Thrush is an infection caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which can affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, intestines, or genitals. Infection occurs by contact, by sexual means, as well as by moving fungi from the intestines to the genital mucosa.
How does thrush manifest . External manifestations of candidiasis directly depend on in which organ the focus of infection is located. For children, for example, infection of the oral cavity (a disease of dirty hands) is characteristic, when the tongue and mucous membranes are covered with small white sores-flakes.
In adults, in most cases, genital lesions are observed. Speaking of women, the most common cases are vaginal candidiasis. Since thrush is one of the most “popular” women's problems, questions like “What causes candidiasis”, “How does thrush appear ” , “How to deal with thrush” are very common when visiting a gynecologist.
With reduced immunity, the use of antibiotics, diseases of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal diseases and other provoking factors, a favorable environment is created for the propagation of fungi of the genus Candida, resulting in damage to the vaginal wall, which controls the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Very soon, a woman begins to feel discomfort, itching, pain during urination and physical proximity, cheesy discharge from the vagina appears - this is manifested by thrush.
What does thrush look like in girls . As already mentioned, thrush can be transmitted in different ways, so the diagnosis of candidiasis can be made even to a girl who is not sexually active. In this case, the disease can be triggered by prolonged use of antibiotics, the movement of fungi into the vagina from the intestine (this is facilitated by the structure of the female body: the vagina and anus are closely located).
How does thrush manifest in men . Despite the common misconception that only women suffer from thrush, men also often find themselves in the grip of Candida fungi. If the genitals are affected, they are diagnosed with candidiasis balanoposthitis. Most often, a man becomes infected from his sexual partner, but some healthy men (16%) come into contact with fungi, being carriers of the disease (of course, remaining completely ignorant). At risk are men with weak immunity, patients with diabetes and overweight.
Symptoms of thrush in men are not as pronounced as in women, but representatives of a strong half of humanity are faced with itching, pain and a white curd rash covering the glans penis.
To know how little thrush manifests itself, you need to be regularly examined by a doctor, since it is difficult to make the correct diagnosis yourself. A physical examination, a smear analysis will help you navigate the problem and prescribe a course of treatment.
N istatin from thrush
Quite often, doctors recommend a drug called Nystatin to treat thrush. This is an antifungal agent that can be used both for adults and children.
The usual daily dose of nystatin for an adult is 1 (2) tablets four times a day or four doses of an oral suspension (500 thousand units). Dosage is prescribed by a doctor !!! The children's dose of the medicine depends on the patient's age: from birth to one year - 100 thousand units of suspension four times a day; from year to 18 years - one (two) oral tablets four times a day or four doses of an oral suspension (500 thousand units).
Nystatin treatment can last up to 14 days. The tablets are slowly dissolved in the mouth for 15-20 minutes (but do not chew or swallow whole). Rinse the mouth with a suspension, using immediately part of the dose for the left side of the mouth, then another for the right, keeping it in the mouth for as long as possible.