Inexpensive but effective remedies for thrush for women

Expert: doctor - Boris Kaganovich

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Fungi occupy a separate kingdom among living things, distinct from plants and animals. Many of them are parasites that use the human body either as a habitat or as a source of food. And, perhaps, the first of the fungi that settle in the body of a newborn are candida, or representatives of opportunistic fungi of the genus Candida, and most often this is the species Candida Flbicans. The term opportunistic means that in a healthy person with good immunity, this fungus is part of the normal microflora of the intestines, mouth, and vagina, and does not cause any inconvenience.

Being part of the normal microflora does not imply intensive reproduction of the fungus. It can simply be detected using various tests, and even then in small quantities. In the same case, if fungi begin to multiply intensively, then we are talking about mycosis, or fungal infection. The term “thrush” reflects a visual picture of the development of the fungus on the mucous membranes. Against the background of bright red hyperemia, whitish spots with a bluish tint appear, reminiscent of spilled milk or kefir.

Most often, in adults, thrush occurs as a marker of decreased immunity, associated with other infections, and in women of childbearing age, thrush most often develops against the background of bacterial vaginosis, or gardnerellosis, when the protective properties of the vaginal mucosa are lost, and the acidic environment changes to an alkaline one .

In modern dermatovenereology and gynecology, there are a large number of different remedies for the treatment of thrush, or vaginal candidiasis. Let's look at the most popular and effective drugs for eliminating candidal infections. There are both remedies for topical use, in the form of suppositories, ointments and gels, and preparations in tablets. The most commonly used and sold are candles.

Candles

Let's consider all available and effective treatment methods and start with suppositories. Vaginal suppositories are considered a safer and more effective drug. This is due to the fact that they are administered rectally and do not harm the body with individual components when taken orally. Let's analyze the best suppositories, based on expert opinion and popular ratings:

Betadine can be used during the menstrual cycle, which is very rare.

Before using any of the above medications, it is better to consult a doctor. The dosage should not be exceeded, and a repeat course can be carried out only after a month.

Treatment tactics

The question of how to treat thrush in women is one of the most pressing today. A huge number of beautiful ladies are trying to get rid of such an unpleasant and non-aesthetic problem, and often in vain.

In order for the treatment of candidiasis in women to be effective, it must be prescribed correctly.

To do this, the doctor must perform the following diagnostic procedures:

• prescribe a bacterial culture from the vagina;
• identify the type of fungus;
• identify the resistance of the fungus to one or another type of antifungal drug;
• review the patient's medical history.

Having received the diagnostic results and analyzed them, the attending physician must decide what the treatment tactics will be and what the most effective drugs should be prescribed for the treatment of thrush in women.

In any case, the entire range of measures against thrush in women is based on the following principles:

• elimination of factors contributing to the occurrence of this disease;
• treatment of other diseases and conditions that provoke thrush;
• correct selection of antibacterial agent;
• restoration of flora and acidity in the vagina;
• strengthening the immune system.

It is worth noting that such treatment tactics are more relevant for chronic thrush. To combat an isolated case, you can get by with simply antifungal therapy.

Creams and ointments

External treatment of the intimate area is recommended by experts as a quick way to relieve acute symptoms of the disease. Creamy substances reduce inflammation, itching and burning. Let's analyze the best ointments, based on expert opinion and popular ratings:

It is impossible not to say about Epigen-intim. It is available in the form of a spray or gel and is intended for intimate hygiene. The course of admission is a week. Must be used for washing after each visit to the bathroom.

The main advantage of creams is that they are applied externally and can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Creams help quickly combat symptoms, but are not a means to completely get rid of the disease.

Rating of the best remedies for thrush

Pills

Capsules are more convenient to use than suppositories. Let's look at the most effective tablets against thrush. All these drugs are new generation and have good consumer reviews.

