Research, carried out at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland and presented at the Society for General Microbiology's conference, found that coconut oil combated a number of different skin and mouth bacteria as well as the yeast that causes both oral and genital thrush. In this blog, you will find out how to treat thrush with coconut oil along with thrush prevention methods.
Coconut oil may be the answer in how to treat thrush
The scientists concluded that it was the breaking down of the fatty coconut oil by the enzymes that then turn into acids which are active and effective against bacteria. A 2007 study also found that a particular strain of yeast was the most susceptible to concentrated coconut oil. Suggesting that coconut oil should be used in the treatment of particular fungal conditions.
How to use coconut oil to treat thrush:
- Pure, organic coconut oil is best to use for when treating thrush. Apply the coconut oil straight from the jar to the infected area.
- For thrush in the mouth, gurgle 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil for around 15-20 minutes and then spit it out. Try not to eat or drink anything for at least half an hour after.
- For vaginal thrush, apply coconut oil to a clean tampon and leave in for no longer than 8 hours.
Thrush is more common than you might think
Believe it or not, vaginal thrush is one of the most common reasons why women consult their doctors. It is a yeast infection caused by a fungus called Candida albicans, which can be found inside the mouth, bowel or vagina. Most of the time it does no harm at all, however when it multiplies and causes an infection, it can become a problem.
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menstruation and an unbalanced diet are common triggers. Symptoms can include internal and external itching of the vagina, white discharge, inflammation and subsequent redness and in some cases pinpoint bleeding.
Thrush Prevention Methods
You may know how to treat thrush, however it’s useful to know how to prevent yourself from getting thrush. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take for thrush prevention.
1. Avoid tight underwear
Try to avoid tight jeans or trousers, tights and nylon underwear, as yeast thrives in warm, moist areas. Any clothing that limits the circulation of air around the body will make infection more likely and will aggravate the condition once it has been established. Wear skirts, stockings or socks and cotton underwear whenever possible.
2. Avoid perfumed body washes
Wash carefully every day but avoid perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants, disinfectants, and bubble baths. Anything that may irritate or inflame the skin makes thrush more likely, especially if the skin is scratched.
3. Avoid certain foods
As far as diet is concerned, try to cut down on fats, sugars and refined foods as these could aggravate any infection. Do eat plenty of vegetables, pulses and whole grains as these will help to restore the normal bacteria in the digestive tract. You could also take an acidophilus supplement. Acidophilus is a species of friendly bacteria that helps to prevent the overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria and candida. It can be taken orally in the form of acidophilus yoghurt or in capsules or powder.
Final Thoughts from Skin Shop...
If you think you may have thrush, consult your doctor before trying coconut oil to treat the infection. It is important to note that you need to confirm you have a yeast infection and not something else. Or, if you have never had thrush before, talk to your doctor about using coconut oil as treatment. If you found this blog helpful, check out our other blogs for more skincare advice.
