Vaginal Thrush Flashcards
What are 5 symptoms of vaginal thrush?
- Itch
- Sore/burning
- Painful urination
- Thick creamy, white discharge
- No odour
Does vaginal thrush require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 11 red flags for referral with vaginal thrush?
- Recurrent episodes (≥4 cases per year)
- Diabetics or HIV patients
- OTC treatment failure (1 course)
- Women under 16 and over 60 years of age
- First-time symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Systemic symptoms
- Suspected STI
- Recent IUD insertion
- Pregnancy
Does vaginal thrush have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Thrush)
What is the preferred treatment option for vaginal thrush?
Clotrimazole 10mg/g cream (Canesten 6 Day Cream)
What are the directions for Clotrimazole 10mg/g cream (Canesten 6 Day Cream) in vaginal thrush?
Adults over 18 years: Insert 1 applicatorful into the vagina daily at bedtime for 6 nights.
What is 1 non-preferred option for vaginal thrush and why?
- Fluconazole 150mg capsule (Diflucan): unsafe in pregnancy, risk of drug-drug interactions.
Is Clotrimazole 10mg/g cream (Canesten 6 Day Cream) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is Clotrimazole 10mg/g cream (Canesten 6 Day Cream) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Clotrimazole 10mg/g cream (Canesten 6 Day Cream)?
Safe in adults over 18 years.
What are 11 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for vaginal thrush?
- Use a pH balanced soap substitute, rather than soap, to clean the genital area.
- Dry the genital area gently but thoroughly after showering or bathing.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.
- Avoid wearing pantyhose, tight pants or tight underwear.
- Avoid having intercourse during an episode of vaginal thrush.
- Avoid local irritants for example, perfumed soaps, bath oils etc.
- Avoid using tampons, powders or deodorants during episodes of vaginal thrush.
- If treatment coincides with a menstrual period, use sanitary pads instead of tampons during therapy.
- Wipe from front to back when going to the toilet.
- Ensure any underlying medical conditions (for example, diabetes) are well controlled
- For topical treatments, wear sanitary pads as the creams may leak out
How should you advise patients to insert vaginal applicators?
When using applicators, do not push against resistance (especially in pregnancy)
Is vaginal thrush sexually-transmitted?
No (therefore treatment of sexual partner is not needed)
What is a risk of vaginal thrush related to sex?
Vaginal thrush treatments can weaken condoms and diaphragms
What time of the day are vaginal creams and pessaries best used?
At night, just before going to bed
