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Maternal (Expert Forum)
Toddler Yeast Infection
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
Toddler Yeast Infection
by Cindy__0, Jul 20, 1998 12:00AM
: My granddaughter just returned from a two week visit away from home.
: She came home with a yeast infection. She has never had this before
: and I'm curious as to where it could have come from. She is two years
: old. is it normal for a small child to get this type of infection?
: Thanks,
: Grandma
YEAST INFECTIONS (THRUSH)
All children seem to experience this illness sometime during their childhood.
A yeast infection is usually caused by candida albicans which is a good bacteria most of the time. This is a germ that is normally found in everyone's body.
Conditions that can cause this disease are as follows:
Newborn can obtain during birth
Antibiotic therapy can cause an overgrowth problem of the bacteria
An excessive moisture problem usually caused by wet diapers
Thrush, in the mouth, appears as white patchs on the tongue and inside the mouth.
Yeast (candida) on the buttocks/groin area will appear as a Fire red rash.
Please see a Doctor for diagnosis and medication. The doctor will give you a antibiotic, such as nystatin, to combat this infection.
For the child with diaper rash (candidas), make sure you wash the diaper area after each diaper change. Use a mild soap, and rinse with water. Use a very soft baby wash cloth to keep irritation and pain to a minimum. You will need to check the diaper every 1-2 hours, and keep the diaper area as dry as possible.
No powder will be needed for this type of infection, only the ointment which is ordered by your Doctor.
This infection is not contagious. People already have this bacteria in their body. One way to combat this infection and many other childhood illnesses it to make sure you and your family wash their hands as often as necessary. Use a good antibacterial soap for adults and children in your home. Having separate towels for all members of the family is a good suggestion as well.
Dear Tracy :
Thank you for the information
You are correct in regards to the causes and management of yeast infections . I just want to make one minor correction and that is candida is a yeast ( fungal) infection and not a bacteria and that antibiotics may actually predispose to resistant fungal or yeast infections. their treatment is by an antifungal ointment in the mildest cases . In more severe fungal infections ( as I mentioned to Cindy , causing blood or urine infections ) an antifungal medication given intravenously or by mouth can help eradicate the infection . Yeast infections are difficult to treat , a course of an antifungal has to continue at least 14-21 days and if stopped any time in between , the yeast tends to grow back again.
L.M.
Disclaimer : this information is for educational purposes only
Keywords : yeast infections*
