Baby's first year of life can be full of twists, turns, and figuring out medical ailments you’ve never even heard of before. And one of these lesser known—yet quite common—medical conditions in babies is called thrush. Read on for more about this infection, including symptoms, treatments, and how breastfeeding moms may also be at-risk.
What Is Thrush?
Thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in babies. Candida itself is a type of yeast that naturally occurs in and on human bodies. However, when an overgrowth occurs, it can cause infections.
Oral thrush that develops on baby’s the tongue, cheek or lips, is one of the more common types of candidiasis in little ones. But thrush infections can also happen in the diaper area (including the vagina and folds of skin in the groin), neck, armpits, and even fingernails.
How Will I Know if My Baby Has Thrush?
Babies experience thrush in different ways. In fact, some show little to no signs of discomfort at all, making it hard to spot until it’s more advanced. Symptoms and signs to look for typically include:
- White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, inner cheeks and roof of the mouth
- Discomfort when swallowing or feeding (indicated by decreased sucking and less milk intake)
- Severe diaper rash with redness and sensitivity
- A raised red border along a rash in the diaper, armpit, or groin area
If you notice that your baby’s tongue is white, try not to panic. A white tongue alone isn’t a sure sign of thrush. Since babies only drink breastmilk or formula, it’s very common for their tongue to look white. Use a damp cloth to wipe baby’s tongue—if it wipes away easily, it’s likely not thrush. If the white spots remains or bleed slightly, you should contact baby’s provider.
Is Thrush Harmful for Babies?
Thrush in and of itself is more uncomfortable for your little one than anything. However, it can lead to bigger issues such as dehydration due to your little one not wanting to eat. In severe cases where worsening thrush has gone untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading to the esophagus or other parts of the body. If you suspect your little one has thrush, it’s important to get it checked by their provider.
How is Thrush Treated in Babies?
While a mild case of thrush might resolve on its own after a few days, your baby’s provider may recommend an anti-fungal medication. Depending on where the infection is, the course of treatment may vary.
For oral thrush, nystatin is usually prescribed in drops or a gel that needs to be spread inside baby’s mouth and tongue several times a day. Nystatin cream or an over-the-counter anti-fungal may be prescribed for candidiasis on other parts of the body such as the diaper area. Be sure to consult with your baby’s provider before using any over-the-counter medication on your little one. While rare, serious cases in which thrush has spread into the bloodstream may require IV treatment.
Can Breastfeeding Moms Get Thrush?
Yes—if you’re breastfeeding and suspect your baby has thrush, take some time to check out your breasts for signs of infection, too. Thrush in breastfeeding mamas is usually accompanied by a burning or sore sensation on your nipples, itchy or burning nipples even when not feeding your little one, and shooting pains during or after feedings. Breastfeeding moms should be treated for thrush at the same time as their babies to ensure the infection doesn’t continue to pass back and forth between them.
How Can I Prevent Thrush in My Baby?
Since candida infections are highly contagious, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent—or stop—the spread of infection by:
- Changing baby’s diapers frequently, and keeping them as clean and dry as possible
- Properly sterilizing all bottles, pacifiers, and toys, especially if they may have become contaminated with the fungus
- Washing and sterilizing your breast pump and parts
- Sterilizing clothing and bras that may have come in contact with candida by washing them on a hot cycle
Thrush is never fun—for babies or their mamas. But the good news is that thrush can usually be treated in four to five days. If your little one shows signs or symptoms of thrush, contact their provider immediately for an evaluation and treatment plan.