How to use vaginal cream for thrush?

Thrush is caused by single-celled fungi and can cause unpleasant physical sensations. The symptoms of acute candidiasis are extremely painful, and therefore both women and men are ready to do a lot to get rid of itching, burning and the desire to scratch the mucous membrane in the shortest possible time - this should never be done. It is much wiser to use local antifungal drugs as soon as possible, which act directly at the site of the fungus and can relieve discomfort in literally a matter of hours.

Features of treatment for men and women

Among the children's age group, there are more cases of oral thrush, while in adults the most common lesion is the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Vaginal creams and suppositories demonstrate good effectiveness only when applied to previously prepared areas where candida is localized. To do this, the genitals must be cleaned of cheesy secretions - if a man’s genitals can simply be washed and dried thoroughly, then the preparatory stage of the vagina before inserting vaginal suppositories involves douching.

Panthenol

To relieve irritation in the intimate area in women, Panthenol ointment or gel is often used, which can be used even in newborns. These products are safe, have a gentle effect on the skin, relieve itching and burning, and eliminate discomfort in the delicate area:

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How to choose effective therapy?

To relieve the symptoms of thrush, creams and suppositories are actively used - such fungicidal agents can be limited to the treatment of fungal infection in the initial stage; in advanced cases, such drugs are used as part of combination therapy. Also, topical drugs are used in cases where the use of tablets is not possible - most antifungal drugs taken orally are toxic, so with rare exceptions they are not prescribed to pregnant and nursing mothers, people with damaged liver, etc. Local drugs cause only 3% of medications enter the bloodstream - this minimizes the harm that medications cause to the baby in the womb. As for the most popular creams, they include:

• clotrimazole;
• candid;
• pimafucin.

Treatment of vaginal candidiasis with ointments

In addition to suppositories, ointments are also considered local anti-thrush medications. These drugs have a minimum of contraindications, so they are often prescribed to women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, girls at an early age and patients with liver diseases.

The advantages of ointments include:

1. Fast healing effect.
2. Minimal number of side effects.
3. Can be prescribed to patients of any age category and gender.
4. Easy to use.
5. Low price.

Ointments also have a number of disadvantages:

• Some ointment leaks out, causing stains on the laundry.
• The composition of an antifungal agent in the form of an ointment usually includes only one active ingredient, unlike tablets and suppositories. This affects the effectiveness of the drug.
• Effective only for mild, initial stages of the pathological process.

Gynecologists recommend that patients with thrush place the ointment in the vagina on a tampon. In their opinion, ointment helps well: Pimafucin, Nystatin, Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Candide, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of thrush cream

The active substance of antifungal agents has a fungicidal effect - the drug disrupts the synthesis of substances in the cell membranes of unicellular fungi, which provokes the death of candida; alternatively, antifungal creams have a fungostatic effect, that is, they suspend the vital activity of the fungus. In any case, such topical preparations will stop the reproduction and development of a conditionally pathogenic fungus. Suppositories with the indicated active ingredients have a similar effect, the difference is that suppositories are more convenient for use in the vagina, while cream is traditionally used to treat men. It is worth noting that antifungal drugs are also effective in getting rid of diseases that often accompany thrush - we are talking about trichomoniasis, bacterial infections, for example, staphylococci. If, in a mild form of the disease, a course with cream or suppositories is enough to completely get rid of the disease, then when treating recurrent thrush, topical drugs can only smooth out the symptoms, which also contributes to the patient’s treatment picture.

Instructions for use

The instructions for Metrogyl vaginal gel recommend its use only as prescribed by a doctor. It belongs to the group of drugs of list B and is subject to dispensing from pharmacies only upon presentation of a prescription form.

During the course of treatment you should avoid sexual contact. Treatment of the sexual partner is mandatory to prevent secondary infection.

The tube with the drug should only be touched with washed hands. And after intravaginal administration, the applicator is treated with an alcohol-containing liquid. Douching with aseptic solutions or infusions of medicinal herbs is carried out 2-3 hours after administration of the gel.

Indications and contraindications

Metrogyl gel for thrush is used to treat urogenital trichomoniasis. The drug is used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections if metronidazole has an antimicrobial effect on pathogens. It is not prescribed to patients diagnosed with:

• leukopenia of any severity, including successfully treated;
• impaired coordination of movements of various etiologies;
• organic lesions of the central nervous system;
• severe liver pathologies.

Metrogyl vaginal gel is prohibited for use if a woman has an individual intolerance to the components. During treatment of women with acute or chronic kidney disease, their condition is constantly monitored.

