Yeast infections in babies usually come in form of diaper rash or oral thrush. Diaper rash affects the groin, genitals and buttocks and oral thrush appears inside the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks.
Yeast infection cause
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus prefers dark, moist and wet environments, and it is no wonder it affects the diaper region in so many babies. it is also commonly seen in the mouth, and less commonly in the bowels or in the vagina.
Yeast infection signs
Yeast infections, especially those on the skin, cause a lot of discomfort and pain and make the baby irritable and tired. They should be treated on time, before they spread to other parts of the body. All fungal infections can be treated but it may take some time for the therapy to show results.
Yeast infections in the diaper area, called diaper rash, look like small red dots or pimples on the skin. The tissues are slightly raised and soft to touch. In severe stages of the infection the skin may start cracking and bleeding.
Treatment for yeast infections in babies
Yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal medications prescribed by the pediatrician. These medications can be topical or oral and in most cases they are very effective in suppressing the infection.
There are also natural or home remedies that can be used to alleviate the symptoms. Preparing warm bath with some apple cider vinegar diluted in the water is one of the traditional remedies for fungal infections anywhere on the body, including the diaper rash.
A mixture of roman chamomile and lavender essential oil can also be applied to the skin affected by the yeast. Some people use garlic, simply by rubbing it on the affected area, but this remedy may be too harsh for the delicate baby skin. Aloe vera gel is much gentler solution when it comes to babies with yeast infections.
Oral remedies and proper hygiene
Oral remedies for yeast infection in babies are also available. The best ones are warm ginger tea and plain yogurt.
As far as the prevention goes, proper hygiene is the key. Diapers should be changed frequently and the skin should be clean and dry at all times. Whenever it is possible, the baby should go around bare-bottomed, so the skin can breathe.
Yeast infections often occur due to the use of antibiotics. If the baby needs to take antibiotics for another disease, it is recommended to give him or her plain yogurt and other products containing probiotics.
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