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Thrush in men and women

Overview

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Symptoms of thrush depend on where it is on the body. It usually causes itchiness, irritation and a white discharge that looks like cottage cheese.

Thrush can usually be treated with antifungal medicine from a doctor or pharmacist. Treatment should work within 1 or 2 weeks.

There are things you can do to ease thrush, such as keeping the areas clean and dry, not using soap on the area, and wearing cotton underwear.

You’re more likely to get thrush if your skin is irritated or damaged, you're taking antibiotics or you have poorly controlled diabetes.

Thrush is a yeast (fungal) infection that can affect the vagina, penis and skin.

Page last reviewed: 28/07/2023
Next review due: 28/07/2026