Toddler Yeast Infections
Little boys and girls are both susceptible to getting yeast infections. The moist to wet area around the diapers make toddler yeast infections not only possible, but they can increase even more during the hot summer months. While it is a common misconception that only adults contract yeast infections, yeast is a fungus that is present in everyone.
Yeast Infection or Diaper Rash?
A yeast infection will usually be in the presence of a diaper rash. Toddler yeast infections are often confused with diaper rash; however, they are not quite the same thing. Diaper rash generally is a red rash on the baby’s bottom, thighs and genitals. It will usually clear up by using a diaper cream within 48 hours.
When what you think is diaper rash doesn’t clear up by this time and spreads even further, it more than likely is a yeast infection. A yeast infection won’t respond to traditional diaper rash treatments-another sign. The rash can move up the abdomen and into the skin folds in the groin area. Pus-filled bumps can develop and the redness may be more beefy and pronounced in color. The skin may also have a scaling pattern with slightly raised lesions.
Causes of toddler yeast infection
If the child is taking antibiotics, there is a very good chance of developing a yeast infection in the mouth (thrush) or diaper area. If the infant is breastfeeding and the mother is on antibiotics, the same can occur. Keep in mind that a baby’s immune system is not fully developed; they will not have the same capacity as adults to keep the ‘good’ bacteria in check-yeast can easily grow rampant and out of control.
A baby with thrush will have white patches in their mouth and cheeks and since yeast is in the digestive tract to begin with, it can pass through and into the stool which ends up in the baby’s diaper. Toddler yeast infections can also occur around the time of toilet training.
Preventing toddler yeast infection
Like diaper rash, keeping the infant’s diapered region as clean and DRY as possible is the first place to start. Allow your baby to be diaper-less for 30 minutes at a time by laying them on a clean and dry towel. Allowing air to flow around this area is a plus.
Change soiled diapers as soon as possible since this damp environment only aggravates the condition. Your baby’s discomfort will be apparent by their crying, especially during changing times. Make sure that you wash the soiled area thoroughly with water and a mild soapy solution. Stay away from wipes that contain alcohol since this will irritate a baby’s already sensitive skin. Snugness is the rule when putting on the baby’s diaper; don’t put it on so tight that air cannot circulate.
Avoid using plastic or rubber diaper pants and choose the breathable ones. Wash your hands well after changing so you do not spread any bacteria to the other parts of your baby’s body. Remember, yeast can live anywhere on the skin, especially in the folds.
Feed your baby plain yogurt if they get oral thrush frequently. In doing this, you are introducing a natural probiotic into your baby’s system: strengthening a developing immune system.
Treating a Toddler Yeast Infection
Use an anti-fungal topical cream and apply directly on the affected area(s.) There are over-the-counter choices available, but remember that these creams are not to be taken internally. Both boys and girls will respond favorable to this treatment if it is a toddler yeast infection. If you see no changes in 3 days, visit your pediatrician.
Infants with frequent oral thrush can also be prone to yeast infections in the diaper area as well; an extra precaution can be to soak baby in a highly diluted apple cider vinegar solution. Be careful not to splash around, then make sure you rinse the baby thoroughly.
Spreading plain yogurt around the affected areas should also give baby some instant relief, as well as spoon feeding yogurt to your infant. Toddler yeast infection may not be completely preventable, but knowing more about this condition can allow you to make your baby more comfortable.
