Baby Yeast
Infection and Diaper Rash
It is important not to confuse yeast infection on a baby
with diaper rash because the usual diaper cream will have no
effect on clearing up a yeast infection, although it could
provide temporary relief. A yeast infection has come different
characteristics, it has scalloped edges and some small rashes
around it, out-with the edge of the main rash. It may have
spread around the pubic area and down to the lower abdomen of
the baby. A pediatrician will be able to confirm whether a rash
is a yeast infection or confirm the presence of an oral yeast
infection. To do this, the doctor may take some scrapings and
examine them under a microscope.
Anti-fungal medication is the usual method to clear up these
yeast infections. Nystatin or Lotrim AF are commonly
recommended. Along with antifungal cream, frequent diaper
changing and soaking the baby in warm water a few times each
day will help cure th infection. The diaper should not be too
tight and air should be able to get in. Also, ensure the diaper
area is clean and dry whenever putting on a new diaper.
In addition, there are some natural treatments. Diaper cream
is available, which contains tea tree oil, for example.
Applying aloe to the area is another common practice as well as
pressing damp chamomile teabags into the rash. However, if the
rash does not improve after a week, it is strongly recommended
to see a pediatrician.
A yeast infection can be brought about through the use of
antibiotics, as these can kill the bacteria, which would
normally keep the Candidas Albicans organism in check. This
could be antibiotics that the baby is taking or from the
mother. An infection can be spread through breast feeding if
the mother is on antibiotics. It may be that the rash has come
from an earlier thrush infection in the mouth. This is because
that Candida can make its way from the mouth to the digestive
tract then through to the stool, which is then held in the
diaper and ends up on the skin.
When a baby has a yeast infection, he or she should not
necessarily be kept from mixing from other babies. These types
of yeast infections are not contagious in these
circumstances.
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