Thrush

Fortunately, this common infection can be easily treated. Thrush, however, is contagious, and care should be taken to prevent its spread. Mothers who are breast feeding must be particularly careful if their babies develop thrush because the infection may be passed back and forth between a mother's nipple and the baby's mouth.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY BABY HAS THRUSH?
Thrush is usually easy to identify. Irritated white patches inside the mouth are the major indication. The child also may experience discomfort in the mouth and have difficulty suckling and eating. Mothers who are breast feeding may have sore nipples.

WHAT CAUSES THRUSH?
Thrush is caused by infection with the Candida organism, a yeastlike fungus. Oral thrush is most common in newborns, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed and who might contract it during a vaginal delivery. Poor hygiene may also result in the transmission of thrush from person to person at any age. It can spread through contaminated hands, nipples, bottles, toys and other personal items.

IS MEDICAL ATTENTION NECESSARY?
Yes. While thrush is usually not a serious disorder a visit to the pediatrician is necessary for proper diagnosis, treatment and prevention of further spread of the disease.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR THRUSH?
Thrush can normally be cured through treatment with a prescription oral antifungal medication (nystatin), which should only be used according to your pediatrician's instructions.

Breast-feeding mothers must be particularly careful when their babies are being treated for thrush. After nursing, wash the nipples with a baking soda solution (one teaspoon baking soda dissolved in one cup of warm water), then dry and apply a cream such as Vitamin A and D ointment. Make sure all traces of the creams are wiped off before nursing again.

PREVENTING THRUSH
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent thrush. Even so, handwashing and similar measures may not always prevent a child from acquiring this highly contagious infection. To reduce the risk:

• Seek good prenatal care, including checkups for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy.

• Frequently wash your child's and your own hands.

• Carefully clean nursing bottles and nipples.

• Wash linens, toys and other articles frequently.

GETTING HELP
Call your doctor if your baby:

• Has white patches in the mouth.

• Seems uncomfortable during nursing or feeding.

• The infection recurs.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.