All of the above groups of medicines are based on antibiotics, so you cannot interrupt the course. Most of the medications are inexpensive but very effective. Prices may vary from pharmacies. Consumers recommend purchasing goods from social kiosks.

Classification of drugs for thrush, candidiasis

Antifungal tablets for thrush are presented by pharmacological companies in a wide variety.

Classification of medications against candidiasis:

1. Capsules and tablets . Effective in advanced cases of the disease. They are intended for oral administration. The active components of the composition are nystatin, natamycin, ketoconazole, miconazole or fluconazole. Medicines containing these substances are quickly absorbed into the blood through the small intestine. This allows them to quickly get to the pathogen. Fluconazole tablets give the fastest results. Within 24 hours after administration, improvements in well-being are noticeable. In case of intolerance to a component or pregnancy, the specialist prescribes a product with another active substance.
2. Ointments and creams . Well suited for treating men and treating organs externally. Also, drugs in this form can relieve symptoms in a short time. Compared to tablets and suppositories, ointments are less expensive, although their effect is no worse. When used, there is a minimal number of side effects. The disadvantage of this form is its ineffectiveness in deep localization of the fungus. The deficiency can be corrected by using a tampon or a special dispenser, which often comes with the cream.
3. Candles . They are used at the initial stage of development of thrush. They quickly relieve symptoms of the disease. External reception is not possible. To get rid of candidiasis, you need an integrated approach, so suppositories alone will not be enough.

ethnoscience

Many women prefer traditional medicine, and there are many anti-thrush medications that can be prepared at home. Most often, treatment occurs with douching. Let's analyze the most common recipes:

1. Oil of oregano. You can purchase it at any pharmacy kiosk.
2. Saline, iodine, soda or vinegar solutions.
3. Herbal decoctions: chamomile, sage, eucalyptus, calendula.
4. Yeast.
5. Honey.

Let's consider the most popular recipes for ointments from improvised products that can be made at home:

• Dilute 1 tablespoon of honey and a glass of boiled water. Treat the intimate area with a tampon 2 times a day: morning and evening.
• Make a decoction of several types of medicinal herbs and wash yourself after each visit to the bathroom.
• Buy oak bark and linden inflorescences at the pharmacy. Combine in a 1:1 dosage and boil with boiling water for 2-3 hours. After the broth has cooled to room temperature, douche 2-3 times a day.

Contraindications and side effects

The undesirable aspects of effectiveness depend on the product. Anything that ends in “-azole” is strictly contraindicated in the prevention of candidiasis, liver and kidney failure, and pregnancy. During lactation, only Clotrimazole can be used, and then only to a minimum, if absolutely necessary, not on the nipples. Of the effective imidazole modifications, only Nizoral is prescribed internally (others do not even have oral forms). But in addition to hepatic-renal diseases, he:

• not used for gallbladder and heart problems:
• enhances the effect of almost all medications taken together, from sleeping pills and analgesics to antihistamines;
• requires giving up alcohol.

Antibiotics, except Pimafucin, are excluded from use in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Betadine is effective, but prohibited for any autoimmune diseases, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, neutropenia (increased blood neutrophils). Nystatin, among other things, should not be swallowed if you have a stomach/intestinal ulcer or pancreatitis. And no medicine should be used if you are intolerant of its active substance or auxiliary substances.

Symptoms of thrush and treatment

Before analyzing remedies against this disease, you need to know its symptoms and signs:

• Vaginal discharge that has an acidic odor.
• Swelling and redness of the labia.
• Itching and burning.
• Cracks in the mucous membrane.
• Rash in the groin area.

Injuries or other mechanical damage can provoke symptoms. It is worth avoiding wearing synthetic underwear, using protection during sexual intercourse and maintaining hygiene. Thrush can occur with a sharp decrease in immunity, viral infections and cancer. If you take strong antibiotics or contraceptives for a long time, the development of fungus can be a side effect.

What to look for?

Inexpensive antifungal drugs should be selected based on the patient's current health status. Usually it can be judged by the severity of relapses of all chronic pathologies, including candidiasis.

