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What Does a Baby’s Yeast Infection Look Like?
Yeast Infection on the Skin
Yeast infections can look similar to diaper rash.
There may be deep red or purple patches of skin with raised edges or bumps.
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The bumps may resemble pimples and can burst open and ooze.
Oral Thrush
Babies can also get yeast infections in their mouths.
When this happens, it’s called oral candidiasis or thrush.
Symptoms include white patches that may appear inside the mouth or on the lips and tongue.
These patches resemble cottage cheese and can’t be wiped away.
There may also be cracked skin around the corners of the mouth.
What Causes a Yeast Infection in Babies?
Yeast infections in babies are usually because of an outbreak ofCandida albicans, a strain of yeast.
This strain is found in most people and is considered normal.
However, since a baby’s immune system is still developing, they are more prone to infection.
An infection can take on the form of oral thrush or a rash on the skin.
This is because these areas may not receive enough air flow to help them dry out.
Oral thrush can also be a side effect of taking antibiotics.
Antibiotics can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria that can help you and your baby keep yeast under control.
Consult your healthcare provider before you tryhome remediesto double-check they are safe in your baby’s case.
Ask your healthcare provider before using any treatments for oral thrush.
Using highly absorbent disposable diapers can also create an environment that does not encourage yeast growth.
For baby girls, its advisable to wipe from front to back to prevent yeast infections.
After bathing or undressing, let your baby’s neck or other affected body parts air dry.
Barrier creams reduce the moisture in the diaper area or skin folds that are prone to yeast infections.
Are Natural Remedies Safe?
Natural remedies can be safe depending on which remedies you choose and where they are applied.
Before you try a natural remedy, talk to your child’s healthcare provider.
Can Baby Powder Help?
Don’t use talcum or baby powder on your baby’s rash, especially in the diaper area.
Is cornstarch an effective treatment for a yeast infection?
No, cornstarch has not been proven to be an effective treatment for a yeast infection.
What Medications Do Healthcare Providers Recommend?
Never apply topical medications around the mouth.
With treatment, the rash should resolve in four to seven days.
Don’t use this kind of medication if your baby is younger than 4 weeks old.
Antifungals for Oral Thrush
Oral thrush often goes away on its own.
If it persists or is causing discomfort, ask your healthcare provider about antifungal treatments.
These medications are applied to your baby’s tongue and mouth.
you’re free to also treat thrush on your nipples with antifungal medication.
Ask your healthcare provider which medications are safe to use while breastfeeding.
This is why healthcare providers sometimes recommend oral antifungal medications.
Diflucan(fluconazole) is a prescription oral drug that primarily slows down the growth of yeast.
Children between the ages of 6 months and 13 years old may take it once daily for two weeks.
Some of these IV medicines cause unpleasant side effects, but they are reliable medicine for severe fungal infections.
Long-lasting oral thrush is sometimes a result of pacifiers or bottles not being properly boiled to remove the fungus.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
A yeast infection may clear up in a few days or it may take as long as three weeks.
The skin may start to look better before the infection has completely cleared.
However, it can be more difficult to treat a yeast infection than a diaper rash.
Summary
Your babymay get a yeast infectionif they wear dirty or wet diapers for too long.
They can also get a yeast infection on other parts of the body such as the neck or armpits.
If you notice any bleeding, have your baby checked out by a healthcare provider.
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