Directions for use and doses

After removing the dispenser from the packaging, it is screwed onto the tube and filled with the required amount of the drug. After filling the applicator, it is detached and inserted into the vagina. By pressing the piston, carefully squeeze out the medicine. For optimal absorption of the ingredients, you need to lie down for 30-40 minutes after the procedure.

Gynecologists recommend using vaginal gel twice a day - in the morning and before bed. The average dose of Metrogyl gel for insertion into the vagina is:

• single dose - 5 g;
• daily - 10 g.

The duration of treatment varies from 5 to 7 days. Therapy should not be stopped after symptoms disappear, otherwise a relapse of the disease will soon follow. The patient is considered recovered if no infectious pathogens were detected in the smear.

Side effects and special instructions

The use of the vaginal form of Metrogyl in gynecology is usually not accompanied by significant side effects. Sometimes local allergic reactions occur, which are clinically manifested by the following symptoms:

• burning, itching;
• feeling of dryness of the vaginal mucosa;
• the formation of a small rash;
• swelling and hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa.

Doctors warn against exceeding dosages and the duration of the therapeutic course. In these cases, a high concentration of metronidazole penetrates into the bloodstream. The likelihood of developing systemic adverse reactions increases. For example, the appearance of a metallic taste and other neurological or despeptic disorders.

Pregnancy and lactation

According to the instructions for use in gynecology, Metrogyl gel is not used for treatment in early pregnancy. At this time, the formation of the most important organs of all vital systems occurs in the fetus.

The use of any drugs with metronidazole can cause intrauterine birth defects. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, vaginal gel is prescribed only for health reasons. If replacement is not possible, Metrogyl is used in the lowest dosages.

After penetration into the systemic circulation, metronidazole passes through biological barriers, accumulating in breast milk. During lactation, the drug is prescribed to patients, but it should be used with caution. Gynecologists recommend stopping breastfeeding during treatment.

Drug interactions

Metrogyl vaginal gel enhances the effect of the indirect anticoagulant Warfarin; its combination with muscle relaxants is unacceptable. During treatment, you must stop drinking alcoholic beverages. The likelihood of developing a severe allergic reaction increases. Its clinical manifestations include shortness of breath and a rush of blood to the upper body.

If Metrogyl is prescribed to patients taking lithium medications, their dosage should be reduced. Concomitant use with phenobarbital leads to faster metabolism of metronidazole.

How to use topical medications correctly?

As for the fair sex, they can use vaginal suppositories. Having previously prepared the vaginal mucosa using douching, you need to place the candle into it as deeply as possible - this can be done using your fingers or special applicators. If a woman has long nails, it is worth using finger pads - this will protect the inflamed mucous membrane from microtraumas and microbes that inevitably end up under the nails.

The effect is only achieved by long-term use of vaginal suppositories for 7-10 days; the course of the drug can be longer, up to 3 weeks, depending on the form of the fungal infection. During menstruation, treatment is not performed, and if the course of therapy is long, it is interrupted during menstruation.

Side effects and possible complications

If you experience unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor and stop using the contraceptive.

There may be allergic reactions:

• burning;
• itching;
• pain when urinating.

If you often use such protection against unwanted pregnancy, this can lead to serious disturbances in the vaginal microflora and contribute to the occurrence of chronic dysbiosis. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the cream more than 5-7 times a month.

Clotrimazole

This cream contains clotrimazole (an imidazole derivative) and is characterized by a wide range of applications, affecting the fungus of the genus Candida. This drug ensures the destruction of the cell membrane of the fungus, in which the synthesis of ergosterol is disrupted, as a result of which the unicellular fungus dies. This drug is used to get rid of yeast fungi, as well as mold, dermatophytes and the causative agent of lichen versicolor.

Among the advantages of this cream, it is worth noting its antimicrobial effect, which protects the mucous membrane from complications and the development of pathogenic microflora, which, like fungus, can be present in the microflora of the genital organs. It should be borne in mind that clotrimazole is not well absorbed from mucous membranes or skin, and therefore is not capable of systemic action. The cream is not absorbed into the blood - its highest concentration is observed in the deep layers of the epidermis. Occasionally, when applying the cream to the affected mucous membranes, users notice unpleasant symptoms (burning, itching) - such a reaction is within the normal range, especially since the sensations quickly pass. Clotrimazole is not used to treat pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Nezulin

Natural ointment for irritation in the intimate area is inexpensive, but produces effective results. It relieves itching, redness, improves skin cell renewal processes, increases its protective functions, and can be applied up to 4 times a day, because its components are safe for regular use:

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Candida cream

The active substance of this drug is also clotrimazole (imidazole derivative). It is suitable exclusively for topical use and has a wide spectrum of action, disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol in pathogenic cells. In addition to candida, the drug is successfully used to treat dermatophytes, mold, and various opportunistic fungi. This cream penetrates well into the deep layers of the skin, thereby providing the necessary concentration required to treat candida. Clotrimazole can also penetrate into the circulatory system, so it is not suitable for use by pregnant and lactating women, with the exception of the first trimester of pregnancy. Men use Candida cream for external use, ensuring relief from unpleasant symptoms - itching, pain. This composition is applied 2-3 times a day, the duration of therapy is 2-4 weeks. As for women, the cream is used intravaginally 2 times a day, the duration of therapy is 2-7 days - longer use is unacceptable.

Which one to choose for thrush in women?

At the first symptoms, in order to prevent the development of the disease, a woman should visit a gynecologist who will prescribe competent treatment, and, most likely, these will be topical medications.

It is very important to choose the right cream; to use it effectively, it is necessary to undergo tests to identify candida and its type. A properly selected drug eliminates the symptoms of the disease in the first days. Pharmacies offer a wide selection of different creams, which differ in composition, country of origin, spectrum of action and, of course, price. With such variety, how can you choose a high-quality, inexpensive, but at the same time effective product?

Below are the most popular creams for female candidiasis today.

Clotrimazole

The cream gets its name from the active substance in it. Penetrates the cells of the fungus, disrupting vital processes, thereby destroying it at the cellular level. It is almost not absorbed into the blood, therefore it has no side effects or contraindications, with the exception of allergic reactions on the skin.

Clotrimazole cream for thrush in women is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas up to 3 times a day for 1-2 weeks. To consolidate the result, it is advisable to continue treatment for another 1-2 weeks. The active component in the composition has a detrimental effect on latex, so latex condoms cannot be used during therapy. Can be used from the second trimester of pregnancy with the permission of a doctor, with caution during breastfeeding.

Grateful customer reviews indicate that the product deserves respect, thanks to it an instant therapeutic effect is achieved. There is also a comparison between manufacturers: the Polish drug does not cause reactions, while Clotrimazole, produced in Russia, causes a strong burning sensation during application. Another plus is its affordable price: it ranges from 50 to 110 rubles and above.

Pimafucin

Dutch broad-spectrum antifungal antibiotic. It is almost not absorbed into the blood, which makes its use safe even for pregnant and lactating women.

The affected areas are treated once a day; for candidiasis of the genital organs, intravaginally - once a day at night. The course of therapy is from 3 to 6 days. Pimafucin cream for thrush in women cannot be applied to the vagina during menstruation; sexual intercourse is possible, but only with a condom during treatment. Contraindication is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Possible side effects: itching in the area of ​​application, allergies. According to doctors, Pimafucin is an effective drug, especially widely used in the treatment of pregnant and lactating women, but a complete cure is possible only in the very initial stage of the disease. It has a fairly high price - for a small tube of 30 grams you will have to pay about 350 rubles.

Candide

A medicine based on clotrimazole is widely used for mycoses of various etiologies, including candidal vulvitis.

Treatment consists of applying to the external genitalia 2-3 times a day, and its duration is about 2 weeks. After obvious symptoms disappear, continued use for a couple of weeks is recommended to avoid relapse. Contraindications include the first trimester of pregnancy, menstruation, avoiding contact with eyes. Allergic reactions to the components may occur in the form of redness, peeling, itching, hives, and swelling.

Candide cream for thrush in women has no contraindications. For the treatment of fungus in the vagina, Candide is specially developed in the form of a vaginal gel. For intravaginal administration, an applicator is used in the form of a syringe, which is filled with 5 g of gel and inserted into the vagina overnight. Therapy lasts 6 days. The gel is more concentrated: 1 g contains 20 mg of clotrimazole, while the cream contains 10 mg, which is why local reactions in the form of burning at the time of application cannot be excluded.

Both types of medication have proven themselves well: patients and doctors note their effectiveness from the first use and lasting results. The anti-thrush cream for women in a syringe, which does not leak due to deep injection, turned out to be very convenient to use. The average cost of the cream is 220 rubles, while the vaginal gel will cost 100 rubles.

