Thrush
Thrush is a common problem in newborns. It is caused by the yeast Candida. It causes irregular, white plaques on the inside of the mouth or tongue which cannot be easily wiped off. Thrush may or may not cause discomfort.
If thrush is scraped off, the underlying tissue may be red and/or bleed. Thrush is unusual over 1 year of age. Candida is normally present in the mouth. Overgrowth only occurs in certain situations. In the newborn period the immune system is not fully developed. Candida can also cause other infections such as diaper rash. Candida does not typically cause a serious infection in healthy people.
Treatment- Thrush can be treated with antifungal medications. Most commonly oral Nystatin solution is used. This is a prescription written by your doctor after being seen. This medication is applied 4 times per day for 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment should be continued for 2 to 3 days after it looks like the thrush has cleared. There are other treatment options if the Nystatin does not work.
Prevention- If your child is diagnosed with thrush then sterilize all pacifiers and bottles according to the directions. If breast feeding, Mom must be treated as well. This can be done with topical medications or oral medications.
If your child has a diaper rash at the time of being diagnosed with thrush, a Candida infection of the diaper area must also be considered and may need antifungal treatment.
Call our office for an appointment if you are concerned that your child may have thrush, thrush is present after 2 weeks of treatment, or there is recurrent thrush, especially after the newborn period.