Thrush is a very common problem in infants. It is a yeast infection within the mouth that causes white plaques on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips and tongue. Unlike formula that sometimes coats the tongue, the white plaques of thrush can’t easily be wiped away. While thrush is not harmful, it does require an anti-fungal prescription called Nystatin. The Nystatin has to coat the affected areas and doesn’t work once swallowed.
Breast-feeding moms often need to treat their nipples with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream like Lotrimin at the same time that the baby is being treated. This helps prevent passing the yeast back and forth. Simply wipe off any excess cream before nursing the baby. If your breasts are painful, you may actually be infected yourself and will need an oral anti-fungal medicine from your OB/Gyn.
It is also important to boil bottle nipples and pacifiers for about 10 minutes every 1-2 days while the baby is being treated. This will help to eradicate the yeast. Babies with thrush are still able to attend daycare.
Be sure to call the office if your baby’s thrush is accompanied by a fever, seems excessively painful or is accompanied by bleeding or if it is not responding to Nystatin. At times, a different prescription medication needs to be used.
