Another question about thrush

[Helms]

Can anyone share their experiences with me? I was diagnosed with thrush and eventually given Daktarin cream for me and Daktarin gel for my little one. This seems to have stopped all the toe curling latching on pains and also the after pains; the problem is the skin on the areola remains quite pink and sensitive. (seemed to be better a few days ago but a bit sore again now) Is this just the "after effects" of the thrush or does it mean it is still active? We are still using the cream/ gel but wonder if I do need something else prescribing. Have had latch/ positioning checked several times at bf support group and been told all fine.

If you have had thrush, was your skin completely healed at the end of the treatment or did it take longer? I am so pleased to have got rid of those awful pains: just need to sort the sensitivity out now.

Many thanks

Sorry to be a downer here but if you were actually having after pains (i.e. had ductal thrush) is very very unlikely that daktarin cream would have taken care of it entirely and it is likely it is still active.
You ideally need to have an oral treatment prescribed like fluconazole. I would give the breastfeeding network helpline a ring as they are very good on thrush treatment. Or their thrush leaflet is available online with advice for asking your doctor for fluconazole. If you don't feel that is necessary just yet then I would at least get hold of some lacto acidophilus (refrigerator in the health food shop - don't bother with those sold at room temp) and perhaps some grapefruit seed extract if you can afford it.

Have you been exposing nipples to air when you can? Washing bras at more than 40 degrees? Towels and muslins too? You can also use a vinegar rinse on laundry before it goes in the machine.

Some also swear by taking the lacto acidophilus capsule and cutting it in half, then using a dab of powder to make a paste for your nipples. It's potent stuff so apply after a feed and rinse off excess before.

So to cut a long story short - I doubt you are done with thrush just yet.

You need to keeop using the creams too for at least 10 days after the pain/rash has gone. I agree with going down the fluconazole route as well as the daktarin

Thank you to all who replied!

The Daktarin has taken so much of the pain away and I felt that I was almost back to pain free breast feeding but things just aren't quite right. Have been washing everything at 60 degrees, changing pads frequently etc. Think you are all right about the fluconazole. The task now is to get the GP to prescribe it.(have asked before). Will go armed with BFN leaflet. Wish me luck

I found La Leche thrush info leaflet really helpful and took Grapefruit seed extract tablets during and for a couple of weeks after a course of fluconazole (plus all the topical treatment for LO and me). I had been struggling with recurrent thrush symptoms for a couple of months and feel that the GSE helped. I really sympathise, breast pain is horrid, but when it gets better breastfeeding is fab, hope you're enjoying it soon. Good luck