Yeast infection is not limited to adults, baby yeast infection is a common occurrence as well. This type of fungal infection is primarily caused by Candida overgrowth which can cause extreme discomfort to your little ones. Often mistaken as diaper rash, baby yeast infection can only be treated with the elimination of yeast.
Symptoms of yeast overgrowth
Yeast infection may come in many forms. Listed below are the different symptoms of baby yeast infection:
- Scalloped edges on reddish and flat swells accompanied with white and red spots in the surrounding area
- Sleeplessness and irritability
- Whitish and creamy plaque formation on the oral mucosa, tongue, tonsils and gums
- Abnormality in genital discharge (whitish-gray shade or whitish)
- Abdominal and genital itching which may also be accompanied with slight bleeding
Candida Infection Causes
There are several factors that trigger the development of baby yeast infection. The following are the most common causes:
- Fungi may develop in unclean and moist areas. Candida can develop in warm and damp areas, like the abdomen and genital area. Yeast infection tend to occur if you don’t make it a habit to change your baby’s diapers frequently. Therefore, proper hygiene is very important.
- Yeast infection may be acquired by the baby as it passes through the yeast-infected mother’s cervical canal during delivery.
- Mothers who are constantly on antibiotic during the course of her pregnancy may likely have a low level of probiotics. As a result, the baby she is carrying may also be low on probiotics. Without this, yeast infection is more likely to develop.
- Insufficient nutrition may cause a baby to develop a low immunity, thus making him susceptible to yeast infection.
- Parents should be careful when bathing their babies. Doing it the wrong way can trigger infection. Harsh soaps may also be contributing factors that may cause skin irritation. Candidiasis may take place when the skin becomes extremely dry.
- Babies with oral thrush may also develop yeast infection in their genital area. This is because the food that goes through the infected mouth can become contagious as it comes out as a stool through the genitals.
Treatments for yeast infections in babies
Prevention is always the best cure for yeast infection. You can’t afford to be too lax when it comes to your baby’s well-being. One of the most conventional treatments prescribed by doctors is the application specific anti-fungal creams. However, due to the sensitivity of babies’ skin, certain side-effects may occur. This being said, many parents opt for natural remedies whenever possible.
Oral thrush can be treated with the use of vinegar, like Organic Apple Cider. Simply dilute it with some water. With the use of a clean cotton swab, gently apply the solution to your baby’s mouth. It is also very beneficial to wash infected area with warm water. Repeat this process two times a day.
Infection can also be reduced using diaper creams that contain extracts of pure aloe and tea tree oil among other herbal remedies. Diapers should also be loose enough to allow the flow of air.
It is very important to keep your baby’s genitals dry, use non-starchy baby powder for this. Make it a point to frequently change diapers. Topically apply plain, unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed yogurt to replenish lost probiotics. Observing proper hygiene is advised to avoid the occurrence of baby yeast infection.
