It is common for new parents to worry about their newborn child, they are happy when their baby is both happy and healthy. On the other hand, when they start to suspect that their infant is having health problems, they start to stress more about it.

There is a common health problem that most newborn is affected with, and this is called oral thrush or Candida infection.

The good news though is that oral thrush is considered as a minor illness, which can be easily treated. Other than that, the next biggest issue when it comes to infants is when they start to develop diaper rash.

Oral thrush or Candida infection is something that an infant may naturally develop. Fungus that causes a thrush is a native inhabitant of one’s body. These thrive mostly in dark, moist and warm area of our body. However, sometimes, it can also be due to the mother’s vaginal Candida infection that was passed on to the child at birth.

It is easy to spot signs of thrush, when a parent examines their infant’s mouth they will instantly notice oral lesions or filmy mucus like that covers the surface of the child’s mouth. Other signs are when you wiped away phlegm, and then the tissue underneath may look irritated, red or sore. It is advisable for parents to consult with their pediatrician the moment that they see these signs of Candida infection or oral thrush. Although such infection can be treated easily, we just have to bear in mind that our child’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and that it may lead to a more serious problem in the end.

Normally, when your physician is examining your child’s Candida infection, the physician will automatically ask the mother about her health. This is a tool for them to decipher where the problem originated. If the physician finds out that the mother is indeed infected, both mother and child must be treated. Some physicians will recommend over the counter medicines, while others will just give you a prescription.

Bear in mind that when an infant starts to develop Candida infection or Thrush, the parent must take precautions and ensure that said infection does not spread. You must ensure that you impose proper hygiene, disinfect and sterilize your child’s   pacifiers, feeding bottles etc.

Added to this, all family members must be able to practice washing their hands and cleaning themselves before they touch the baby. Breast feeding mothers must also clean her nipples on a regular basis (i.e. before and after feeding the baby). If it is possible, avoid using cloth towels and just replace it with paper towels. This is to avoid transferring bacteria from one person to another. Make sure that you use a soap that is anti-bacterial when washing your hands. These must be practiced for at least two weeks (after the start of mother and child treatment).

Lastly, remember that Candida infection may actually appear like a rash (from constant diaper use). If you are treating it with ointment for more than 48 hours and yet no change is happening, then you are certainly dealing with Candida infection. If this is your child’s case, it is advisable that you go and seek your pediatrician’s help the soonest possible time. While babies that are breast-fed and are on antibiotics are the ones who is more prone to having Candida infection.

Filed under: Yeast Infection Topics

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