How do I prevent and treat thrush?
INFANT
Thrush is a common fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida, which can affect both babies and breastfeeding mothers. In babies, it appears as white patches on the tongue, gums, or insides of the cheeks, while in mothers, it can cause sore, red, or shiny nipples and intense pain during breastfeeding. Here are some tips to help prevent and treat thrush:
Prevention:
Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after diaper changes, breastfeeding, or preparing bottles. This helps minimize the spread of infection.
Sterilize feeding items: Regularly sterilize bottles, pacifiers, breast pump parts, and any other feeding items that come into contact with your baby's mouth or your breasts.
Breastfeeding care: Keep your nipples clean and dry. Change nursing pads frequently and avoid using plastic-lined pads, which can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for yeast.
Avoid excess sugar: A diet high in sugar can promote yeast growth. Try to limit your sugar intake and focus on consuming a balanced diet.
Proper diapering: Change your baby's diaper frequently and ensure the diaper area is clean and dry. This can help prevent the spread of yeast from the diaper area to the baby's mouth.
Treatment:
Consult your healthcare provider: If you suspect your baby or you have thrush, consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Antifungal medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antifungal medication for both you and your baby. It is essential to follow the prescribed treatment plan and complete the entire course of medication, even if the symptoms seem to have improved.
Keep breastfeeding: Continue to breastfeed your baby, unless it is too painful. Breastfeeding can help maintain your milk supply and ensure your baby receives the necessary nutrients. If needed, you can also express milk and feed it to your baby using a sterilized bottle.
Treat both mother and baby: If one of you has thrush, it is important to treat both the mother and the baby simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Clean and sterilize: Be extra diligent about cleaning and sterilizing feeding items and toys during the treatment period to minimize the risk of reinfection.
Home remedies: Some people find relief from thrush symptoms by using home remedies, such as applying a mixture of water and vinegar to the nipples or eating yogurt containing live lactobacillus cultures. However, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before trying any home remedies.
Remember, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and maintain good hygiene practices to effectively treat and prevent thrush. If the symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.