Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Thrush In Babies

Thrush refers to a type of yeast infection that develops in moist areas on the body, especially under the chin of a drooling infant or in the form of a diaper rash. Oral thrush is a common type of infection that occurs in the mouth of babies. Although the infection is very irritating and can impact a baby's daily eating and sleeping habits, it is, thankfully, treatable.

Get to know all of the details on thrush in babies, including its symptoms, causes and risk factors, options for treatment and prevention, as well as how the mothers may be impacted.

Definition

Thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis or oral thrush, is a condition characterized by the overgrowth of a yeast-shaped fungus known as Candida. Candida can normally be found in the mouth, on the skin, and in the digestive tract of healthy people in small amounts. When the balance is interrupted, the bacteria can spread and grow at an alarming rate, causing a yeast infection of the throat or mouth. An overgrowth of Candida fungus may also cause diaper rash on the inner thighs, rear end, or genitals of an infant.

Get familiar with the causes of thrush in babies next.

Causes

A thrush infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. It may be triggered by illness, new medications, or changes in the immune system. Thrush is relatively common in infants, as they possess an underdeveloped immune system that is not always capable of keeping bacteria in check. Oral thrush may also develop after the use of antibiotics because they reduce the amount of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, allowing for an overgrowth of fungus to occur.

What can increase the risk of thrush in babies? What precisely is its prevalence in the general population? Learn more about these factors next.

Risk Factors And Prevalence

We know thrush is more likely to occur in babies due to their reduced, weak immune systems. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, oral infections, and vaginal yeast infections in the mother all increase a baby's risk of developing thrush. The condition is most common in the first six months of a baby's life, but it can occur later as well. Medications that disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, also make thrush more likely to develop. Thrush is not uncommon in babies, but a doctor should be seen when symptoms are detected.

Uncover the details regarding the symptoms of oral thrush now.

Oral Thrush Symptoms

Although many babies are not bothered by thrush, some may become unsettled or have trouble feeding due to a sore mouth. Physical symptoms of oral thrush include white patches or velvety lesions that develop on the tongue, lips, roof of the mouth, on the inner cheeks and tongue, or anywhere inside a baby’s mouth. These white patches look a bit like an ulcer and do not rub off when wiped. An infant may also develop lesions or a white rash underneath the chin where milk and other fluids tend to accumulate during feeding.

Continue reading to reveal the symptoms of a thrush diaper rash next.

Thrush Diaper Rash

Thrush may occur in the form of a diaper rash on an infant’s buttocks, genitals, or inner thighs, or any area typically covered by a diaper. The moist environment of a diaper can naturally provoke an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. Babies who have oral thrush may also develop a yeast infection in their diaper area. This is because yeast passes through the digestive system from the mouth to anus and ends up in the baby’s stool where an overgrowth of bacteria easily accumulates on the skin.

Discover the symptoms linked to a yeast diaper rash now.

Symptoms Of A Yeast Diaper Rash

As there are many different types of diaper rashes, it can be hard to determine if a baby’s rash is due to thrush. Symptoms of thrush on a baby’s bottom may include a well defined and beefy red rash that occurs in scaly patches or a rash in the folds of the skin in the groin area with slightly raised borders. A thrush rash may appear rough and develop in 'satellite' lesions or with one primary rash and several spots of surrounding patches. A yeast infection will usually last for more than two days and does not respond to routine treatment.

Learn about how thrush in babies is diagnosed next.

Diagnosis

Although many cases of thrush may clear up on their own, it is a good idea to alert a doctor of thrush in babies as this can affect feeding and sleeping. Seek treatment if a yeast infection on a baby’s buttocks accompanies a fever, or if the rash includes open sores that turn yellow or start oozing pus as this can be a sign of infection. A doctor may diagnose oral thrush by taking a swab or sample of the infected tissue and looking at it under a microscope.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment must begin. Reveal the ways in which oral thrush is treated next.

Oral Thrush Treatment

There are two primary types of antifungal prescription medications available to treat oral thrush in babies: miconazole and nystatin. In most cases, miconazole is the preferred drug of choice. These medications are available in drop or gel form and can be administered using a clean finger in the baby's mouth up to four times a day. They are most effective after a baby has eaten. To help prevent the infection from returning, continue to use the medication two days after the thrush goes away.

Get the details on how a yeast diaper rash is treated next.

Yeast Diaper Rash Treatment

Most thrush diaper rashes cannot be treated using regular diaper barrier creams or ointments. Instead, a doctor may suggest using a mild corticosteroid cream or a topical anti-yeast or antifungal cream, such as nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole. These creams are available at most drug stores or pharmacies without a prescription. They can be applied to the rash two or three times a day, or whenever a diaper is changed. Some doctors recommend using a protective barrier cream over the antifungal medication for further protection.

Learn about preventing thrush in babies next.

Prevention

Keeping a baby’s mouth and bottom as dry as possible is the best way to prevent a yeast infection. However, most health professionals recommend against using cornstarch or talcum powders as these can get into a baby’s lungs if inhaled and cause breathing problems. Some experts believe cornstarch may make a diaper rash worse. Parents should gently pat the baby’s chin and mouth dry after feeding and consider letting them spend a few hours without a diaper on to let the area air out. Frequently sterilizing bottles and toys a baby puts in their mouth may also help prevent infection.

Get more information regarding hygienic practices for prevention of thrush in babies now.

Hygienic Practices For Prevention

Certain hygienic practices for prevention can greatly reduce a baby's risk of developing thrush. Rinse the baby's mouth with water regularly. Thrush is a common problem that occurs in breastfeeding mothers. Yeast can develop on the nipples, which is then transmitted to the baby's mouth during feeding. Mothers should take care to always wash their hands before feeding and regularly change their breast pads, if they wear them. Avoiding nipple creams, lotions, and ointments when possible can also reduce the risk of bacteria and fungus developing. Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial during breastfeeding, as well, and mothers who add probiotics to their diets can help to keep yeast under control.

Uncover the natural remedies associated with thrush in babies next.

Natural Remedies

Adding probiotics to a baby’s diet may help reduce the risk of them developing a yeast infection. Probiotics boost the immune system by providing 'good' bacteria in the digestive tract, which runs from the mouth to anus and can protect both ends of a baby. Applying coconut oil as a diaper rash ointment may also help improve the infection. Mothers who breastfeed should focus on a healthy diet including natural antibacterial foods such as garlic, coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract, and apple cider vinegar.

Learn about how thrush can be transmitted to the mother next.

Transmission To Mothers

Although thrush is not considered contagious in adults, transmission to mothers is quite common. In addition to mothers passing the condition to babies during breastfeeding or through touching their mouths with dirty hands, babies can also pass it to mothers from kissing. Furthermore, the yeast can be passed directly onto the nipples from the baby's mouth, which can cause itching, burning, cracking, and painful feeding. Whenever a thrush diagnosis is made, whether in mother or baby, the doctor will choose to treat them both with prescription ointments. The good news is mothers can continue to breastfeed even while using the ointment.