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Itching with thrush
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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One of the most common complaints that gynecologists have to deal with is itching due to thrush. This is a very unpleasant phenomenon that causes discomfort, irritation, redness in the genital area and is quite difficult to treat. However, it is not only possible to fight this problem, but it is also necessary.
Can there be itching with thrush?
Itching is quite common with thrush. This is due to the fact that during thrush, the mucous membrane is irritated, which leads to redness, itching, and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Thrush most often affects women, since this is facilitated by the features of the anatomical structure of the female genital organs, as well as some physiological features of the body.
Itching is caused by profuse discharge, intensive development of fungal and bacterial infection, which progresses against the background of reduced immunity, and the development of the inflammatory process that accompanies thrush.
Causes thrush
The main reason for the development of thrush, and accordingly, itching, is the development of a fungal infection. It is the main etiological factor that triggers the inflammatory process. Fungal infection usually develops against the background of reduced immunity and disrupted microbiocenosis.
Thus, dysbacteriosis acts as one of the factors that disrupts the condition of the mucous membrane and microflora. Dysbacteriosis can occur if representatives of normal microflora die and their place is taken by representatives of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.
Antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy can become the factor that acts as a trigger mechanism that contributes to the development of microflora disorders. Also, the cause can be a violation of the normal state of the endocrine system, a violation of the hormonal background, a decrease in the state of the immune system.
Most often, thrush, and itching, as one of its symptoms, most often occurs in women. This is due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the female body, the characteristics of the immune system, and the hormonal background of the female body. In men, thrush is observed much less often. It is necessary to take into account that the microflora is dynamic and changeable, since the vaginal microflora is mostly determined by the hormonal background of the woman's body. The nature of the microflora changes and largely depends on the state of the body. This provides selective advantages in the biotope to various forms of microorganisms that are currently more adapted.
The basis of the biotope of the female reproductive system is represented by vaginal biovariants of saccharolytic microorganisms, united under the term "Doderlein". During the development of these microorganisms, a large amount of lactic acid is formed. Such an environment prevents the colonization of the biotope by acid-sensitive microorganisms, therefore the species composition of the biocenosis is quite uniform. Basically, the vaginal microflora includes lactic acid lactobacilli.
They are the basis of the vaginal microflora and make up to 97%.
Due to various reasons, such as antibiotic treatment, long-term colds and infectious diseases, a violation of normal microflora may occur. As a result, the number of lactobacilli decreases, and their place is taken by other organisms that are pathogenic or opportunistic. They can cause the disease. Quite often, it is a fungal infection that causes thrush and itching.
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Risk factors
The risk group includes people who suffer from frequent colds and infectious diseases. Also, the likelihood of thrush appears significantly higher in people who take antibiotics, undergo chemotherapy, and take certain medications.
People with reduced immunity, hormonal imbalances, and dysbacteriosis are also at risk. The risk also increases for people who eat poorly and have a lack of vitamins and microelements. Frequent changes of sexual partners, the presence of sexually transmitted infections, impaired mucous membranes, active and latent infections, and immunodeficiencies also contribute to the appearance of thrush. Allergies can cause itching.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis is based on the disruption of normal microflora, disruption of immunity, disruption of the normal state of the mucous membranes of the genitals. As a result, the synthesis of immunoglobulins is disrupted. The amount of microflora decreases: the amount of normal flora decreases and the amount of opportunistic and pathogenic flora increases significantly. This leads to the development of an inflammatory process, the progression of microflora disorders.
Symptoms
The itch can usually be described as burning. There is also a burning sensation and redness. The itch is especially intense at night. It gets stronger in the evening, and usually decreases by the morning. The itch also gets easier after washing the perineum with warm water and soap. It is better to use regular toilet soap without fragrances and dyes. Baby soap is good.
Itching and burning with thrush, unbearable itching with thrush
This is a fairly common phenomenon that accompanies thrush, especially in the later stages. It should be noted that itching and burning intensify at night. Unbearable itching is noted if a fungal infection has appeared and the degree of invasion is quite high.
Itching is caused by microflora disorders. Thus, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli should be presented as a basis. They form the main, normal microflora. There is also optional microflora, which is represented by opportunistic forms. Their level should not reach 3-4%. There are up to 20 types of opportunistic pathogens in the vagina, which are activated when immunity decreases, and, accordingly, cause the development of dysbacteriosis.
Itching occurs when the number of microorganisms such as eubacteria, clostridia, peptococci, and velionella increases. Itching usually develops when their number exceeds 104 CFU/ml. Normally, the number of these microorganisms should not exceed 103 CFU/ml.
