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Bathing

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When you are prone to thrush, bubble baths and soaks are not recommended. They have anti-bacterial properties and are often very alkaline. So they disrupt the vaginal microbiome and create the perfect conditions for thrush to proliferate. ​

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Epsom salts are a much safer option as they are antimicrobial - they'll stop the thrush proliferating as much as the bacteria. 

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Feminine cleaners/ Soaps/ douches

 

Vulva dermatologists and gynaecologists alike have one principle when it comes to vaginal hygiene: just wash with water. The vagina is self-cleansing and you risk doing more harm than good putting any cleaning products in the area. 

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Basic vulva care measures recommended by the British Society of Dermatology are as follows:

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• The skin of the vulva is sensitive and can be easily irritated by everyday products, including panty liners, soap, bubble baths, shower gels, talcum powder, cleansing wipes and feminine hygiene wipes, perfumes, deodorants, antiseptics, fragranced washing powders and fabric conditioners.

• Avoid using any of the irritant products listed above on the vulva.

• Do not wash the vulva too often (once a day is usually enough) as washing too often may aggravate dryness and cause irritation.

• Apply an unscented emollient (moisturising) ointment, cream or lotion regularly to soothe, protect and act as a barrier. Example emollients include:

  • Cetraben cream and or ointment

  • Hydramol cream and or ointment

  • E45 cream

  • Diprobase cream

• If shampoos and shower gels irritate the vulva during showering you can apply your emollient before having a bath or shower to prevent the skin from coming into contact with these products.

• You may find it more comfortable to wear loose fitting 100% cotton underwear and avoid tight fitting clothing such as tights, jeans or leggings.

• Sleep without underwear.

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Tampons, pads, mooncups, period underwear

 

Period products can all potentially increase your risk of thrush although in many women it seems to have a negligible effect. 

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It's important to note your period itself can increase your risk of thrush by changing the pH of your vagina and making it more alkaline. This is less favourable for good bacteria in your vaginal microbiome (lactobacilli) and so some consultants will advise using birth control, see Birth Control section. 

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Mooncup is the least likely to remove healthy bacteria from the microbiome as long as it's sterilised between uses.

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Tampons risk withdrawing healthy bacteria and if not changed often, can lead to a buildup of moisture. But when changed regularly, they do soak up the blood and remove moisture, which could help with restricting candida growth. So it's a mixed picture. 

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Sanitary pads can contain chemicals which irritate the delicate vulva skin, independent of your period. The moisture collected on the pad itself can increase the risk of thrush infection. The high PH of the blood in the vaginal canal can also increase the risk of a thrush infection. 

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Period underwear are a fairly new invention, so there's virtually no independent peer-reviewed research to say whether they increase or decrease your risk of thrush. As long as they're keeping you fairly dry and being changed frequently, they're likely to be safe. Again it's a mixed picture and women should learn how their body responds and adjust accordingly.