Is Thrush Contagious?

So as I was saying, the fungi Candida albicans is responsible for the onset of this condition known as thrush. This happens when there is an overgrowth of this species of fungi in the body. Skin, the genitals and even the digestive tract are affected by this condition. Nursing mothers may develop this fungal infection on their breasts and their babies, on their mouth. This illness, also known as Candidiasis or Moniliasis usually occurs in two types, viz., mouth infections (oral thrush) or vaginal infection (vaginal thrush).

Can Thrush Be Transmitted from One Person to Another?

Now speaking of whether thrush is contagious or not, everyone has their own supply of Candida albicans, as it is a normal part of our body microflora. So, technically, thrush is not a contagious disease. However, coming in contact with a person suffering from the infection may simply add up to the number of fungi in your own body and this may be enough to give you thrush. So acts like kissing won't make you catch thrush. However, the overgrowth of the fungi in the affected person's mouth can cause an overgrowth of the same in your mouth too. That is the reason why, people with strong immune system do not easily contract thrush.

Oral Thrush

The Candida albicans have their presence in the oral cavity and it is a necessity. These organisms restrict the growth of other harmful bacteria in the mouth. However, when certain factors trigger the growth of these fungi to reach to an abnormal level, then there is the occurrence of what is known as oral thrush. Symptoms of oral thrush include occurrence of creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums and even tonsils. Apart from pain, the lesions may start bleeding when being rubbed or scraped. Other symptoms are cracking at the mouth corners, loss of taste and a kind of cottony sensation in the mouth.

Oral thrush can develop in anyone, however, those who have a compromised immune system are more susceptible to it. People who are prone to develop this infection from others are the ones who have diabetes, cancer, AIDS, etc. Infants, people who wear dentures or are on medications such as antibiotics and those who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, are also open to a high risk of developing this Candida infection. Dentists should have proper covering on their hands, so as to minimize any risks of any transmission of the infection.

Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal thrush is also caused due to the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal area. Due to the warm, moist and airless environment in the vaginal area, it becomes a common site for the infection to occur. Here, the symptoms which prevail are itching, burning, soreness, pain when urinating, pain or discomfort during sex, swelling of the vagina and vulva (outer area of the vagina) and a yeasty-smelling discharge.

Indulging in oral sex with a partner and having vaginal thrush can harbor the risk of contracting oral thrush. It can be easily spread by unprotected contact with overgrown yeast in the infected area.

Treatment of thrush depends on the age of the patient, and the cause of the infection. Those who are otherwise healthy, usually do well by having unsweetened yogurt, and acidophilus capsules or liquid. However, people with a compromised immune systems are prescribed with antifungal medicines.