After a course of immunosuppressants, surgery, trauma, childbirth, local therapy with fungistatics is often sufficient. And with AIDS, after radiation and chemotherapy, those with donor organs (immunosuppressants for the rest of their lives) usually require general treatment, often with fungicides.

Additionally, it is worth considering that antifungal compounds act narrowly on the yeast-like part of the microflora. But the inexpensive antibiotics that are most effective against it also affect other components and can aggravate an already existing imbalance.

Complex therapy of the disease

The TOP medications for thrush presented above are effective, but experts recommend a comprehensive approach to treatment. Consider the advice of doctors:

1. It is necessary to normalize the state of the immune system. To do this, you can use biologically active food supplements.
2. Review your diet. It is worth giving up sweet products and foods high in sugar. Limit the consumption of starchy products. Drink more plain water and take relaxing baths. Alcoholic drinks relieve replenishment, but they should not be used together with antibiotics. The consumption of fermented milk products, fruits and berries is recommended.
3. Restoring the acidity of the environment. Suppositories can normalize microflora the fastest.
4. During treatment, complete refusal of intimacy. If thrush has an acute form, then drug prophylaxis is also provided for the sexual partner.
5. Frequent washing with medications can only make the situation worse. Therefore, douching should be done no more than once a day.
6. Other substances should not be used together with medications against thrush. They may weaken the effect of the antibiotic or cause side effects.
7. Antifungal substances in most cases only suppress the disease, and their effect will not be enough if other recommendations are not followed.
8. It is necessary to take substances strictly according to the schedule and prescription. If you interrupt the course, you will have to start the treatment all over again. Overdose is dangerous. It can cause an acute allergic reaction in the form of rashes and deterioration in a person’s general well-being.
9. In parallel with the use of medications, it is important to enrich the body with vitamin complexes.
10. Healthy sleep of at least 8 hours a day and walks in the fresh air are recommended.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, but can easily become chronic. After complex exposure, it is necessary to carry out preventive actions during exacerbation seasons: spring and autumn.

Types of drugs

Drugs for thrush in women can be divided into the following types:

• general strengthening (for immunity);
• agents for the treatment of the underlying or concomitant disease;
• eubiotics;
• antifungal drugs.

It is worth dwelling in more detail on medications with an antifungal effect, since they are the immediate panacea for fungi of the genus Candida.

Based on the method of use, antifungal agents for thrush are divided into:

• external;
• internal.

Internal medications for thrush in women are medications administered orally, that is, through the mouth.

Their advantages:

• such products have a general effect and are able to eliminate fungus not only in the vagina, but throughout the body;
• The advantage of such treatment is its short duration.

The disadvantages of this type of therapy include:

• negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
• penetration of its components into the general bloodstream.

Less effective, but more gentle treatment of thrush in women is provided by external medications.

Such products are applied directly to the site of fungal infection and allow the active substances to penetrate into it.

If the infection spreads to other organs, local remedies will not be able to stop it. That is why it is often not possible to get rid of candidiasis in women with this medicine.

No matter how effective internal therapy is, and no matter how safe external therapy may seem, complex treatment of thrush is still considered the most effective.

What is candidiasis

A characteristic disease is associated with fungal infection of the mucous membranes, which is provoked by the increased activity of fungi of the genus Candida. Candidiasis is infectious in nature, so timely treatment of both sexual partners is necessary. Untreated thrush becomes chronic, and such a clinical picture requires long-term use of antifungal drugs with a weak therapeutic effect. The main goal of conservative therapy is to destroy the candida fungus and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of candidiasis.

How to get rid of the disease

Treatment with the only tablet advertised is appropriate only for the first episode of candidiasis, accompanied by mild symptoms. If thrush appears repeatedly or greatly bothers a woman, she cannot do without the help of a doctor.

