Oral Thrush in babies

What are the symptoms of Thrush?

Thrush is most common in babies and older adults, but it can occur at any age and often occurs in areas where the lining of the mouth is cracking and moist. Some of the symptoms your baby might have Thrush are:

- White and irregularly shaped patches coat the inside of the mouth and sometimes the tongue.

- White coating that sticks to the mouth and cannot be washed away or wiped off easily.

Sometimes, it is easy to mistake to mistake thrush for milk or formula. Try wiping it gently and if it does not go away, contact a doctor.

How do you cure Thrush?

- In Babies, Thrush is not usually serious. The doctor might prescribe some anti fungal medicine like nystatin liquid and you might be directed to apply it directly on the white patches using a cotton swab or a gauze wrapped around your finger.

- If the mother is breastfeeding, apply nystatin to any irritated areas on the nipples.

- Decrease sucking time during feeding as this might be painful for the baby

- Avoid using a pacifier at bedtime

- If the baby gets a Diaper rash as well as thrush, assume the diaper rash is caused by yeast. Contact the doctor and ask for a prescription for nystatin cream to apply on the baby’s bottom.

What has been your experience?

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Preventing diaper rash can be achieved by trying one or all of these helpful hints:

• Be sure the diaper your child is wearing is not too snug, though you want to prevent leaks, some airflow must remain
• Do not rely on the weights listed on disposable diapers, go by fit
• Use barrier creams like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide (be sure to smear it on like icing a cake, not rub it in)
• Bathe the bottom area and allow it to air dry after each changing, or at least a couple of times throughout the day
• Avoid scented diapers, wipes and strong bath soaps as these products are known to cause issues with sensitive skin
• Change your child more frequently in warmer weather and even through the night
• Consider more absorbent night time diapers, or add extra padding if using cloth diapers
• Carefully wash your cloth diapers to ensure that all of the germs are removed
• Consider breastfeeding your baby, as it is believed that breastfed babies experience fewer diaper rashes

From experience, there are times when diaper rash simply can’t be avoided, like when your child is teething, has had their needles, or happens to have an allergic reaction to a food product. During these times, lots of “air time” will benefit that sore bottom. If after 4 days you’re the rash is not diminishing, and has raised red edges, it might be time to visit your doctor to check for a yeast infection.

What has been your experience with diaper rashes?

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