Severe itching with thrush
Thrush can be accompanied by severe itching, especially if the cause of the inflammatory and infectious process is a fungal infection. Optimal conditions are created for the development of a fungal infection: a specific environment that causes irritation and itching in a person. Also, the mucous membranes contain metabolic products of microorganisms, as well as toxins that cause intoxication.
Itching of the labia and vagina with thrush
Thrush is often accompanied by itching of the genitals. This is caused by an inflammatory process, disruption of normal microflora, and the addition of an infection. Quite often, the etiological factor is a fungal infection. Treatment and comprehensive diagnostics are required. Most often, bacteriological research and virological tests are carried out. Homeopathic remedies are often used.
Thrush is often accompanied by itching and inflammation. Itching develops against the background of dysbacteriosis, immune system disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Itching can be eliminated by using various external agents, as well as internal remedies. In this case, complex treatment is necessary, which includes medication, folk remedies, homeopathy, as well as physiotherapy, massage, and exercise therapy. Relaxation methods are very helpful. Good nutrition is required for recovery.
Itching of the anus with thrush
Itching occurs if the infection progresses and spreads from the vagina and genital area to the anus. In this case, an inflammatory process develops. The infection can rise upwards, so intestinal inflammation can develop as a complication. If itching in the anus occurs, you should consult a proctologist who will prescribe the necessary treatment. It is also necessary to undergo parallel treatment with a gynecologist, which will allow you to quickly stop the inflammation. Antifungal drugs are effective. The most well-known drug is fluconazole or fluconase.
Itching and swelling with thrush
Edema against the background of thrush and itching develops rarely, however, such a phenomenon is not excluded. Edema can be caused by an inflammatory reaction, an incorrectly selected drug, a negative reaction to bacterial and antifungal infections. In case of severe edema, antihistamine and antiallergic therapy is used.
Thrush and itching during pregnancy
Thrush often accompanies pregnancy. Every second woman faces this problem during pregnancy. This is due to natural anatomical and physiological mechanisms that develop during pregnancy. The pathogenesis is based on a violation of the mucous membrane, changes in hormonal levels, and decreased immunity. Due to the "estrogen explosion", pregnancy is the optimal period for the formation of vaginal flora - lactobacilli, bifido- and propionobacteria. According to available data, the third trimester of pregnancy is the most favorable.
All this leads to the fact that the natural microflora of the urogenital tract is disrupted, the protective and compensatory capabilities of the vaginal microflora are reduced. As a result, a fungal and bacterial infection develops, and an inflammatory process begins. Severe inflammation is usually accompanied by itching. The stronger the itching, the more severe the inflammatory process develops.
Usually, in such a case, diagnostics are required, based on the results of which the appropriate treatment is prescribed. Microflora analysis during pregnancy is very important, since it is the woman who determines what the microflora of the future child will be. Microorganisms contained in the vagina and birth canal seed the skin of the child at the moment of birth, and are its primary microflora, on the basis of which further microbiocenosis is formed.
Therefore, thrush must be treated. It is necessary to get rid of thrush before childbirth. Most often, antibacterial or antifungal therapy is prescribed. Immunostimulating therapy may be required. The drugs should be selected by a doctor, caution must be exercised, since the drug can harm not only the mother, but also the child.
Itching with thrush without discharge
Thrush, accompanied by itching and without discharge, occurs much less frequently. A similar picture is observed in women of reproductive age. It can be determined based on the results of studies. It is advisable to conduct a bacteriological culture, a study for dysbacteriosis. These results will allow you to determine the quantitative and qualitative indicators of microorganisms, and select the optimal treatment in the required concentration.
The cause is most often a general disturbance of the microflora, against which the number of opportunistic flora increases, in particular, the number of Candida fungi. Quantitative and qualitative analysis can be obtained by a screening method, for example, the femoflor screen method. Using this method, it is possible to diagnose the presence, severity and nature of the imbalance in the microflora. The analysis has certain indications, in particular, it should be carried out when planning a pregnancy, when it is impossible to get pregnant, multiple miscarriages, miscarriages, before planned gynecological surgical interventions. The study is also carried out for prevention in order to timely detect and correct disturbances in the normal microbiocenosis.
The material for the study is a scraping of epithelial cells from the vagina, urethra, and cervical canal. The optimal option for women is femoflor 8, 16, and femoflor screen. Many specialists choose femoflor screen, since this method is universal and allows identifying simultaneously existing microbiocenosis disorders, as well as determining STIs (if any). In accordance with the results of this analysis, appropriate treatment is prescribed, which will help eliminate itching with thrush and other symptoms.
How long does it take for the itching from thrush to go away?
The duration of the disease depends on the person's immunity and the state of their microflora. The effectiveness of therapy and the correct selection of drugs also play a certain role. If antibacterial therapy or antifungal agents are used, it may take from 1 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the condition.
