If your child has thick – very stubborn – white spots on the mouth area and has difficulty suckling or eating, he may have a yeast infection. This mild infection is caused by a microscopic fungus (or yeast) called Candida albicans or “thrush” in reference to the white bells of the famous spring flower. We take stock of this very common disorder in young children with Dr. Hervé Haas, head of the pediatric department at the CHPG of Monaco.
What are the causes?
The fungus called “Candida” is naturally present in our body. “Our intestine contains bacteria but also yeasts. When the microbiota is unbalanced – following the taking of antibiotics for example – it happens that these yeasts take up more space and develop until they disrupt the oral and intestinal flora. This disorder favors the proliferation of the fungus., summarizes the pediatrician. Thrush is very common during the first months of a baby’s life. because their immune system is not quite complete.”
Additionally, an infant’s low salivation can promote the multiplication of Candida. Another triggering factor: the acidity of milk and more particularly breast milk, “ce fungus growing very well in acidic environments”.
In older children, the factors favoring a “thrush” are poor oral hygiene, an immune deficiency or even wearing braces.
What are the symptoms?
Thrush is characterized by thick white patches – which look like curds or cottage cheese – on the inside of the cheeks, palate and tongue. But be careful, these spots should not be confused with milk residues that can rise following feeding or bottle feeding.
To tell the difference, we can use a very simple test: “Just take a cotton swab and rub – very gently – the whitish areas. If it’s thrush, the spots don’t come off.”
When the fungus persists, it leads to dry mouth. “The child may have a burning sensation on contact with food. That’s why he starts crying at bottle or breastfeeding time and refuses to eat.” details Dr. Hervé Haas.
As oral mycosis can spread to the digestive tract, the infection can reach the anus and cause diaper rash – resistant to the usual treatments – which is called diaper dermatitis.
“Candida – which is contained in the digestive tract – will contaminate the stool. These then become very acidic and irritate the child’s buttocks.” Small red bumps in relief will form a very painful collarette.
Is it contagious?
Candida fungus is not very contagious. On the other hand, “It is common for infection in infants to be transmitted to the nipples of the nursing mother, especially if they are cracked. This is breast candidiasis.”When should you consult?
As soon as the child has white spots – which do not come off – on the oral area, you must consult. The doctor can then prescribe an antifungal treatment in oral gel as well as an antifungal cream in case of redness in the buttocks.
For the breastfeeding mother, the doctor may recommend a fungicide to cure the infected nipples or to prevent their contamination.
Finally, 24 to 48 hours following starting the treatment, it is advisable to sterilize or change the nipples of the baby’s bottles or pacifiers.
