Recognizing Thrush Symptoms
And Treating Them Effectively

Many lives are made miserable every day by thrush symptoms that can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and painful. Once you can recognize that you are suffering the symptoms of thrush you can at least begin to treat the problem.

It is fair to say that there are some effective pharmaceutical remedies for thrush, probably best know amongst these being the brand Canesten. This trademark belongs to the big pharmaceutical company Bayer. But basically the same drug therapy is available under other names and in its generic form of clotrimazole. Some of the better know preparations that are related to clotrimazole are: fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). Other brand names you might recognize are Lotrimin and Mycelex. Medications are usually either applied topically on the skin as a cream or lotion, inserted vaginally as a pessary or allowed to dissolve in tablet form in the mouth for local fungal infections.

Whilst widely used and, for many quite effective, clotrimazole is not without its potential problems. Like many synthetic chemical treatments it can cause a range of side effects and it may not suit all sufferers. Typical side effects, though not an exhaustive list, include: localized reddening, stinging sensation; formation of blisters and associated effects of peeling, swelling and itching; hives (raised itchy lumps); or a burning sensation at the area where applied.

A combination of these factors, plus the desire to avoid the need to use harsh chemical medicaments can lead to many folks seeking natural and holistic treatments. The particular advantage of using a more natural approach to dealing with the symptoms of thrush is that you can achieve a more likely permanent solution to your yeast infection. For, in answer to the question what is thrush? It is indeed simply another name for yeast infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. In the UK is is more common to hear Thrush symptoms to be referred to, whereas in the US it more likely to hear folks refer to yeast infections.

Candida, or Candidiasis as it is more properly called, is sometimes confused with other infections of the genital are in women and men. You may also still see the condition referred to as monilia. Typically thrush symptoms may be initially be confused with Bacterial Vaginosis, or even Trichomonas, but they are somewhat different.

Thrush symptoms, at least in respect of the main physical evidence of the infection are: the formation of a white discharge that can often be thick and 'yogurty' looking, but can also sometimes be watery. The discharge may have a distinctively yeasty smell, which is a major clue to correct diagnosis, as the odour cannot be said to be really unpleasant (unlike the other infections previously referred to). Other normal symptoms of thrush include an aggravating itching and burning sensation around genital area, which can naturally prove socially embarrassing. The genitals may also appear swollen and reddened.

Whilst vaginal thrush is perhaps the most typical area for a yeast infection to assert itself, it is also not uncommon for oral thrush to occur. A thrush infection can also spread to other areas of the skin, although this is less common. Oral thrush in babies may be more commonly found, and this can lead to thrush around the nipples of breastfeeding Mothers which can be very uncomfortable (along with the usual agony of getting used to feeding from the breast that can be experienced by new Mums!). Evidently it is not a good idea to us harsh chemical pharmaceutical solutions when feeding a baby. In this case a more natural and holistic remedy for thrush can be vital/

It should of course also be mentioned that male thrush is also common. Penile thrush infection can cause swelling, inflammation and cracking of the foreskin, leading to a thrush symptoms like 'jock itch'. Very uncomfortable!

Besides the discharge and general discomfort caused by thrush there can be far more wide-reaching symptoms of yeast infections that can affect sufferers both physically and emotionally. An over growth of Candida can lead to systemic yeast infection symptoms that are sometimes hard for doctors to pin-point the cause of, many symptoms being similar to other problems. This has led some doctors to be disinclined to make a diagnosis of Candidiasis, although this tendency may be changing as more evidence of the effects of yeasts emerges.

Sometimes the overuse of anti-biotics and regular resort to pharmaceutical yeast infection treatments has led to a terrible cycle of infection. For some this has meant regular recurrence of thrush symptoms and the development of chronic yeast infection. In these kind of cases it is particularly useful to consider more natural interventions. In this respect it is worth referring to the comprehensive holistic approach such as that developed very successfully by Nutritionist and Health Consultant, Linda Allen: Natural Holistic Approach to Thrush Symptoms and Yeast infections

Linda Allen's approach is "100% guaranteed" to provide a natural solution to your thrush symptoms. The program of holistic treatment has been clinically researched and is backed by 25,000+ hours of nutritional expertise that has proven to eliminate yeast infection permanently. This is a very rare, highly unique and potently powerful yeast infection treatment program, which very few people even know exists, but which we believe merits your consideration if thrush symptoms are a problem for you and you are keen to avoid pharmaceutical medications and their attendant potential drawbacks.

Additional topical article from Linda Allen's work: