If you usually end up uncomfortable ‘down below’ after a holiday, you’re not the only one. Many people experience the telltale itchiness and discomfort associated with vaginal thrush. Some will get it regularly, perhaps related to their menstrual cycle or after a course of antibiotics. And while this intimate fungal infection can strike at any point in any year, it may be more common in the summer.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. The natural balance of fungi and bacteria in the vagina may become unbalanced due to exposure to chlorine in swimming pools and sitting for long periods in wet swimwear, which can cause irritation. Vaginal thrush can lead to an increased amount of discharge, which may be thick and creamy coloured, sometimes being described as like cottage cheese.
If you do have symptoms of thrush then treatments are available from a pharmacy. These include vaginal creams and pessaries, as well as oral tablets and external creams for the vulva.
If an over-the-counter treatment is not effective, then seek advice from a healthcare professional. Sometimes, longer courses of treatment are needed.
Heard of thrush home remedies? Many of them involve foodstuffs, such as yogurt and garlic or vinegar, or other substances, such as tea tree oil. But while tempting to try (especially if you are in pain), they’re usually not effective and can actually cause further irritation and harm, so are best avoided. If you are away on holiday, find a local pharmacy and try to discuss the situation to see if they have treatments available.
Denne historien er fra August 08, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 08, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.