About a third of babies up to six months may have thrush, and it is most common among those under three months of age . But what is this weirdly named infection?
It is a very common infection caused by a fungus called “candida albicans” (which is why it is also called oral candidiasis) that manifests itself as irregular white spots on the inside of the cheeks, palate, tongue and lips.
It has the appearance of milk or yogurt and that is why sometimes we do not realize what it really is. To check this, a sterile gauze moistened in boiled water can be passed over the tongue; If the white dots are still there, it is thrush, otherwise the spots will disappear.
Thrush infection symptoms
- Whitish patches on the lips, tongue, or inner cheeks
- When trying to remove them, they can bleed and cause slight inflammation.
- The skin at the corners of the mouth may have cracked skin.
In principle, it is totally harmless, although sometimes it can be a bit bothersome for the baby, causing burning and therefore, the rejection of food. If the whitish areas are scratched to remove them, they may bleed.
In some more severe cases in which the infection extends to the pharynx, it may prevent swallowing and produce aphonia, which is noticed when the child cries.
Thrush treatment
If the baby has these spots, you should consult with the pediatrician, who will prescribe an antifungal or antifungal medication. With treatment the fungus disappears in a few days.
Although thrush is more common in young babies, it can also appear in older children, especially after antibiotic treatment, which alters the bacterial flora in the mouth.
You may also notice white dots on the butt when changing it, it is candida dermatitis, the same fungus spread to the intestine and eliminated with the poop. It can also cause a vaginal infection .
How to prevent thrush
- Clean baby bottle nipples and pacifiers very well.
- Keep ready-made bottles in the fridge to prevent fungus growth.
- If the baby is breastfed and the mother’s nipples are red and sore, she may have a yeast infection and is passing it on to the baby. If this is the case, consult your doctor.
In Babies and more | Fungi in Babies: Ringworm of the Feet