Zalain

The complex drug contains sertaconazole, a derivative of two chemical compounds: imidazole and benzothiophene, which have a fungicidal (binds with chemical processes inside parasitic cells, destroying them) and fungistatic (inhibits the growth of the fungus) effect.

When applied topically, it is not absorbed into the blood. Apply a thin layer to the infected areas 2 times a day for a month. Possible side effects in the form of contact dermatitis. When using, it is important to avoid contact with eyes. Pregnancy and lactation period are not a contraindication, but consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Zalain cream against thrush in women is widely used in medical practice. According to doctors, sertaconazole has a strong antifungal effect, destroying the fungus and preventing it from multiplying. Buyers also highly rate this medication, but also mention its rather high cost: for a 20 g tube you will have to pay about 450 rubles.

Pimafukort

A powerful product containing 3 active components: natamycin, neomycin and hydrocortisone, thanks to which it has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

The combination of natamycin (an antifungal component) and neomycin (an antibiotic) allows you to quickly eliminate inflammatory and infectious processes, as well as relieve the main symptoms of thrush: itching and swelling. The interaction of the constituent components allows not only to get rid of thrush - thanks to the neomycin in the composition, it is able to destroy the growth of bacteria. This is important when candidiasis is accompanied by a bacterial infection.

Pimafukort cream for the treatment of thrush acts only on the surface of the skin, absorption is minimal, but it must be taken into account that in damaged areas it penetrates well into the body. The method of application is to apply to candida-affected lesions up to 4 times a day for 14 days. Prohibited for use in people with skin manifestations of syphilis, tuberculosis, roseacea, ichthyosis, skin cancer and acne.

Side effects: thinning of the skin, the appearance of spider veins and stretch marks, excess hair growth in places uncharacteristic for women. The cream is highly effective, fully copes with its function, but at the same time expensive - 520 rubles for 15 grams, but this price fully corresponds to its quality. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using this medication.

Pimafucin cream

The active ingredient of this drug, natamycin, is useful for skin infections and manifestations of the fungus that causes candidiasis on the mucous membranes. It is also used for any fungal skin infections, the list of which includes atrophic and acute pseudomembrane candidiasis, fungal infections after long-term antibacterial hormonal therapy or taking cytostatics. Women are recommended to apply the cream to the affected external genitalia, the procedure is carried out 2 times a day, the course duration is up to 3 weeks. This drug is equally safe for both pregnant and nursing mothers.

Treatment with vaginal suppositories (suppositories)

The most popular drug for treating thrush in women is suppositories (candles). The mechanism of their action is based on the fact that medicinal substances act locally on the vaginal mucosa. This leads to the destruction of pathogenic cells (fungi), relief of inflammation and reduction of discomfort in the vagina.

Vaginal suppositories for thrush are prescribed for severe and chronic candidiasis. The drug is prescribed by a gynecologist after completing a course of examination:

• Urine and blood tests.
• Bacterial culture, in order to determine the sensitivity of fungi to a specific agent.

If the patient does not consult a specialist at the first signs of candidiasis, but self-medicates, this will lead to the infection becoming chronic and disrupting the microflora inside the vagina.

How are vaginal suppositories used?

The local drug, available in the form of suppositories, is used as follows:

• The suppositories should be placed deep into the vagina. After the procedure, it is better to take a horizontal position, otherwise the medicine will leak out and the therapeutic effect will not last long. Therefore, gynecologists recommend placing candles immediately before bedtime.
• Treatment with vaginal suppositories during menstruation is contraindicated. The exceptions are suppositories: Zalain, Iodoxide, Sertacanazole and Betadine.
• During treatment, underwear should not be tight and the material should be natural.
• You need to perform hygienic care every day, preferably twice a day. After each procedure, change your underwear.
• It is better to avoid using panty liners.
• An intimate hygiene product should not contain fragrances or other components that can aggravate the clinical picture.

Classification of suppositories depending on the duration of treatment

One antifungal drug can cure thrush in 1 day, another does it in a week. Based on this principle, candles are divided into:

• A quick remedy is Lomexin and Zalain. They help eliminate the disease after a one-day course.
• Remedy for a 3-day course: Pimafucin, Livarop and Gino-Pevaril.
• Weekly and two-week courses: Nystatin, Ginesol, Clotrimazole, Terzhinan, Polizhanx and Irunin.

Gynecologists, based on their clinical observations, note that the most effective suppositories for women are : Fluconazole , Nystatin, Clotrimazole, Pimafucin and Ketoconazole.