Thrush (candidiasis)

Thrush or candidiasis is a fungal disease that most often occurs in a child's mouth. It is common in the first year of life and is usually not a reason for concern.

Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. We all have this fungus in our bodies, living in balance with other organisms; when this balance is disturbed, an infection occurs.

Your baby can become infected by sucking on objects that contain the fungus, such as bottle nipples, pacifiers, toys, as well as your nipples. Most babies born naturally encounter candida at birth, because it is normally present in small numbers in the vagina.

Sometimes antibiotic treatment given to a child can lead to the appearance of thrush.

Signs of infection

  • The baby has white patches on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity or a rash in the diaper region
  • The baby usually has no symptoms; if thrush spreads, he/she may refuse breastfeeding or food due to irritation; salivation is increased
  • If you have infection - infected nipples may look normal or be red and irritated
  • Nipple infection is accompanied by a feeling of deep stabbing pain and you notice that your nipples "burn" or "sting" after breastfeeding

The changes first occur on the baby’s tongue; unlike leftover milk, they cannot be easily removed. If the infection spreads to the inside of the cheeks and lips, small white spots can be seen (as if sprinkled with semolina).

Mother's treatment

  • On doctor's advice, use antifungal medications
  • After each breastfeed, wash the nipples with warm water, air dry and expose to the sun
  • Before each breastfeed, wipe the nipples with a baking soda solution
  • Wash your hands before and after breastfeeding and changing your baby
  • Wear cotton bras that you can machine wash at 95 °C
  • Do not use nursing pads, as fungi "like" a humid environment

Baby treatment

  • On doctor's advice, use an antifungal medication (drops or oral gel). It is applied after a meal, for 10 days
  • Carefully remove the deposits from the baby's mouth with a baking soda solution (1 teaspoonful per 100 ml of boiled and cooled water), by wrapping gauze around your finger, dipping it in the solution and gently running it over the tongue, gums and mucous membranes inside the baby's cheeks half an hour to an hour before a meal

While the baby is suckling, the infection is transmitted from his/her mouth to the nipple (and vice versa), so it is important to treat both mom and baby.

How to prevent thrush

  • Sterilize bottle nipples, nipple shields, spoon
  • Wash the toys that the child puts in his/her mouth
  • Wash your hands before and after breastfeeding and changing your baby
  • If your baby has a diaper rash, treat it

Take the child to a doctor if thrush spreads in the mouth, if the baby refuses to suckle or eat other foods, if he/she has a fever, or if thrush persistently recurs. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent pain in the form of burning or stinging in the nipples or deep, stabbing pain in the breasts.