Thrush is another type of yeast infection that usually affects babies and toddlers; various home remedies for thrush are available to complement the sensitivity of young ones. As a quick overview, Candida tends to manifest itself in the mouth and has the possibility to spread if not treated accordingly. Diaper rash in babies can also sometimes be caused by thrush.
However, though thrush mainly affects babies and toddlers, adults can experience it as well. Breastfeeding mothers can acquire the infection and pass it on to their babies. It generally affects anyone with weak immune system. Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms and home remedies for thrush.
Symptoms
Yeast infection can take anyone by surprise. It usually manifests itself without warning. There are certain cases where thrush becomes chronic and plagues its victim with its recurring symptoms. Listed below are its most common symptoms:
- Raised lesions. These lesions take on a white appearance and can be overly sensitive depending on the severity of the condition. These lesions can be very painful accompanied with minor bleeding.
- Creamy discharge. Expect to experience some form of discharge coming out from the lesion. This is one of the effects of the fungal infection.
- Fever. Since thrush can be very painful, the victim may become feverish. This is especially true among babies who have low tolerance for pain and infection.
Causes
A person with weak immune system can easily contract various forms of diseases. In this case, yeast can easily multiply in the digestive tract, mouth and skin. This can also be the cause of unhygienic practice. Babies and toddlers are especially prone to thrush because they always put their hands in their mouth.
Other possible causes of the yeast infection are taking strong medications, diabetes, pregnancy, taking of steroids, autoimmune diseases and cancer. However, these severe conditions are rare. In most cases, many home remedies for thrush can solve the problem.
Natural Home Treatments for Thrush
There are many available remedies for thrush, most of them are easily accessible.
- Proper hygiene and healthy diet. If you have babies and toddlers in the house, make it a point to keep the surroundings clean. They are known to touch whatever they get their hands into. Always disinfect their toys and eating utensils. Minimize the chances of bacteria build up by maintaining a sanitary environment.
Develop a strong immune system by maintaining a healthy diet. Go for foods loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Yogurt. Use a yogurt remedy to cure your babies’ thrush. You can either give them a small amount of yogurt or simply smear a small quantity on the affected area. Another option is to put some yogurt on your nipples prior to breastfeeding. However, clean off all excess yogurt from your nipples before your baby’s next breastfeeding time.
- Vinegar and baking soda. These are two of the most effective solutions against thrush. Vinegar can be mixed with a cup of water. Use a clean cotton swab to smear the solution on the nipples.
With baking soda, mix a teaspoon in a small amount of water (about 8 ounces) then use a clean cotton swab to smear the solution on all affected areas. Repeat the process everyday until you see an improvement. Make sure to prepare a new solution each day.
Other solutions are available to cure yeast infection. The above-mentioned list includes some of the most common home remedies for thrush.
