How well do you understand thrush?
For each of the following scenarios think about what you have learnt on this website and how you would deal with each customer. Then read through the suggestions below and answer the questions. Discuss your answers with your pharmacist.
Customer 1
A healthy teenage girl wants to buy a cream for thrush. From her body language she is highly embarrassed.
WHO IS THE CREAM FOR?
The cream is for the teenager and you determine she is 18.
If the customer was under 16 years then she would need to be referred to the pharmacist.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
She recognises her symptoms as thrush as she had it diagnosed by her doctor last year and was advised to use the cream. Because the girl is embarrassed and she has been previously diagnosed, you can keep questions to a minimum. There is no need to ask her for a description of her symptoms, but you should ask her if the symptoms are the same as before and if there are no further symptoms.
HOW LONG HAS SHE HAD THE THRUSH SYMPTOMS FOR?
She has just woken up with the symptoms that morning.
WHAT ACTION HAS SHE ALREADY TAKEN?
She has not used any thrush treatments yet.
WHAT OTHER MEDICATION IS SHE TAKING?
You ask if she has recently taken any medicines such as antibiotics. She replies no.
Try to use these questions as part of your conversation with the customer and don't make it sound like an interrogation.
QUESTION: Do you think an external cream is the best treatment option for this teenage girl? What other treatment would you recommend and why?
Customer 2
A 32-year old woman who has had thrush in the past wants a product containing an external and internal cream such as Canesten Combi. There are several customers waiting to be served.
WHO IS THE COMBINATION PRODUCT FOR?
Since the treatment is for this lady you will need to establish if she is pregnant. If this is the case she will need to be referred to the pharmacist.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Quietly and discreetly, you should ask her if the symptoms are the same as before and ensure there are no further symptoms.
HOW LONG HAS SHE HAD THE THRUSH SYMPTOMS FOR?
She has had the symptoms for a couple of days but before that it was over 12 months ago. If a customer has had more than two bouts within the past six months they need to be referred to the pharmacist.
WHAT ACTION HAS SHE ALREADY TAKEN?
She has tried to wear loose cotton underwear but has not tried any treatments for thrush yet.
WHAT OTHER MEDICATION IS SHE TAKING?
You ask if she has recently taken any medicines such as antibiotics. She replies no.
QUESTIONS: What treatment would you recommend she uses? What about her partner? Could he be infected? If so, what would you recommend for him?
Click here for the Canesten Combi Pessary & Cream prescribing information