At the appointment, the gynecologist will conduct a standard examination and take smears from the vagina and cervical canal. Their microscopic examination will help confirm or refute the fungal origin of the problems. The analysis will also be able to detect other infections, if any.

As part of laboratory diagnostics, cultural seeding is carried out - placing the detected microorganisms in a nutrient medium. Based on its results, a strain (variety) of candidobacteria is identified, and their sensitivity to antifungal substances is also determined. Treatment with specific drugs reduces the risk of chronic infection and speeds up recovery.

Treatment of acute form

For acute symptoms of thrush, a single oral use of antifungal tablets is prescribed. Most often, treatment lasts 1 day. The antimycotics used provide a prolonged effect - they remain in the vaginal mucosa for 24-32 hours. Hence the complete elimination of the fungus even with a single dose. In parallel with the tablets, suppositories are prescribed.

If this is the first case of thrush, and the symptoms are not very pronounced, only local dosage forms (suppositories or vaginal tablets) are sufficient. The doctor may prescribe powerful drugs, the treatment of which involves the introduction of just 1 suppository into the vagina (Zalain, Lomexin), or the use of suppositories in a course (from 3 to 14 days).

Treatment of the chronic form

Chronic thrush is treated with tablets and suppositories at the same time. Tablets are prescribed in a shock course, followed by monthly maintenance doses (often on the 1st day of the cycle). This approach ensures the prevention of relapses of candidiasis. Suppositories are often prescribed in one or two courses with a short interval.

To fully eliminate the disease, it is very important to find its cause. The woman will be advised to change hygiene products, stop using tampons, scented pads, and synthetic underwear. If medications are the provocateur, they are discontinued; internal chronic diseases are treated with specific drugs. In some cases, the final stage of therapy is suppositories to normalize the composition of the vaginal microflora (Fermalak, Vaginorm S, Laktozhinal).

Alternative to pills

Separately, I would like to touch upon the topic of vaginal suppositories for thrush, which include: Irunin, Livarol, Betadine, Lomexin, Ginezol, Gino-pevaril, Zalain. For a woman, suppositories are a great way to end vaginal candidiasis once and for all. In addition, some of them only need to be applied once. Remember that when using them you must strictly adhere to the instructions and recommendations of the doctor, however, there are general rules for their use.

1. Treatment must be carried out by both partners in order to avoid the so-called “ping-pong effect”, when you are being treated for thrush, your partner gives it back to you, he is treated himself, then you pass the disease on to him, and so on ad infinitum.
2. During the course you need to avoid synthetic and tight underwear.
3. Before inserting suppositories into the vagina, you should carefully rinse the vagina with warm, clean water without using any detergents.
4. The suppositories should be inserted deep into the vagina while lying down.
5. During treatment, it is prohibited to use scented pads, intimate hygiene liquids, soap, shower gels and scented toilet paper.

Cost of drugs against candidiasis

The cost of medications prescribed when a fungal infection is detected is shown in the table.

Anti-candidiasis medications are prescribed after a thorough examination of the patient. The choice of medication form depends on the form of the disease and symptoms.

Fungicidal medications have contraindications and may cause side effects.

The patient must inform the doctor about existing systemic pathologies.

When choosing reliable medications for the treatment of thrush, it is important to remember that anti-candidiasis tablets have a systemic effect in the body and destroy pathogenic flora from the inside. To avoid allergic manifestations, it is important to carefully study the composition of the active ingredients, and before starting an antifungal course, be sure to consult with your doctor. Effective tablets for thrush prevail in a wide range, so that you can cope with the characteristic ailment in the shortest possible time without side effects.

Treatment of candidiasis of smooth skin

To treat skin candidiasis, antifungal drugs and antiseptics are used in the form of cream, ointment, liniment, solution, lotion, gel, powder, powder and spray. Medicines are applied to previously cleansed skin areas using soap with a neutral pH in a thin layer.

