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Key Points
- Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an imbalance of microorganisms, often due to factors like illness, stress, or certain medications.
- Symptoms of thrush can include a white coating, redness, burning, soreness, and changes in taste, and they can vary depending on whether the infection is in the mouth, throat, or vagina.
- Home remedies for oral thrush include rinses with salt water, baking soda, or lemon juice, and the use of clove or oregano oil, while eating yogurt with live cultures can help restore the natural balance of bacteria.
- Treatments for vaginal thrush include vitamin E suppositories, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar baths, and over-the-counter yeast infection medication.
- To prevent thrush, it's suggested to maintain good oral hygiene, wear breathable underwear, avoid tight pants and hot tubs, change out of wet clothes quickly, manage diabetes, and consume yogurt with live cultures.
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of candida (yeast), according to the Cleveland Clinic. They explain that candida normally resides in your mouth and digestive tract without causing trouble. However, when the balance of microorganisms is disrupted, candida can multiply rapidly and lead to an infection.
What Causes Thrush?
Thrush can occur when something (usually illness, stress, or some medications) disturbs the balance of microorganisms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that some medications that can cause thrush include corticosteroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills. People who have conditions that lower their immune system (like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer) and people who smoke are at higher risk of developing thrush, according to VeryWellHealth.
Symptoms of Thrush
The symptoms of thrush can vary depending on the location of the infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral thrush affects the throat and mouth—the symptoms include:
- A white, cottage cheese-like coating
- Redness, burning, or soreness
- A change in your ability to taste
- Cracking of your tongue or corners of your lips
- A dry, cotton- or sandpaper-like feeling
In women, thrush can cause also affect the vagina—commonly called a “vaginal yeast infection”, the Cleveland Clinic notes that the symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, and soreness in the vaginal area
- Thick, white discharge that may resemble cottage cheese
- Pain during sex or urination
In men, thrush can affect the penis, and cause the following symptoms:
- Redness, itching, and soreness on the head of the penis
- Pain during sex or urination
Home Remedies For Oral Thrush
If you have thrush, there are some home remedies you can try to ease your symptoms and promote healing:
1. Swish with Salt Water
Saltwater is often an effective remedy for thrush because its antiseptic properties can help soothe and cleanse the mouth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They recommend that you dissolve a 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the saltwater in your mouth for 1 to 2 minutes, then spit out the salt water.
2. Swish with a Baking Soda Mixture
Baking soda is often another effective remedy for thrush noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Similar to a saltwater rinse, they recommend that you mix a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water, swish in your mouth, and then spit.
3. Eat Yogurt
Some yogurt contains live cultures and probiotics that can help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that this can help to fight off the fungus that causes thrush. They recommend that you eat unsweetened yogurt that has live cultures.
4. Try a Lemon Juice Rinse
Lemon juice may have some antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help cure thrush, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They recommend that you not apply lemon juice directly to any lesions, as it can cause burning and irritation—instead, they recommend that you mix the juice of half a lemon with a cup of water and use it to swish and swallow.
5. Swish with a Turmeric Rinse
Turmeric may help thrush because of its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Cleveland Clinic. agent that can help to kill the fungus that causes thrush. They recommend that you make a turmeric drink using 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric paste, a cup of milk or water, and a pinch of black pepper. Heat the mixture on the stove until it’s warm and then swish it in your mouth.
6. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural antiseptic and pain reliever that is even used at some dental offices, according to the Cleveland Clinic. There is at least one study that shows clove oil is just as effective as prescription medication for oral thrush. To use clove oil at home the Cleveland Clinic recommends that you take a clove oil supplement or steep ground clove in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and use the clove tea as a swish and spit rinse.
