What should you know about rash and yeast infection?

Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. Most people with vaginal thrush notice itching or burning, and the vulval skin may look red, swollen, sore, or cracked. Some people also have a thick, pale discharge without a strong odour. These features can overlap with irritation, eczema, bacterial imbalance, or sexually transmitted infections.

The rash may affect the outer genital skin and can worsen with friction, scented products, or moisture. Vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, and vulval pain are useful symptoms to describe during an assessment.

Keep the area dry, wash gently with lukewarm water, and avoid perfumed soaps, vaginal washes, deodorants, and tight clothing while symptoms settle. Do not scratch; pat dry after washing and choose breathable underwear.

A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether antifungal treatment for thrush is appropriate. Use treatment exactly as directed, and seek advice before self-treating if this is your first episode, you are pregnant, symptoms keep returning, or the rash is unusual.

Arrange medical assessment for severe swelling, open sores, blisters, pelvic pain, fever, bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or pain when passing urine. Seek urgent help if symptoms are rapidly worsening or you develop facial swelling or breathing difficulty after a product or medicine.

Ask what is causing the rash, whether an examination or swab is needed, which products to avoid, and how to reduce the chance of symptoms returning.