Oral thrush in babies, what you need to know!
Mommies! Babies need to be protected and nourished while they are growing old. You need to take care of your baby and check out for signs and symptoms to prevent any complications.
While growing, they tend to acquire bacteria and viruses out of the nature they inhabited; these foreign bacteria may come from outside their natural surroundings, or even inside.
If you have a young baby, you may have noticed white patches on his tongue or the inside of his mouth. Perhaps you thought these patches were milk residue. But did it ever cross your mind that these patches might be an indicator of oral thrush?
Before you panic, you probably need to know that oral thrush in babies is quite common and usually nothing to worry about. However, it’s still worth being in the know about this condition.
Oral thrush in babies, what is it?
Oral thrush is a common infection in the mouth of newborns and young babies caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans.
This Candida Albicans is also responsible for the development of yeast and other fungal infections. Thrush, or oral candidiasis, presents in white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and upper mouth. Babies can be at risk of oral thrush in their earlier 1st months.
According to medical experts at the National Health Service, UK (NHS), this fungus is present in the mouth of healthy people and it usually doesn’t cause problems. But sometimes, it can overgrow and infect the membranes in the mouth.
It may also cause redness, pain, loss of taste, and dry mouth.
Oral thrush is particularly common in babies because their immature immune systems have less ability to fight infection. It can also occur if a baby has been recently treated with antibiotics. This is because the levels of “good” bacteria in your baby’s mouth are reduced by the antibiotics, allowing the growth of fungus levels.
Dr. Pratibha Agarwal, a consultant pediatrician for Kinder Clinic in Singapore, explains that oral thrush in babies may also occur more commonly when the mom has a vaginal fungal infection or if she’s been on antibiotics for a long time.
This infection can then be passed on to her baby during breastfeeding if the mom’s nipples are affected, resulting in oral thrush.
Oral thrush appears as white patches on your baby’s tongue and inside his mouth.
Additionally, oral thrush in babies may also occur, not only in the mouth but on:
- Fingernails
- Eyes
- Diaper area (the vagina or groin)
- Skin folds (armpit or folds in the neck)
Signs and symptoms to look out for of oral thrush in babies?
Oral thrush can present with the appearance of soft, white creamy patches on your baby’s tongue, the inside of the cheeks, or the roof of the mouth, says Dr. Agarwal who also specializes in the care of high-risk newborns and children. Unlike milk residue, the patches do not rub off easily and may bleed when removed.
Some babies may not seem to be bothered by the patches. However, others may be reluctant to feed, keep detaching from the breast or be quite irritable, if they are in discomfort.
You may also notice a nappy rash on your baby at the same time you observe the symptoms of oral thrush in his mouth. This nappy rash may be caused by the same fungus and will have to be treated as well.
In other terms of symptoms, your baby or even you, mommy, can notice these thrush symptoms prevailing.
Thrush symptoms can also be seen during breastfeeding. During thrush infection, you may feel pain while breastfeeding, or your baby refuses to breastfeed. Noticing the following symptoms need a call for a doctor’s help:
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Pain in breast and nipple
Thrush can cause severe pain in the nipples. If you feel burning, itchy, pins and needles, or sharp-stabbing breast pain, you might have thrush.
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Inflammation or swelling
If your nipple and areola swell and are very red in color, it could be a yeast infection.
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Skin changes
Around your nipples, as thrush is concerned, it may indicate small blisters and white patches on your skin. Your nipples too will look shiny and flaky.
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Diaper rash
Your baby has a fungal diaper rash is a sign of baby thrush beyond the mouth. This yeast infection on your baby’s bottom presents like a red, bumpy rash.
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Irritation in your baby’s mouth
It is unnoticeable when your baby has an oral thrush in their mouth. Check out for white patches or milky white coating on your baby’s mouth because it might be thrush.
Oral thrush may cause discomfort in some babies.
How to treat and prevent oral thrush in babies
The following preventions and medications could help you mommies and your babies to fight thrush. They could be natural or medicinal treatments for you and your baby.
Treatment
Moms, you’ll be relieved to know that oral thrush in most instances, is not dangerous. Dr. Agarwal explains that oral thrush is very rarely harmful in very immunocompromised patients where it may result in a systemic disease that affects a number of organs and tissues.
