Home | Print this page

Thrush — Self-help and prevention

Soothing the itching

Itching can be so bad that you may want something to soothe it quickly before or during treatment. Some of the treatments above will help soothe at the same time, but there also other options you could try:

Aloe vera – Aloe vera gel or juice may help relieve itching and cool burning around the vagina. Aloe vera is available at health food stores.

Cold – The burning that often accompanies itching may be temporarily relieved with cold water or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth.

Nappy rash cream – This may be soothing on the outer lips of the vagina. (Nappy rash cream is known in the USA as diaper rash cream or ointment.)

Preventing thrush

There are a number of simple things you can do to help prevent thrush:

Eat yoghurt with lactobacillus acidophilus, or take lactobacillus acidophilus supplements regularly.
• Do not douche – the vagina cleans itself and using a douche, particularly with perfumes or other chemicals, causes more harm than good.
• Wear cotton underpants and clothes that aren’t too tight. This will prevent the area from becoming too moist and warm.
• Do not leave tampons, contraceptive sponges, cervical caps or diaphragms in place too long.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet. Candida in the bowel can infect the vagina and cause thrush, but wiping from the front will help reduce the chance of this happening.
• If you are taking antibiotics, and are prone to thrush, consider using a thrush treatment at the same time. Remember that using a treatment too often when it is not necessary may make yeast resistant.
• Avoid using perfumed soaps, bubble baths or vaginal deodorants. The chemicals in these products are too harsh for the delicate tissue and pH balance of the vaginal area.

Top |  Previous | Next Page

Written by Tamara Beus and published in printed format (2001) by Women's Health

This leaflet is protected by Copyright © Women's Health. You may print off one copy for personal use only.