Thus, fluconazole can be taken in a course of 1 to 3 days.
In a mild form of the disease, or to prevent itching, one tablet is enough. A more severe form requires 3 to 5 days. If the disease is severe or progressing, 2 courses may be required, with intervals of 3-7 days. It may take 10 to 14 days. If you use local anti-inflammatory drugs, the course of treatment may be accelerated.
Treatment thrush
There are various ways to relieve itching associated with thrush. In addition to traditional therapy, which must be strictly followed, you can also use some folk or homeopathic remedies.
How to relieve and get rid of itching due to thrush?
Here are some folk recipes that allow you to quickly and effectively get rid of itching with thrush. Various herbal decoctions can be used as a compress. To prepare a decoction, take about 2-3 tablespoons of the plant substance per 2-3 glasses of boiling water. For example, sage, valerian, lavender are used.
Sage is used in the form of decoctions and infusions. The tops of the shoots with leaves and flowers are used. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is also used to treat colds, infectious and viral diseases, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. It softens irritated mucous membranes, eliminates itching, heals wounds, and soothes. It promotes recovery after severe infectious diseases. Eliminates abscesses, furuncles, and ulcers. It is also used externally in the form of compresses, for rubbing, dousing, medicinal baths, inhalations, and lotions. Eliminates inflammation of the mucous membrane.
Valerian officinalis is one of the most widely used means of traditional medicine and phytotherapy. It is used to treat nervous, endocrine diseases, colds, muscle weakness, and normalizes the immune system. It relieves symptoms of intoxication, headaches, and increases the body's defenses. It can alleviate the condition of such severe diseases, normalizes the immune system, normalizes the microflora, eliminates dysbacteriosis, and helps eliminate fungal and bacterial infections. It soothes the nervous system and eliminates fatigue.
Lavender officinalis is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, strengthens the body, eliminates symptoms of intoxication. Often used for inflammation of the oral mucosa. Reduces temperature, especially at high temperatures. Has an antimicrobial effect, effective against both bacteria and viruses, and even fungal infections.
How to relieve itching due to thrush at home?
At home, you can easily get rid of itching by using various herbal decoctions. The most effective are anti-inflammatory and anti-infective herbs. Also, if necessary, you can use diaphoretic, antipyretic agents. It is desirable that they have an antifungal effect and stimulate the immune system. Itching with thrush can be relieved by washing several times a day with a herbal decoction. You can also use lotions and compresses.
Itching can be treated with medications, folk remedies, homeopathy. There are many recipes that allow you to quickly and effectively get rid of itching. Let's consider the most effective and fast-acting recipes.
- Recipe No. 1.
An ointment based on baby cream helps to eliminate itching and irritation. It acts gently, easily, softening the skin, moisturizing it. To prepare the ointment, you will need 100 grams of pure baby cream, which does not contain fragrances or dyes. Place the cream in a small bowl, add 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil, eucalyptus, since these oils have an antiseptic effect, reduce inflammation and infection. Apply to irritated areas as itching and redness appear. After the itching has completely disappeared, it is necessary to apply the product for at least another week three times a day.
- Recipe No. 2.
For external use and application to affected areas, a homemade ointment is also used. To prepare, take 100 grams of sour cream. Then mix the ointment with honey (about 50 grams). Also add a third of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and mix thoroughly. It is necessary to obtain a homogeneous mass. Apply three times a day as a compress or as an ointment.
- Recipe No. 3.
To eliminate itching, use a lotion. It is applied to the irritated areas as itching appears. To prepare the lotion, you need to take pure aloe juice. Take juicy aloe leaves and squeeze out the juice. You will need about 150 ml of pure juice. After the juice is squeezed out, you need to let it stand for half an hour.
Prevention
The essence of prevention is to prevent the development of dysbacteriosis, bacterial and fungal infections. To do this, it is necessary to maintain immunity at a sufficient level. The mucous membrane should also be healthy and have high colonization resistance. This means that the body should have a normal microbiocenosis with a predominance of lactobacilli. It can be checked using special tests. If it is necessary to correct the microflora, individually selected treatment is prescribed. It may include probiotics, prebiotics, as well as special nutrition, diet, vitamins, microelements.
It is important to follow a daily routine, adhere to sanitary and hygienic requirements, spend enough time in the fresh air, engage in physical exercise, and do breathing and relaxation exercises.
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Forecast
If you treat the itching associated with thrush in a timely manner, you can get rid of it quite quickly. Relapses are usually not observed. In most cases, the itching goes away within a few days, sometimes it takes up to 7-10 days for treatment. If you ignore the symptoms, the disease will progress, its generalization is possible, in which internal organs are affected, new foci of infection develop.