Any infection in a young child is disturbing for a parent to see; yeast infections are no exception. When you can tell that your baby or toddler is distressed, uncomfortable and possibly in pain, it's natural to feel compelled to make things better right away. After all, your child can't verbalize yet what he or she feels; it's up to parents to instinctively know how to handle baby toddler chronic yeast infections.
How do you know that your child has a yeast infection?
Yeast infections in babies and toddlers are commonly found in two areas; there's infection in the mouth called thrush, and there's infection in the diaper area. These places are inviting for baby toddler chronic yeast infections because yeast thrives in warm and damp environments. Common symptoms of thrush include white patches on a baby's mouth area, including the gums and tongue. Yeast infections in the diaper can be seen via flat and red rashes especially if the infection has been aggravated by friction. Babies with thrush and diaper yeast infections can be quite irritable, especially during feeding and changing time respectively.
How do babies and toddlers get yeast infections?
If your child is on antibiotics, or is currently fighting off an immunized virus, he or she is more susceptible to yeast infections. This is because antibiotics can replete the body of helpful bacteria. Plus, babies in general have yet to develop strong immune systems to begin with, thus their bodies are hospitable for baby toddler chronic yeast infections.
Parents and caretakers with yeast infections can also pass on baby toddler chronic yeast infections. For instance thrush has been known to pass via breastfeeding or even during birth. It can also be acquired through improper cleaning of feeding bottles and pacifiers.
What can you do? For yeast infections in the diaper area, pharmacists do sell over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that are sensitive enough for an infant's skin. Just make sure you apply it first to a small test area before you use it to all as there may be allergic reactions. Apply the cream in the infected area after every diaper clean-up and change, and the yeast infection should disappear in a couple of days. Always keep creams handy to arrest further development of baby toddler chronic yeast infections.
For oral infections, antifungal medicinal drops are also readily available such as nystatin liquid. It can be applied in the mouth area via soft cotton balls or taken orally. Remember that it's imperative that you consult your pediatrician first before giving your baby something that's to be taken orally.
Anti-fungal medication can have side-effects like diarrhea and vomiting and you'd want to take precautions especially if you're dealing with baby toddler chronic yeast infections.
And don't forget: effective feeding and diaper-changing habits can go a long way in preventing and healing baby toddler chronic yeast infections.
Sterilize your bottles and utensils and clean baby's mouth thoroughly after feeding. Use quality diapers; some brands are more absorbent and more comfortable than others. If you're still using cloth diapers rather than the disposable ones, pick cotton and similar airy material. Be diligent in spotting and changing soiled nappies; delays create hospitable environments for further rash. And make sure you clean the diaper area thoroughly after every change. Use soap and water; baby powder after dry helps too. Make sure that diapers are snug but not too tight so as not to irritate the rashes.
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