Thrush in babies appears as lesions resembling cotton on the roof of the mouth, tongue, and cheeks, caused by a fungal parasite called Candida albicans. Although it is most commonly seen in newborns, it can occur in all babies up to one year of age.
Excessive antibiotic use during pregnancy and hormonal changes contribute to the growth of the fungus. After birth, Candida albicans passes into the baby's respiratory and digestive systems and typically appears within the first week. Known also as moniliasis, if left untreated, thrush can lead to severe lung infections in babies. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as folic acid, B12, and iron, certain food allergies, and stress in babies are among the causes of thrush. Additionally, thrush infections in the mother can pass to the baby through breastfeeding, or the baby's infection can cause an infection in the mother's breasts. Using non-sterilized pacifiers and bottles can lead to oral infections
In the mouth, white lesions resembling a mold layer appear on the cheeks, tongue, and both the hard and soft palates. When scraped, the underlying layer resembles burned skin and may show sores. If not treated, these sores can cause pain and bleeding similar to ulcers. Babies with thrush may lose their desire to suck, and those having difficulty sucking and swallowing may experience loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, and lack of desire to feed may be accompanied by a mild fever. Premature babies are more likely to develop thrush. While thrush is most commonly found in the mouth and on the tongue, it can also occur in the anus. Anal thrush, which appears as a red patch, may be confused with diaper rash. Infections in babies can be passed to the mother through breastfeeding. Symptoms of thrush in the mother include nipple tenderness, redness, itching, flaky patches around the areola, and pain during breastfeeding.
Thrush is not a condition that resolves on its own and must be treated. The white, cotton-like lesions in the mouth should not be cleaned manually, as this can damage the mucus layer inside the mouth, causing the infection to spread. One of the most common mistakes in treating thrush is using baking soda to clean the lesions. Baking soda has no therapeutic effect on the disease. Initially, the white mold layer may seem to go away, but it will return quickly and in a much more severe form. Antifungal medication should be used under a doctor's supervision. As thrush is a fungal infection, antifungal drops are prescribed for the baby for 7-10 days. If the mother also has an infection in her breasts, the antifungal medication used for the baby can be applied to the nipple. All pacifiers and bottles used by the baby should be sterilized, and the mother should pay attention to cleaning her nipples.
Last Updated Date: 08 June 2018
Publication Date: 08 June 2018
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
Pediatric Health and Diseases Department
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