Or click on the first letter of the article:
A B
C D
E F
G H
I J
K L
M N
O P
Q R
S T
U V
W X
Y Z
Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children
Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children
What are yeast infections?
What are commonly known as 'yeast' infections are caused by various species of a yeast-like fungus called Candida, particularly the species Candida albicans. Yeast organisms are part of the germs (including bacteria) that are normally found on various parts of the body and which ordinarily cause no symptoms.
Why do yeast sometimes cause symptoms?
Certain conditions, such as antibiotic use, may upset the balance of microbes in the body and allow an overgrowth of Candida. Yeast also can thrive in chronically moist folds of skin, such as in the groin.
Yeast infections flare up and then heal in most people. However, in newborns or individuals with impaired immune systems, yeast can cause more serious or chronic infections.
How do babies get yeast infections?
Many infants acquire Candida infections from their mothers during the process of birth. Yeast exists naturally in the mother's vagina. When the child is delivered through the birth canal, the baby comes in contact with the yeast.
Many babies that escape this infection at birth soon acquire Candida from close contacts with other family members.
What is thrush?
Thrush is yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Thrush is commonly associated with yeast infection of the esophagus. Thrush appears as creamy white, curd-like patches on the tongue and inside of the mouth and back of the throat. As mentioned above, in individuals with impaired immune systems, yeast infections are more common. For example, thrush can be a sign of underlying HIV infection.
How do children (and adults) acquire thrush?
Outbreaks of thrush in child care settings may be the result of an increased use of antibiotics rather than newly acquired Candida infections. In children (and adults) taking antibiotics or steroids (such as cortisone-related asthma medications), the balance of microbes in the mouth can be disturbed. This causes an overgrowth of Candida that results in thrush.
How does yeast affect diaper rash?
Candida may infect diaper rash and make it much worse, as this yeast grows very readily on irritated, moist skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with areas that may have a raised red border.
Can thumb-sucking cause problems with yeast?
Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally develop Candida around their fingernails. This causes redness at the edges of the nails.
How are thrush and other yeast infections treated?
Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called nystatin, either by mouth or in a topical cream. Brand names for nystatin preparations include MYCOSTATIN, NYSTOP, DIFLUCAN, and LOTRIMIN. A corticosteroid (cortisone-like) cream can be applied to highly inflamed skin lesions on the hands or diaper areas.
For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently, and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. While cornstarch or baby powder may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used although the diapering system should be able to hold urine or liquid feces.
Should a child with yeast infection be kept out of child care?
No need to. Since most healthy persons already harbor Candida, children with thrush and candida diaper rash do not have to be excluded from child care (as long they are able to participate comfortably).
Child care providers should follow good hygiene, including careful hand washing and disposal of nasal and oral secretions of children with thrush, in order to avoid transmitting the infection to children who may not already infected.
Are there other names for yeast infection?
Because yeast infection is due to Candida, it is referred to as candidiasis. Thrush is known as oral candidiasis. The old name for Candida was Monilia. The infection is still sometimes called moniliasis and thrush is still at times known as oral moniliasis.
Incidentally, the origin of the word "thrush" in this connection is uncertain.
Last updated on 07/03/2008
© 1996-2004 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and
is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the
information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health
condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider.
Statements and information regarding dietary supplements have not been
evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult
your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or
treatment.
|