7. Try Oregano Oil
There is some evidence that shows oregano oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic notes that you should not use oregano oil by itself, instead use a mixture made with a few drops of oregano oil in some warm water. Swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
8. Swish with Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be an effective antifungal that can help kill the fungus that causes thrush, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They recommend that you combine 1 teaspoon of ACV with a cup of water, then use it as a swish and spit rinse.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Thrush
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E can help reduce vaginal inflammation caused by vaginal thrush (also known as a yeast infection), according to Healthline. They recommended that you use vitamin E suppositories that are intended for vaginal use, or apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vaginal with a clean hand.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that may be able to kill some fungi, according to Healthline. They note that you should never swallow tea tree oil, or use it without diluting it in a carrier oil. They recommend that you mix a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil (like coconut oil or jojoba oil) and then use a small amount of the mixture on any external lesions.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
ACV has many medicinal uses, according to Healthline. Including antifungal properties that may be helpful for a vaginal yeast infection. They recommend adding a half cup of ACV to a lukewarm bath and soaking for 20 minutes. They also note that you should not use ACV as a douche, as douching can disrupt the natural bacteria of your vagina and leave you more prone to yeast infections.
4. Over-the-Counter Vaginal Yeast Treatments
There are some over-the-counter treatments for vaginal yeast infections, which are safe and effective, according to the Mayo Clinic. A brand name you may be familiar with is Monistat. You can find these treatments at most retail pharmacies or in the feminine care aisle of a grocery store.
When to see a Doctor for Thrush
For most people, thrush will go away within two weeks with home or over-the-counter treatments, according to WebMD. However, if you have a medical condition that compromises your immune system (like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer) WebMD recommends that you should see a doctor right away. Additionally, if you’re healthy but experience the following, you should see a doctor:
- Thrush-like sores that don't go away after two weeks
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
There are prescription medications that can cure a thrush infection quickly if home treatments are unsuccessful.
How to Prevent Thrush
According to the NIH, you can prevent oral thrush by:
- Using a soft toothbrush
- Cleaning the spaces between your teeth
- Using mouthwash
- Going to the dentist regularly
- Taking care of your dentures
- Drinking enough fluids
- Using probiotics if you are prone to thrush
To prevent vaginal thrush (also known as a vaginal yeast infection), WebMD recommends the following:
- Wear breathable underwear (cotton)
- Avoid tight pants (including jeans and leggings)
- Avoid douching
- Avoid hot tubs and baths
- Change out of wet clothes such as wet swimwear and workout clothes as soon as possible
- Always wipe from front to back
- Change your tampons, panties, or panty liners often
- Manage your diabetes if you have it
- Eat yogurt that contains live cultures
How to Take Care of Thrush at Home
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida. It is also known as a yeast infection, and most often affects the mouth, throat, or vagina.
Home treatments for oral thrush include:
- Swishing with salt water
- Swishing with baking soda water
- Swishing with a lemon juice rinse
- Clove oil
- Oregano oil
- Swishing with apple cider vinegar
- Eating yogurt with live cultures
Home treatments for vaginal thrush include:
- Over-the-counter vitamin E suppositories
- Tea tree oil
- Apple cider vinegar bath
- Over-the-counter vaginal yeast infection medication
You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve within two weeks, or if you have a medical condition that compromises your immune system.
Frequently asked questions
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of candida, a type of fungus. This can happen when the balance of microorganisms in the body is disrupted, often due to illness, stress, or certain medications.What are the symptoms of thrush?
Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is located. They can include a white, cottage cheese-like coating in the mouth or throat, redness, burning, soreness, and changes in taste.How can I treat oral thrush at home?
Home remedies for oral thrush include rinsing the mouth with salt water, a baking soda mixture, or lemon juice. Using clove or oregano oil can also help. Eating yogurt with live cultures can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth.How can I treat vaginal thrush?
Treatments for vaginal thrush include vitamin E suppositories, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar baths, and over-the-counter yeast infection medication.When should I see a doctor for thrush?
It's recommended to see a doctor if symptoms persist for two weeks or if you have a medical condition that compromises your immune system.How can I prevent thrush?
To prevent thrush, maintain good oral hygiene, wear breathable underwear, avoid tight pants, douching, hot tubs and baths, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible, manage diabetes if you have it, and eat yogurt with live cultures.Can eating yogurt help with thrush?
Yes, eating yogurt with live cultures can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your mouth and potentially prevent thrush.Can diabetes increase the risk of getting thrush?
Yes, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for thrush because high blood sugar levels can lead to the overgrowth of the candida fungus. It's important for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition to help prevent thrush.
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