Disease: Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children

    What are yeast infections?

    What are commonly known as "yeast" infections are caused by various species of a yeast-like fungus called Candida, particularly the species Candida albicans. Yeast organisms are part of the germs (including bacteria) that are normally found on various parts of the body and which ordinarily cause no symptoms.

    Why do yeast sometimes cause symptoms?

    Certain conditions, such as antibiotic use, may upset the balance of microbes in the body (particularly between the bacteria and fungi) and allow an overgrowth of Candida. Yeast also can thrive in chronically moist folds of skin, such as in the groin.

    Yeast infections may flare up and then heal in most people. However, in newborns or individuals with impaired immune systems, yeast can cause more serious or chronic infections.

    How do babies get yeast infections?

    Many infants acquire Candida infections from their mothers during the process of birth. Yeast exists naturally in the mother's vagina. When the child is delivered through the birth canal, the baby comes in direct contact with the yeast.

    Many babies who escape this infection at birth soon acquire Candida from close contact with other family members.

    What is oral thrush? What are symptoms and signs of oral thrush?

    Thrush is yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Thrush can also be associated with yeast infection of the esophagus. Thrush appears as creamy white, curd-like patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth and back of the throat. As mentioned above, in individuals with impaired immune systems, yeast infections are more common. For example, in a noninfant population, thrush may be a sign of underlying HIV infection.

    How do children (and adults) acquire thrush?

    Outbreaks of thrush in child-care settings may be the result of an increased use of antibiotics rather than newly acquired Candida infections. In children (and adults) taking antibiotics or steroids (such as cortisone-related asthma medications), the balance of microbes in the mouth can be disturbed. This may cause an overgrowth of Candida, which in turn results in oral thrush.

    How does yeast affect diaper rash?

    Candida may infect an infant's diaper area and worsen a diaper rash. This is because yeast can grow very readily on irritated, moist skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with areas that may have a raised red border.

    Can thumb sucking cause problems with yeast?

    Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally develop Candida around their fingernails. This causes redness at the edges of the nails.

    Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant?

    Nursing mothers are at risk for developing Candida infections on their breasts (this is called mastitis) and can be treated with the same medication that is used for infants.

    What is the treatment for thrush and other yeast infections?

    Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called nystatin (Mycostatin), either by mouth or in a topical cream. Luckily most Candida are very sensitive to nystatin and resistance is rare. Brand names for nystatin preparations include

    • Mycostatin,
    • Mycostatin Filmlok,
    • Mycostatin Pastilles,
    • Nystatin Ointment,
    • Nystat-Rx,
    • Nystop,
    • Pedi-Dri.

    Learn more about: Nystop

    For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Barrier creams or ointments such as Desitin or A&D are helpful. While cornstarch may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High-absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used, although the diapering system should be able to hold urine or liquid feces.

    How do children (and adults) acquire thrush?

    Outbreaks of thrush in child-care settings may be the result of an increased use of antibiotics rather than newly acquired Candida infections. In children (and adults) taking antibiotics or steroids (such as cortisone-related asthma medications), the balance of microbes in the mouth can be disturbed. This may cause an overgrowth of Candida, which in turn results in oral thrush.

    How does yeast affect diaper rash?

    Candida may infect an infant's diaper area and worsen a diaper rash. This is because yeast can grow very readily on irritated, moist skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with areas that may have a raised red border.

    Can thumb sucking cause problems with yeast?

    Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally develop Candida around their fingernails. This causes redness at the edges of the nails.

    Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant?

    Nursing mothers are at risk for developing Candida infections on their breasts (this is called mastitis) and can be treated with the same medication that is used for infants.

    What is the treatment for thrush and other yeast infections?

    Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called nystatin (Mycostatin), either by mouth or in a topical cream. Luckily most Candida are very sensitive to nystatin and resistance is rare. Brand names for nystatin preparations include

    • Mycostatin,
    • Mycostatin Filmlok,
    • Mycostatin Pastilles,
    • Nystatin Ointment,
    • Nystat-Rx,
    • Nystop,
    • Pedi-Dri.

    Learn more about: Nystop

    For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Barrier creams or ointments such as Desitin or A&D are helpful. While cornstarch may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High-absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used, although the diapering system should be able to hold urine or liquid feces.

    Source: http://www.rxlist.com

    Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called nystatin (Mycostatin), either by mouth or in a topical cream. Luckily most Candida are very sensitive to nystatin and resistance is rare. Brand names for nystatin preparations include

    • Mycostatin,
    • Mycostatin Filmlok,
    • Mycostatin Pastilles,
    • Nystatin Ointment,
    • Nystat-Rx,
    • Nystop,
    • Pedi-Dri.

    Learn more about: Nystop

    For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Barrier creams or ointments such as Desitin or A&D are helpful. While cornstarch may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High-absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used, although the diapering system should be able to hold urine or liquid feces.

    Source: http://www.rxlist.com

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