Characteristics of the main forms of medicines

1. Cream, ointment. Apply a 1 cm column of the medicine to a palm-sized affected area and rub in easily. If necessary, an occlusive dressing is applied. If the interdigital spaces are affected, a gauze pad soaked in cream is placed between the fingers.
2. Solution. Antifungal drugs in the form of a solution are applied to previously cleansed (using soap with a neutral pH) and dried areas of the skin. Apply 10 - 20 drops of solution to a palm-sized affected area, 3 - 4 drops of solution to small surfaces. If necessary, an occlusive dressing is applied. The solution can be combined with cream.
3. Aerosol. Antimiotics in aerosol form are sprayed onto the skin from a distance of 10 cm until lightly moistened.
4. Spray powder. To treat superficial candidiasis, spray powder (spray powder) is used. Spraying is carried out from a distance of 8 cm.

Antifungal drugs and antiseptics for the treatment of candidiasis are listed in the table above.

In the chronic form of candidiasis or common processes, in addition to local treatment, systemic antimiotics of the triazole, imidazole group, polyene antibiotics and pathogenetic therapy are used (see above).

Rice. 8. Thrush in the inguinal fold (photo on the left) and armpits (photo on the right).

List of antimiotics of different groups for the treatment of skin thrush

Imidazole derivatives for topical treatment of thrush

Contains miconazole:

• Cream Daktarin, Mykozon, Lanaderm.
• Tablets for resorption in the mouth Miconazole nitrate.
• Aerosol Daktarin.
• Daktarin powder.
• Spray powder Daktarin.

Contains Ketoconazole:

• Ointment Mycozoral, Mycoket. Sebozol.
• Cream Mycozoral, Mycoket. Nizoral, Dermazol.
• Liniment Sebozol.

Contains Econazole:

• Econazole ointment.
• Cream for external use Ifenek, Ekalin, Ecodax, Ecomikol
• Econazole gel, Travocort cream (Diflucan + Isoconazole) contain glucocorticoid and isoconazole.
• Aerosol Ekalin, Ecomikol.
• Ifenek powder.
• Ifenek solution.

Contains Clotrimazole:

• Ointment Clotrimazole, Clotrimazole Acri, Katrizol, Funginal, Fungizid-Ratiopharm.
• Cream Candide, Clofan, Clotrimazole, Clotrimazole Acri. Katrizol, Candibene, Candide B1, Candibene.
• Gel Candide, Fungizide-Ratiopharm, Canestin, Lotrimin, Faktodin, Amyclone, Clotrimazole-Teva, Lotrimin.
• Lotion Candide, Clofan, Fungizid-Ratiopharm.
• Aerosol Clofan, Clotrimazole, Clotrimazole Acri, Fungizid-Ratiopharm.
• Candide solution, Clofan, Katrizol, Funginal, Candibene, Candide B1
• Powder Candide, Funginal. Kandibene, Candide B1.
• Triderm and Akriderm GK (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin) in the form of cream and ointment.
• Candiderm (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin) in the form of a cream for external use.

Other imidazole derivatives

• Cream for external use Zalain and Sertaconazole (contains sertaconazole), Micogal (contains omoconazole), Mifungar and Gino-Mifungar (contains oxyconazole), Travogen (contains isoconazole), Travocort (contains isoconazole and glucocorticoid). Mycospor and Bifosin (contains bifonazole).
• Mycospor ointment.
• Solution for external use Sertamicol, Bifosin and Mikospor.
• Bifosin powder.

Group of polyene antibiotics for local treatment of thrush

• Ointment Nystatin, Levorin, Amphotericin B.
• Cream Pimafucin.
• Lyophilisate for preparing Levorin solutions.

Other antifungal drugs for topical treatment of thrush

Contains Chlornitrophenol (antifungal):

• Solution for external use Nitrofungin, Nitrofungin-Teva.

