About oral thrush in adults Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. Symptoms of oral thrush can include: white patches plaques in the mouth that can often be wiped off, leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth redness inside the mouth and throat cracks at the corners of the mouth a painful, burning sensation in the mouth In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult.
When to seek medical advice Speak to your GP if you develop symptoms of oral thrush. What causes oral thrush? There are a number of reasons why this may happen, including: taking a course of antibiotics , particularly over a long period or at a high dose taking inhaled corticosteroid medication for asthma wearing dentures false teeth , particularly if they don't fit properly having poor oral hygiene having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking smoking having chemotherapy or radiotherapy to treat cancer Babies, young children and elderly people are at a particularly high risk of developing oral thrush, as are people with certain underlying conditions, including diabetes, an iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency , an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism and HIV.
Treating oral thrush Oral thrush can usually be successfully treated with antifungal medicines. Tweet Click here to share this page on Twitter This will open a new window. Print Click here to print this page This will open your print options in a new window. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window.
Last updated:. How can we improve this page? Email Address e. Message Maximum of characters. This makes your mouth a breeding area for Candida to spread and cause infection. Thrush is also common in newborns. Thrush is most common in infants younger than 6 months, as well as older adults. However, the infection can occur in people of all ages.
Breastfeeding can also cause oral thrush in babies. Candida can occur anywhere on the body, including your breasts and nipples. An infection can cause more soreness and redness than usual. If Candida is present on your nipples during breastfeeding, the fungus then transmits to your baby. They may not necessarily get an infection from this. However, having extra yeast in their mouths increases their risk of developing thrush as a result. Babies with thrush will also have irritation inside and around their mouths.
They may also express irritability and loss of appetite. Babies who have thrush might also have a diaper rash from Candida. Learn how to tell the difference between diaper rash and yeast infection. Thrush must be diagnosed by your doctor. Your doctor may also take a sample from inside your mouth with a cotton swab for lab testing.
This can confirm a Candida infection. Your doctor will weigh the results with your signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis. In many cases, thrush goes away on its own without treatment. A persistent yeast infection may require antifungal medications. These can be taken orally or applied as ointments directly to your mouth. Antifungal rinses are another option for treating thrush. Babies with thrush will need antifungal ointments or drops. These are applied with a sponge applicator or dropper inside the mouth and on the tongue.
More aggressive treatment measures may be required if you have immune system deficiencies. Options that are available from your local pharmacist without a prescription include: antifungal creams or vaginal pessaries tablets — these are put inside the vagina with a special applicator and are used from one to six days, depending on the product. Occasionally a second course of treatment is required. If you are on other medications or are pregnant, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking oral medication for thrush.
Prevention of vaginal thrush To help prevent vaginal thrush: Wipe your bottom from front to back after going to the toilet.
This will prevent the spread of Candida albicans from the anus to the vagina. Avoid using soap to wash the genital area. Soap substitutes can be used. Avoid using antiseptics, douches or perfumed sprays in the genital area. Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and synthetic underwear. Vaginal thrush and sex You can still have sex when you have vaginal thrush. Thrush is not an STI, but male partners can sometimes get redness and irritation after sex.
Ruling out other vaginal conditions A few other vaginal conditions result in symptoms that are like those of thrush. Where to get help Your GP doctor Family Planning Victoria — comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for people of all ages Tel. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all reproductive system - female. Related information. Support groups Thrush. From other websites DermNet NZ.
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Content disclaimer Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Reviewed on:
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