What is baby thrush?

What is thrush?

Thrush is caused by a yeast called ‘Candida albicans’ and it most commonly affects your baby’s mouth but it can also affect your baby’s digestive system causing diarrhea and vomiting. Thrush in the mouth causes soreness and your baby may become upset at feeding time or start to refuse feeds.

What causes it?

Thrush is most commonly found in the vagina so a baby can pick it up while being born vaginally. It is also commonly found on the skin including the skin on the breast and babies who have received antibiotics are also vulnerable.

What does it look like?

Thrush in the mouth will resemble curds of milk on the tongue and inside of the mouth which do not rub away.

Also if you notice nappy rash appearing check the mouth for these white spots as the nappy rash may be as a result of thrush.

How do I treat it?

Go to your GP and he/she will prescribe oral gel or drops

If you think your baby has thrush, go to your GP and he/she will prescribe oral gel or drops. If you are breastfeeding remember to treat the breast as well or else feeds will become painful for you and the thrush will continue to reappear.

For stubborn bouts of thrush more than one course of treatment may be needed.

For more information please contact our Careline.