THRUSH (Candidiasis)

Infection with Candida albicans, and more rarely (5%) Candida glabrata. Normally the fungus is a harmless commensal (on skin, in mouth, gut, vagina) but if conditions change it can increase rapidly, causing symptoms of thrush. Rarely, male partners can suffer candida balanitis.

Symptoms in women

• Itching, soreness and redness around the vagina, vulva and anus
• Unusual vaginal discharge (thin or thick, like cottage cheese)
• Pain on passing urine or during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms in men

• Irritation, burning or itching at the tip of the penis (balanitis) or under the foreskin
• Redness or red patches on the penis or under the foreskin
• Material (smegma) under the foreskin (thin or thick, like cottage cheese)
• Discomfort when passing urine.

Trigger factors

• Pregnancy
• Clothing that limits ventilation (e.g. tight jeans, synthetic fibre underwear)
• Certain antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or other illnesses that impair immunity
• Use of irritant products, e.g. vaginal deodorant or bubble bath

Oral thrush

Causes white to yellow, slightly raised spots in the mouth that if scratched off leave a small lesion that bleeds slightly. Can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. There may also be angular cheilitis (erythema and maceration of the skin at the angle of the mouth). Oral thrush is most common in people who wear dentures, because of damage the oral mucosa. Other risk factors are difficulty keeping the mouth clean and taking steroids (oral or inhaled).