The thrush, scientifically called oral candidiasis, corresponds to an infection in the baby's mouth caused by the fungus Candida albicans , which can easily cause infection in babies under 6 months due to low immunity. This infection is characterized by the presence of small white dots or white plaques, which can be mistaken for remains of milk, in the baby's mouth.
The newborn baby can contract thrush right at the moment of delivery by contact with the mother's vaginal canal or by contact with poorly washed objects such as bottles or pacifiers. The use of antibiotics may be another cause of the development of candidiasis, as it changes the oral 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. Like the thrush, there are other problems and diseases that are common in the baby. Know other common diseases in babies.
Symptoms of thrush in baby
The baby thrush can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Appearances of white dots or white plaques in the baby's mouth that can be mistaken for leftover milk; Constant crying; Fever above 38ºC; Pain in some cases; Difficulty swallowing and swelling of the throat, which can happen when the fungus arrives to the throat and esophagus.
In some cases, it is possible to identify the thrush in the baby through the appearance of white dots on the nails and skin folds, for example.
Main causes
The baby's thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans which can be transmitted to the baby through childbirth by passing through the vaginal canal. However, the most frequent cause of the thrush is the baby's contact with the fungus that may be in the bottle or pacifier.
In addition, if the baby is being breastfed and the mother or baby is taking antibiotics, there is an increased risk of the fungus to proliferate.
How to treat
The treatment for candidiasis in a baby 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 region of the mouth.
To avoid the baby's thrush it is important to wash your hands before touching the baby, not kissing the mouth, sterilizing pacifiers, bottles and cutlery, for example. In addition, the application of an antifungal cream on the nipples of the breastfeeding woman is a form of treatment to prevent and that candidiasis passes from the mother's breast to the baby. See how to treat the thrush with nystatin gel.
Natural remedy to treat thrush
Candidiasis can be treated with the application of a gauze dipped in pomegranate tea, as this fruit has antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the baby's mouth. Learn how to prepare the home remedy for thrush.
However, in most cases this tea is a complement to the medicine, such as nystatin that must be applied in the mouth at least 4 times a day.
