Baby thrush are small white dots or white plaques that can be confused with leftover milk in the baby's mouth. This infection in the mouth is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans that can easily affect babies under 6 months of age because they usually have the lowest immunity being more sensitive to the appearance of the thrush, scientifically called oral candidiasis. Like thrush, there are other problems and diseases that are common in the baby, know which in the most common Complete Guide to Diseases in Baby.
The newborn baby may contract thrush at the time of delivery by contact with the mother's vaginal canal or by contact with poorly laundered objects such as baby bottles or pacifiers. The use of antibiotics may be another cause of the development of candidiasis, as it alters the buccal flora favoring the growth of the fungus that normally inhabits this region.
In addition, whenever these symptoms appear in the baby, the pediatrician should be contacted to assess the situation and see the best treatment.
Symptoms of thrush on baby
The symptoms of candidiasis in baby are small white dots that can form plaques similar to other milk, which appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, sky of the mouth and lips of the child.
Photos of Candidiasis in Baby
In cases where the infection reaches the throat and esophagus there may be pain, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the throat which causes baby irritation and loss of appetite, in addition to constant crying and fever, above 38 ° C, which indicates a case of infection more serious. In addition, infants' thrush may also appear on the nails and on the folds of the skin.
Treatment for baby thrush
The treatment for candidiasis in infants can be done with the application of an antifungal in the form of liquid, cream or gel, such as nystatin or miconazole, in the infected mouth region.
To avoid baby thrush it is important to wash your hands before moving the baby, not kissing in the mouth, sterilizing pacifiers, baby bottles and cutlery, for example. In addition, the application of an antifungal cream to the nipples of the breastfeeding woman is a form of treatment to avoid and that candidiasis passes from the mother's womb to the baby. Here's how to treat it: Treatment for thrush with nystatin gel.
Natural remedy for treating thrush
Candidiasis can be treated with the application of a gauze soaked in pomegranate tea as this fruit has antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the baby's mouth. Learn how to make tea in: Homemade remedy for thrush.
However, in most cases this tea is a complement to the remedy, such as nystatin that should be applied to the mouth at least 4 times a day.
Causes of thrush on baby
It is caused by the fungus Candida Albicans, which can be transmitted by the mother, through labor before 37 weeks of gestation. However, thrush can also appear when your baby is taking antibiotics because these medicines reduce the number of good bacteria in the baby's mouth, helping the fungus to grow. In addition, if the baby is breastfed and the mother is taking antibiotics, she is at a higher risk of developing candidiasis.
