Though yeast infections occur mainly in women, children are also highly susceptible to Candida overgrowth. Yeast is a fungus which is normally present in all people regardless of their age or gender. Generally, the yeast can be found on the skin, digestive system, in the oral cavity and the vagina of woman. In small numbers, they are quite harmless. But as soon as immunity is compromised, they grow unchecked resulting in yeast infections. Candida infection may result from antibiotic use, steroid use for asthma, or during cancer treatment. In such cases the normal flora is disrupted or the immune system is not working properly, which predisposes to yeast infection. Toddler yeast infections may occur in just about any part of the body which is dark, warm, and wet. Those folds of the body covered by disposable diapers which trap in moisture and heat are especially vulnerable. Increased dampness makes the skin sensitive to substances, such as urease from urine, and bile salts from feces. Babies on antibiotics or those being breastfed by mothers on antibiotics are at higher risk for yeast infections. The antibiotics kill the beneficial bacteria which keep the Candida in check.
Yeast
infection that affects a baby’s diaper area is often
mistaken for diaper rash and so more often than not
regular diaper cream and baby powder will not cure it.
Leaving a diaper rash untreated may lead to Candida
infection with exacerbation of the rash and itching.
Thrush, which is a yeast infection in the oral cavity,
may spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, when
tell-tale signs of yeast infection in toddlers
are discovered, visit a pediatrician and get treatment
immediately before the problem becomes
worse.
The
primary treatment for yeast infection involves applying
medication to the skin as well as decreasing moisture in
the diaper area. Nystatin (Mycostatin), econazole
(Spectazole), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), or miconazole
(Micatin, Monistat-Derm) are generally recommended.
Occasionally, other antifungal creams may be prescribed,
such as ketoconazole (Nizoral cream). The cream or
ointment has to be applied every time the diaper is
changed till the rash resolves. Applying barrier creams
like zinc oxide (A&D Ointment, Desitin, Diaparene)
or petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Aquaphor) to the diaper
area after bathing help by decreasing moisture in the
diaper area. Some natural treatments include barrier
cream containing tea tree oil or application of aloe
vera or chamomile bags directly on the rash.
Adding baking soda to the cleansing water or bathing the
baby in a tub of warm water and vinegar is also
recommended. For oral thrush, a cotton
swab dipped in Milk of Magnesia and applied to the
infected area twice a day is an effective
cure.
Some steps
to prevent yeast infection in toddlers
are:
1)
Avoid tight-fitting diapers and change diapers
frequently. Keep baby without diapers if
possible.
2)
Avoid wipes with chemicals, perfumes or alcohol. Use
plain water to gently clean the baby.
3)
Do not use talcum powder. Apply petroleum jelly or a
barrier ointment containing zinc
oxide.
4)
Do not use cornstarch, as it increases the growth of
yeast.
5)
Sterilize feeding bottles between
feeds.
6)
Reducing sugar intake restricts growth of
yeast.
7)
Restrict use of antibiotics.
Yeast
infection in toddlers
or diaper rash may sound like a commonplace problem of
childhood, but it needs to be treated effectively to
avoid future grief. Holistically treating yeast
infections by diet modifications, natural remedies, and
lifestyle changes is more beneficial than starting life
with medications.
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