Synthetic allylamine derivatives:

• Terbinafine ointment (active ingredient terbinafine).
• Cream Terbinafine, Lamisil, Exiter, Exifin, Terbizil, Termicon, Naftifine and Fugnoterbin (contain terbinafine). Batrafen (ciclopirox).
• Gel Terbinafine, Naftifine, Lamisil Dermgel, Exifin.
• Spray Terbinafine, Thermikon, Fugnoterbin, Lamisil.
• Solution for external use Nitrofungin and Nitrofungin-Teva (contain chloronitrophenol). Exoderil (naftifine).

Olamine derivatives:

• Batrafen cream (contains ciclopirox).
• Vaginal cream and suppositories Dafnegin (ciclopirox).

In cases where thrush occurs with severe symptoms of inflammation and/or the addition of a secondary infection, it is recommended to use combined medications in the form of a cream containing, in addition to an antimyotic, a hormonal drug and/or an antibiotic:

• Beta-Mycoter and Candide B (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid) in the form of a cream for external use.
• Triderm and Akriderm GK (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin).
• Candiderm (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin) in the form of a cream for external use.
• Travocort (contains glucocorticoid and isoconazole).
• Triderm and Akriderm GK (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin).
• Candiderm (clotrimazole + glucocorticoid + antibiotic gentamicin).

Antiseptics are widely used for candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes (see above). In case of chronic form of candidiasis or common processes, in addition to local treatment, systemic antifungal drugs of the triazole, imidazole group, polyene antibiotics and pathogenetic therapy agents are used (read above).

Rice. 9. The photo shows thrush of the skin of the interdigital folds on the hand and foot.

Treatment of candidiasis of the skin of the nail folds

Treatment of the skin of the nail folds begins with eliminating the acute inflammatory process. Ichthyolol ointment has a good effect, which is used in the form of applications until a positive effect is obtained. Next, antifungal drugs are prescribed for topical use in the form of an ointment, cream or solution using an occlusive dressing. Antiseptics are widely used for the disease.

In the chronic form of candidiasis or common processes, in addition to local treatment, systemic antimiotics of the triazole, imidazole group, polyene antibiotics and pathogenetic therapy are used (see above).

Rice. 10. The photo shows candidiasis of the nail fold. The initial stage of damage to the nail plate.

How to choose a medicine against thrush

The treatment regimen and medications are selected by the doctor based on the results of tests and examination. Self-medication is very dangerous for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Candidiasis often requires an integrated approach - local and systemic therapy.

The latter can be dispensed with only in cases of mild or superficial infection.

Main groups of drugs:

• Antibiotics. Polyene drugs, macrolides. They destroy the cell membrane of the fungus, which causes its death. The toxicity of the drugs is low, the degree of harm is less than from antimycotics, but there are contraindications. During pregnancy, such medications are used only topically. The course of therapy is 1–2 weeks.
• Triazoles. This group includes Fluconazole, Itraconazole, which accumulate in tissues and therefore provide a long-lasting effect. The drugs are suitable for the treatment of chronic candidiasis; side effects occur only with a long course, taking large doses.
• Imidazoles. These include Ketoconazole and Clotrimazole - the most popular antimycotics with strong effects. These drugs are needed for chronic infection with frequent relapses or for acute infection with a severe course. The downside of the drugs is their high toxicity.
• Combined means. Often these are azoles with antibiotics, hormonal components that relieve inflammation. They are used for mixed infections or severe candidiasis.
• Lactobacilli. The products restore the vaginal microflora, populating it with beneficial organisms. In this group, the cheapest drug for thrush for women is Acylact suppositories (144 rubles/10 pieces).
• Antiseptics. Solutions Miramistin, Chlorophyllipt, Furacilin do not get rid of the fungus, but stop its growth and relieve itching and burning. The products have no contraindications, except for intolerance to the components of the composition.
• Immunomodulators (Viferon, Derinat, Thymogen). They help you recover faster and prevent relapse of the disease. These remedies increase immunity and prevent colonies of the Candida fungus from becoming pathogenic.