic candidiasis infections is called invasive candidiasis. [10] X Research source Realize the seriousness of an invasive candidiasis infection. Invasive candidiasis is an infection that occurs when the candida infection spreads into the systemic circulation, called candidemia. [11] X Research source This type of infection is a serious condition, and can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, as well as other parts of the body. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source People with weaker immune systems are the ones primarily at risk of developing invasive candidiasis. This type of infection requires hospitalization, involves added expense, and, in some cases, results in less than desirable outcomes. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Invasive candidiasis is a major type of infection acquired by patients being treated in a hospital or facility setting for other reasons. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source See a doctor early. Seeking medical attention early and taking a prescription medication are the best ways to effectively manage the initial symptoms of a candida infection. [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source This is the most effective approach to prevent invasive candidiasis and candidemia. [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Since this condition is considered unusual in healthy people, there may be an underlying cause for the thrush to have developed. In addition, some conditions may look like candida, such as oral cancers or precancerous conditions, so make sure to see you doctor if you are haven’t had thrush before or if it does not go away with treatment. It is recommended that cases of thrush be evaluated by a doctor to provide both effective treatment, and to be sure there is no change in the person’s overall immune system.
The exact medications and the length of treatment will vary depending on the person’s age, general health status, currently prescribed medications, and immune system strength. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Make sure that you complete the full prescribed course of medication, or else the thrush may return.
Liquid products, such as nystatin oral suspension, are applied topically by either swabbing, or “painting”, the suspension onto the surfaces infected. Nystatin is effective at treating the infection, and is safe if swallowed. In addition to using liquid forms, antifungal creams, ointments, and oral doses such as troches, deliver the medication in a topical manner. Use dissolvable prescription products. Some products are made in dissolvable forms, called troches, that are placed in the mouth to dissolve. This method of administration allows the medication to come into direct contact with the infected areas.
The antifungal medication works through systemic absorption, just like taking an antibiotic. [22] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Some examples of medications prescribed to treat thrush include fluconazole, nystatin, itraconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, posacanazole, and miconazole. These medications can interact with other medications, so be sure to tell your doctor what medications you conditions you have. They can also have side effects, so call your doctor if you develop any new symptoms while taking these medications.
The infant can pass the infection to the mother, then they continue to pass it back and forth, until the infection is effectively treated. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The mother’s breasts can become unusually sensitive and reddened, with cracked and itchy nipples. The circular area around the nipple, called the areola, can turn shiny, with flaky skin areas. [25] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The mother may experience pain during nursing or notice pain in the nipple area between feedings. The discomfort may also feel like stabbing pains deeper within the breast. [26] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Treat the baby. If treatment is warranted, the medications can be easily and safely applied. In many cases, an antifungal product called nystatin suspension, can be prescribed. This is a liquid medication that can be applied directly into the baby’s mouth to the areas involved. The applications are often recommended several times a day for about a week. Treat mom. To allow the mother to continue breast feeding and disrupt the cycle of passing the infection back and forth, the same medication, or a similar one, may be prescribed. Topical antifungal creams or ointments are applied to the affected areas of the nipple on mom’s breast. Applications are usually recommended several times a day, for about a week, until both baby and mom are symptom free. You may also want to consider using disposable nursing pads to avoid passing the infection to your clothing. Talk to your doctor about cleaning or boiling items such as bottles and nipples, pacifiers and any detachable parts of a breast pump to reduce the chance of the infection coming back.
Some people with serious illnesses that involve weakened immune systems more commonly experience oral candidiasis. These groups include people with HIV or AIDS, people receiving cancer treatments, and people that have had organ transplants.
The doctor will choose the appropriate prescription medications based on the overall health and existing medications of the person with thrush. People that are elderly, have asthma or COPD, and people with weakened immune systems require quick intervention to prevent the thrush from spreading into their bloodstream.
The doctors know how to properly combine the antifungal medications needed, with their current prescribed drugs, to quickly and effectively treat the thrush infection. In some cases, intravenous therapy and hospitalization may be the safest course of action.
This does not mean the natural and herbal products do not work. The study results suggest that further studies, following proper scientific research methods, are warranted in order to show efficacy for these treatment approaches. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Ask your dentist or doctor about using saltwater rinses to be sure it is the best option for you. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around in your mouth. Be sure to spit out the rinse and avoid swallowing it. Repeat this several times a day.
The study authors recommend additional research in this area, but the initial work done in a controlled research setting was promising. [35] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Talk to your doctor about specific products or sources, recommended by him or her, to treat thrush in this manner. Yogurt containing live or active cultures of the lactobacilli species are difficult to find. Yogurt products are now required to undergo processes like pasteurization that kills the live cultures.
Gentian violet is effective in the topical treatment of fungal infections, including oral candidiasis, but the product is difficult to use. The product should not be swallowed, and will stain the skin and clothing. [38] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Side effects of gentian violet include redness, and irritation at the site where it is applied. Gentian violet should not be swallowed. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can result. If gentian violet is swallowed, call a poison control center. One study found that gentian violet applied topically using a 0. 00165% product was somewhat effective at treating oral thrush and did not stain the affected areas. [39] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
General recommendations to prevent thrush infections include brushing your teeth at least twice each day, floss once a day, and never share your toothbrush. [41] X Research source
Talk with your dentist about switching to an electric toothbrush if this will help you to more effectively clean your teeth.
Use new toothbrushes, and discard any contaminated ones, until you are comfortable that the infection has been effectively treated, and your new toothbrush has not been contaminated.
Talk to your dentist to be sure. Many dentists recommend the use of mouthwashes and mouth rinses.
Limit the amounts of these foods that you eat or drink, and be sure to brush your teeth after eating.
Your dentist can suggest different products and equipment to use in cleaning your dentures if this is happening to you.
This helps to limit the sugary food source in your mouth area that helps the candida yeast to grow. [48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The most commonly prescribed prescription strength mouth rinse contains a solution of 0. 12% chlorhexidine gluconate. [50] X Research source
People that use these products can reduce their risk for getting thrush by rinsing their mouth with water, or a doctor recommended mouth rinse, after each use of their inhaler.
