Really terrible thrush. Any suggestions?

[PregnantGotCovid]

I have the worst external thrush/intertrigo of my life. All external - vulva, top of thighs, under my bump (I'm pregnant).

Gp has given me various creams but nothing has shifted it. I can't have oral medication as I'm pregnant.

It stings and itches so bady. Any suggestions about what can calm it down? Sudocreme makes it sting even worse.

Have you tried the Canesten pessary? It's safe to use in pregnancy. You can get it combined with the 2% cream and costs about £8 in most supermarkets or from a pharmacy. I'd recommend trying that. Could also try E45 anti-itch cream for your thighs and bump, it's a really gentle cream but works fantastically at stopping itching.

I understand you've been to gp but could it be threadworm? Is it worse at night?

Yes, had the pessary. Do you think the e45 can be used on the vulva area (external, not in the vagina).

I would cut out all yeast (bread, marmite, alcohol etc) and all sugar. Eat a shit loads of live yoghurt, can you see if you can take a probiotic when pregnant?

@DontGoIntoTheLongGrass

I understand you've been to gp but could it be threadworm? Is it worse at night?

Actually it is worse at night! But I've been examined and the doctor is confident it is fungal. It doesn't fit the pattern of ringworm as it started with my thighs, then spread to under the bump, then vulva.

@PregnantGotCovid

Yes, had the pessary. Do you think the e45 can be used on the vulva area (external, not in the vagina).

I can't find anything online to say not to use it on the vulva area so I can't see why it would be a problem. You could ask a pharmacist for advice if you're unsure. Another one I'd recommend is Germolene, it's an antiseptic with a local anesthetic, it's another mild but effective one, won't treat the thrush but will help with discomfort and itching.

@OverTheRainbow88

I would cut out all yeast (bread, marmite, alcohol etc) and all sugar. Eat a shit loads of live yoghurt, can you see if you can take a probiotic when pregnant?

Thanks. I eat live yoghurt and kefir daily anyway.

The last couple of weeks, I've done Monday to Friday no yeast or sugar, but had some bread and treats (eg a pudding) at the weekend. Perhaps I should extend this further to 7 days. I'm not sure I have the will power, being heavily pregnant and having Coronavirus right now. Treats at the weekend are keeping my spirits up!

@PregnantGotCovid So sorry to hear you're going through this especially being pregnant.
Bio-Kult Candea Probiotic (it has Garlic and Grapefruit extract) really helped me I went through something similar. I literally tried everything (including creams from the Gp) and nothing worked but this. I took 2 every day and eventually got relief after 3 days.

But you might want to check if it's okay to take whilst pregnant.

[quote BBS20]@PregnantGotCovid So sorry to hear you're going through this especially being pregnant.
Bio-Kult Candea Probiotic (it has Garlic and Grapefruit extract) really helped me I went through something similar. I literally tried everything (including creams from the Gp) and nothing worked but this. I took 2 every day and eventually got relief after 3 days.

But you might want to check if it's okay to take whilst pregnant.[/quote]
Thanks for your kind words.

It says on their website that it's suitable for pregnant women so I've ordered some today.

@PregnantGotCovid I hope it helps x

Natural yoghurt on the thrush. Absolutely zero sugar (i know it's hard), no soap on affected areas, just use running water in the morning and before bed, no baths and go commando with skirts - you've got to keep cool.

Have you tried wrights coal tar soap? It stinks but works great for thrush x

Thanks very much for all your suggestions.

@NeedCoffeeToSurvive the germolene has really helped for the pain. Thanks so much for the suggestion. It stings at first then really helps.

I spoke to my gp today. She thinks it's turned bacterial, hence the terrible pain. So she's prescribed me antibiotics. But of course that might make the fungal element worse. Wish me luck! The pain and itching is really bad.