Thrush in Babies: Thrush in Infants
Each one of us has the fungus Candida albicans in our body. It is a normal part of the digestive system and is generally kept in check by beneficial bacteria. However, at times, it gets a chance to grow and spread and causes an infection. The common name for this infection is thrush. It is often caused in babies and infants; it usually develops in babies of about three to four weeks old. Thrush is not a serious disease but can cause discomfort and some pain to the baby. As the baby grows it becomes less susceptible to thrush. However, older children and adults may get infected if they are taking medication, have a weak immune system, or eat unhealthy food.
What Are the Symptoms? Oral thrush can cause white curd like patches or coating on the insides of the cheeks, palate, tongue, and roof or floor of the mouth. There could be a discoloration of the lips and mouth. White lesions are the easiest indicator of thrush in babies.
What Are the Causes? The baby’s mouth is quick to get infected if rubber nipples, pacifiers, or dummies are handled carelessly. If pacifiers and formula nipples are not washed thoroughly, they can become excellent breeding grounds for thrush. Infants can also get infected if the mother had an active vaginal yeast infection during her pregnancy. It can also spread through mother’s or family member’s hands. It could also spread in newborn babies from one infected baby to another in nurseries, or through a caregiver’s contaminated hands. Babies of diabetic mothers are also at risk of getting thrush. Thrush can also spread to form thrush diaper rash.
What Are the Remedies? The simplest remedy is to give sterilized water to drink after breastfeeding or bottle feeding and wash and sterilize the bottle to remove any residue. You use soft cloth to wipe away the tongue after feeding. You can try using natural ingredients like tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, or baking to cleanse the baby’s mouth. Mix a few drops of either of these ingredients in half a cup of water. Dip a soft cloth and rinse the infected areas in the baby’s mouth. Use the remaining solution to wipe the infant’s bottom.
It is also beneficial if you can dress the baby in soft cotton diaper cloth to allow increased air flow. Be sure that your baby’s toys and clothes are free of thrush. Discourage family members or visitors from putting their hands into the baby’s mouth. Wash your hands before feeding your baby. If you are breastfeeding, clean your nipples with warm water before and after feeding to minimize risk and also wash your inner wear in warm water. Following these simple measures will ensure long lasting relief for the baby.