The treatment of oral thrush may be in the form of an oral antifungal gel which is applied to the inside of the mouth. An antifungal suspension may also be prescribed to be taken orally.
Oral thrush can pass between a breastfeeding mom and her baby if it is not treated appropriately.
Prevention
Here are some tips to help prevent the incidence of oral thrush in babies:
- If a pregnant mom has a vaginal yeast infection, then, according to Dr. Agarwal, she should get treated for it in order to prevent transmitting the infection to the baby during the process of normal birth.
- Suppose a breastfeeding mom has a fungal infection around the nipple area. In that case, she should also be simultaneously treated to prevent the infection from continuously passing to and fro between her and her baby.
- If a child needs to be on prolonged antibiotics, taking probiotics may help restore the balance of oral and gut flora, therefore reducing the likelihood of a condition like oral thrush.
- Wash your hands well after changing your little one’s diaper. This can help prevent the spread of thrush as the fungus can be passed through your baby’s digestive system.
Getting rid of yeast
Candida is a fungus that can grow and spread so fast that it could be hard to prevent. It can also spread to your family members, too.
If you think you and your baby have thrush, you both need to get rid of it. Here are some ways to prevent thrush in you and your baby:
1. Use a medicine
Both you and your baby should take medicine whenever one of you has a thrush infection.
2. Wash hands
Proper hand-washing practices help prevent the spread of infection even thrush. Wash your hands before and after touching your breasts, after going into the bathroom, and after changing your baby’s diaper.
3. Wash your breasts
Care for your breasts by washing and cleaning them. After breastfeeding, rinse your nipples with water or a vinegar solution. Let them dry.
If you can expose your nipples to sunlight, that also would be much better.
4. Wash your baby’s stuff
Kill the yeast by washing all your baby’s items that come in contact with your baby’s mouth and your breasts.
Boil them, or use a hot water-soap solution to effectively clean pacifiers, bottles, bottle nipples, teethers, toys, and the washable part of your breast pump every day.
5. Change breast pads often
Leaving your wet breast pads keeps your breast warm and moist. This situation is perfect for yeast breeding, so change your breast pads whenever they are wet.
6. Keep your nursing bra dry and clean
Wear a clean and dry nursing bra every day. Change your nursing bra when wet. Wash your bra, nursing clothes, pajamas, and bed sheets with hot water and bleach solution more often to prevent yeast from spreading.
7. Try probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria in the human body. Consult your doctor for prescribed probiotic supplements like probiotics acidophilus, or buy and eat yogurt with active cultures.
8. Limit sugar in your intakes
Yeast needs sugar to populate and spread. Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar while being treated for thrush. This will help you get rid of the infection quickly.
You may also seek help from a lactation consultant about making shifts in your daily diet. This will help your mommies turn back to your bodies where yeast growth is not allowed.
9. Protect your breast
Sometimes, having thrush on the nipples seems painful while wearing a bra, pad, or clothes. Breast shells can protect your breasts and nipples while treating your thrush.
Suggested medications
Some of these medications, of course, are anti-fungal. Application creams may also help in treating oral and other forms of thrush for both mommies and babies.
The following are only suggested medications for you and your baby’s thrush. Speak with your doctor and read this article for a better understanding of how these medications work.
- Nystatin cream
- Diflucan
- Monistat or Gyne-Lotrimin
- Nystatin oral suspension
- Antifungal diaper rash creams or ointments
- Gentian violet
- All-purpose-nipple-ointment (APNO)
Before intake, it is important to check for any allergic reactions and appropriate for you and for your baby. Mommies and babies have different body conditions and immune systems.
When to call a doctor
Ultimately, oral thrush in babies is not something that you should be overly worried about. However, if you suspect your baby might have the condition, or if you are breastfeeding and you think you have nipple thrush, then it is best to see your doctor without delay.
To better prevent oral thrush in your baby and other forms of thrush, specifically in the breast for mommies, better consult your doctor before giving birth.
In that earliest consultation, you may now know preventions and medications suitable and appropriate for you and your baby.
You can also consult your lactation consultant for natural prevention and treatment for oral thrush in babies and for you to avoid the risks of this fungal infection.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
Updates by Nathanielle Torre
Additional source:
Medical News Today, Mayo Clinic, Health Direct, Web MD, Very Well Family
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