Oral Thrush and Vaginal Yeast

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions

Diaper Rash

Frost Bite

Head Lice

Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pinworms

Ringworm

Ticks

Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Oral Thrush and Vaginal Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are caused by various species of Candida, especially Candida albicans. These organisms are part of the germs normally found in various parts of the body and ordinarily do not cause any symptoms. Certain conditions, such as antibiotic use or excessive moisture, may upset the balance of microbes and allow an overgrowth of Candida. In newborns, a yeast infection can cause Oral Thrush

Thrush appears as creamy white, curd-like patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth. The first sign of Thrush may be reluctance to eat or nurse because of a sore mouth.

Thrush may also appear as a diaper rash, as this yeast grows readily on damaged skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with lesions that may have a raised red border. Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally develop Candida around their fingernails.

Oral thrush and Candida diaper rash are usually treated with the antibiotic nystatin. A prescription is required for oral thrush medication. A corticosteroid cream can be applied to highly inflamed skin lesions on the hands or diaper areas. For children with diaper rash, parents and care providers should change the diaper frequently, gently clean the child's skin with water and a mild soap and pat dry. While cornstarch or baby powder may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with inflamed skin. High absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used.

If you are breast-feeding, your doctor may instruct you to apply a small amount of your baby's medication to your nipples after each feeding.

Parents and care providers should follow good hygiene including careful hand washing and immediately disposal of tissue used to wipe and blow noses. Contaminated pacifiers, bottles, toys, teething rings, etc., should be cleaned with hot, soapy water and dried completely.

Infants and children with thrush and candida diaper rash need not be excluded from childcare as long they are able to participate comfortably

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
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Healthworks on Videotape
If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Diaper Rash Frost Bite Head Lice Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis Pinworms Ringworm Ticks Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Oral Thrush and Vaginal Yeast Infections Yeast infections are caused by various species of Candida, especially Candida albicans. These organisms are part of the germs normally found in various parts of the body and ordinarily do not cause any symptoms. Certain conditions, such as antibiotic use or excessive moisture, may upset the balance of microbes and allow an overgrowth of Candida. In newborns, a yeast infection can cause Oral Thrush Thrush appears as creamy white, curd-like patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth. The first sign of Thrush may be reluctance to eat or nurse because of a sore mouth. Thrush may also appear as a diaper rash, as this yeast grows readily on damaged skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with lesions that may have a raised red border. Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally develop Candida around their fingernails. Oral thrush and Candida diaper rash are usually treated with the antibiotic nystatin. A prescription is required for oral thrush medication. A corticosteroid cream can be applied to highly inflamed skin lesions on the hands or diaper areas. For children with diaper rash, parents and care providers should change the diaper frequently, gently clean the child's skin with water and a mild soap and pat dry. While cornstarch or baby powder may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with inflamed skin. High absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used. If you are breast-feeding, your doctor may instruct you to apply a small amount of your baby's medication to your nipples after each feeding. Parents and care providers should follow good hygiene including careful hand washing and immediately disposal of tissue used to wipe and blow noses. Contaminated pacifiers, bottles, toys, teething rings, etc., should be cleaned with hot, soapy water and dried completely. Infants and children with thrush and candida diaper rash need not be excluded from childcare as long they are able to participate comfortably
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.