Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

200 • SERIOUS AILMENTSCANDIDIASISCandidiasis, or thrush, is a low-grade infection caused by Candida albicans, a fungusthat lives in warm, moist conditions, and thrives if the immune system is at a low ebb.It mainly affects the vagina, in up to 50 percent of women in the developed world,even if there are no symptoms. It may also affect the mouth, digestive tract, and skin.Symptoms• Thick, white discharge from the vagina,possibly with itching and discomfort onpassing urine. In men, candidiasis causesinflammation of the head of the penis.• Yellowish white, raised patches on thelining of the mouth. If the digestive tractis affected, symptoms include indigestion,nausea, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea,constipation, and itching of the anus.• In babies, inflamed type of diaper rash.• Other associated symptoms include a skinrash, aches and pains, recurrent sore throat,dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.CausesCandida albicans is normally present in thevagina and often in the mouth, but is keptunder control by bacteria. Some drugs, such asantibiotics, interfere with this. Candidiasis mayflare up if the immune system is compromised,as in AIDS, or if there are metabolic problems,such as diabetes. Oral contraceptives andimmunosuppressive and progestogen drugs alsoencourage it to proliferate. Local factors mayaffect its growth (see Lifestyle).Conventional careCandida albicans can be identified in themouth or genitals from swabs, but there is asyet no definitive test for the digestive tract. Itis treated with antifungal drugs. These comeas suppositories for the vagina or as creamsfor applying to the vulva or penis. There areoral drops for the mouth.Homeopathic medicineHomeopathy is most effective in treatingcandidiasis in the genitals. A practitioner willstudy the reason for the proliferation of thebacteria. Choice of constitutional remedy willdepend upon individual symptoms (see page18), and especially the characteristics of thevaginal discharge. Arsen. alb. is prescribedfor a burning, offensive-smelling dischargeassociated with inflammation; and Graphites fora profuse, thin, white discharge associated withinflammation. Medorrhinum is given for a fishysmellingdischarge that feels as though it isstripping the skin off the vagina; while Merc. sol.is indicated for inflammation and bleeding ofthe vagina with a greenish discharge, and forinflammation of the penis. Nitric ac. is used totreat blisters and ulcers on the genitals.Local remedies include Lycopodium, for anirritating vaginal discharge that is worse aftermenstruation, with itching and thickeningof the vulval skin from scratching; and Carboveg., for an offensive-smelling, itchy, greenish,burning discharge that is worse for heat,and for cracking of the vulva. Kreosotum isprescribed for an offensive, sour-smellingdischarge that stains underwear, with sorenessand burning in the vagina; and Nux vomica,for an offensive-smelling discharge, especiallyduring pregnancy, that is worse for heat, andis associated with frequent urination.LifestyleDrugs known to aggravate the conditionshould be avoided. Candida albicans thriveson sugar, so the diet should be low in refinedcarbohydrates and, if allergy to fungal productsis suspected, free of yeasts and molds.Acidophilic supplements encourage the growthof intestinal organisms to keep Candida albicansin check: garlic inhibits its growth. Regularexercise without overexertion is good.Both sexual partners should be treated.Adequate lubrication during intercourse isadvisable, using a lubricant if necessary, andcondoms will prevent the spread of infection.The vagina may benefit from an acidic doucheor the application of live yogurt; an infectedpenis may be treated with calendula ointment.Perfumed toiletries are best avoided.CAUTION• If discharge does not respond totreatment or lifestyle changes, andespecially if it is green and irritating,see a doctor within five days.• If a diaper rash becomes uncomfortable,red, and raw, consult a doctor within 48 hours.CASE HISTORYThirty-year-old Sophie had suffered fromvaginal candidiasis for eight months. Shewas also prone to eczema and urticaria.The candidiasis had been brought on bytaking oral contraceptives, and was betterfor treatment with antifungal drugs,although it usually recurred at the endof a menstrual period.PERSONAL DETAILSSophie described herself as a worrier.She did not dwell on the past, but feltangry that she was unable to find a parttimejob that fitted in with caring for herson. She was ambitious and wantedto be a high achiever, but she tendedto be untidy and disorganized.FOOD PREFERENCESSophie had a large appetite, although shedid not put on weight. She loved sweetfoods, the fat on meat, spicy foods, andalcohol. Alcohol tended to upset herdigestion, however. She disliked meat,eggs, olives, and chicken.GENERAL DETAILSSophie’s condition was worse for bathingand in bed at night. She slept throughoutthe night but woke feeling unrefreshed. Shedisliked heat and felt better in cold weather.She often experienced a fall in her level ofenergy at about 11 a.m. or if she had tostand for any length of time.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPBased on her symptoms, particularly theitching, Sophie was prescribed Sulphur,and advised to cut down on refinedcarbohydrates, to take acidophilicsupplements and garlic, and to practicerelaxation techniques, meditation, yoga,or tai chi. After a couple of months oftreatment, the candidiasis disappearedcompletely and she felt better in herself.She resolved the conflict regarding herwork and the care of her son by takinga job two days a week and finding anexcellent babysitter to look after him.Two years later Sophie had another childand was not bothered by candidiasis eitherduring the pregnancy or after the birth.She has kept to a diet that is low in refinedcarbohydrates, but has needed nofurther treatment.