How to Cure Recurrent Thrush

Thrush is a very uncomfortable overgrowth of candida yeast that most women will experience in the form of a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. Thrush may also develop on the penis or in the mouth. There are rare cases of recurrent thrush, where the candida yeast continuously causes itching, swelling and soreness. Also known as Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMC), recurrent thrush may go beyond physical discomfort to causing psychological issues such as depression or psychosexual problems.

Things You'll Need

• Antifungal medications
• Yogurt
• Loose-fitting clothes
• Cotton underwear
• Unscented soap

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor. A doctor will test to ensure you have thrush and not another disorder with similar symptoms. Additionally, your doctor may test for other health issues, such as dermatitis, diabetes and HIV, which can cause recurrent thrush.

• 2

  Take medication as prescribed. Your doctor may instruct you to take a pessary (a vaginal suppository) regularly for several months or prescribe an oral antifungal. Following your physician's instructions exactly and fulfilling the entire course of treatment will raise your chances of getting rid of thrush.

• 3

  Have your sexual partner examined for thrush. Thrush may exist without symptoms, and it can be passed on during sexual intercourse. Having your partner examined will ensure he is not continuously passing the infection along to you.

• 4

  Keep your diabetes under control. Diabetics are more likely to develop thrush because on insulin instabilities. Following your prescribed diet may help reduce the recurrence of thrush.

• 5

  Eat cultured yogurt or take acidophilus supplements to help the growth of healthy bacteria that reduce the amount of candida yeast in your body.

• 6

  Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear to give room for your crotch to breathe. This will reduce moisture and deter the growth of yeast.

• 7

  Be prepared if you must take antibiotics. Thrush often occurs when patients are given a course of antibiotics, so consider taking a thrush treatment as a preventative measure if you must take antibiotics.

• 8

  Use unscented soap and bubble bath. Some scents contained in personal hygiene products cause irritation that can lead to thrush.