So you’ve heard all about Sexually Transmitted Infections and learnt about Fungal Infections but most people hardly think about Thrush as a common fungal infection. Well it is guys and gals. Not just that but it is the most common fungal infection around!

Thrush is an overgrowth of a yeast (fungus) called "candida". This can usually be found on the skin, in the stomach, colon, rectum, and more commonly in the mouth and throat, or in and around the vagina.

Sounds nasty but it isn’t that bad as it is very common and can be picked up easily.

It may not actually need treatment if it is causing no symptoms. However it is better to check it out than leave it and it will definitely need treatment if it is itchy, there is a rash and/or discharge. A GP we spoke to said that the majority of doctor's won't examine but will prescibe the treatment you ned to get rid of it (described below). However, on rare occasions yeast can also grow in the blood and cause a very serious infection.

As the main types of thrush occur in the mouth and throat and around the vagina, we’ll stick to the facts about these areas; be warned now if eating then finish your food first. Although the infection is common and not immediately life threatening it’s not the nicest of things to be hearing about.

Anyway, you’ve had your warning so here we go…

In the mouth, thrush looks like creamy white patches or small red spots on the tongue, roof of the mouth, gums or throat. Crusting on the corners of the mouth is also a common symptom. Oral thrush can make it difficult or painful to swallow and can also cause chest pain. It can cause nausea and make your food taste different…nasty!

If you notice some changes to your mouth which leave it feeling uncomfortable or sore, the best thing to do is to visit your good old doctor. You doctor can usually tell if you have oral thrush by checking your mouth and throat. Once again, there is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed, as thrush is the most common infection to have. Chances are that your doctor treated someone the same as you last week!

Yep…of course! For thrush in the mouth, your doctor will probably give you a liquid medication or a tablet to dissolve in your mouth. Unfortunately, you will have to take a visit to your doctor to receive this medication, as it is not available at the chemists. This is only because it is not quite as common as vaginal thrush that us girlies suffer from!

Some changes to your diet will also help it from venturing back inside your mouth. It may help to cut down on dairy products and foods with sugar and yeast. Some people have found that eating large amounts of garlic or taking garlic pills helps your mouth…but not your breath!

There's all your facts on Oral Thrush. Now lets here about the most common infection amongst the girlies - Vaginal Thrush.

Read the following for info:

• STI's: The Facts

• Vaginal Thrush.

• Table of the Major STI's

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