The treatment of thrush aims to reduce or temporarily eradicate candida from the vagina. Note the word 'temporarily' €“ since candida occurs naturally throughout the body, it can never be permanently eradicated. This is why thrush may recur.

The most common method of treatment is to use an antifungal agent such as clotrimazole. There are various delivery methods, and customers will have their own individual preferences. A pessary containing 500mg of the drug is normally enough to clear up the infection. A vaginal cream containing 10% w/w clotrimazole can also be effective. Combination packs containing a pessary or vaginal cream to treat the infection plus an external cream to soothe the itching are also available. Examples: Canesten Soft Gel Pessary Combi, Care Clotrimazole Cream 1%.

The pessary or vaginal cream should be used at night, just before going to bed. The topical cream should be applied to the external areas of the genitals twice a day for about three days to ensure successful treatment.

Another treatment option, which many customers find convenient and less invasive, is an oral capsule containing fluconazole. The capsule is taken in a single dose. Possible side effects include nausea; abdominal pain; flatulence; headache and diarrhoea. It should not be used in pregnancy. Example: Canesten Oral Capsule.