Recurring Thrush: Causes and Prevention

 


Recurring thrush is not uncommon. It’s described as having four or more associated episodes within one year, or at least three episodes unrelated to antibiotic treatment within one year. Women are more likely to experience recurrent thrush than men.

What can cause thrush recurrence?

Changes to vaginal pH eg:

  • Stress
  • Detergents and toiletries that irritate sensitive areas

Other changes to vaginal ecosystem:

  • High sugar foods
  • Wearing tight clothing
  • Wearing underwear and/or sanitary products that don’t allow the skin to breathe
  • Re-introduction of infection:
  • Sexual activity
  • Wiping from back to front after going to the toilet
  • Underwear that was not thoroughly cleaned after a previous infection

Other:

  • Genetic predispositions, specifically for women
  • The menstrual cycle (which may cause monthly thrush episodes)
  • Having a weakened immune system

How do you stop recurring thrush?

Recurrent thrush is often treated with extended periods of antifungal medication, however in many cases the best treatment is prevention. Changes to some lifestyle and hygiene habits can significantly reduce your risk of recurrent thrush.

The triggers listed above that change the natural pH of the vaginal area, cause it to become more acidic, which can lead to an overgrowth of the candidia fungus. Though some of these triggers are unavoidable as they are due to genetic factors, a natural part of the menstrual cycle or a side effect of other medication or illness.

The biggest change you can make is to ensure you are creating a cool, dry, clean environment for your genitals, so as not to encourage any infections to grow out of control. Candida albicans is extremely resilient and can survive on cotton and synthetic fabrics even after normal machine washing. This means that there is a distinct possibility that patients can re-infect themselves simply by wearing the “clean” briefs that they wore last time they had an attack. The DermaSilk range is proven in clinical trials to significantly reduce the symptoms of recurrent Candidosis and to reduce the frequency of candida recurrences. In addition to the smooth, soothing nature of the fabric, DermaSilk helps to regulate temperature, staying cool in warm areas, helping to maintain healthy levels of pH and humidity – perfect for preventing recurrence of thrush.

To learn more about how DermaSilk can help with thrush visit our website today

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