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THRUSH

Thrush is primarily found in newborns and infants up to six months of age. It consists of white irregularly shaped patches that coat the inside of the mouth and sometimes the tongue. The patches adhere to the mouth and cannot be washed away or wiped off easily like milk. If the only finding is a uniformly white tongue, it is due to milk and not thrush. Thrush can occur in either bottle-fed or breast-fed infants.

Thrush is caused by a yeast (called Candida) that grows rapidly on the lining of the mouth in areas abraded by prolonged sucking. This organism may be present in the intestinal tract, vagina and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. It usually occurs in small babies and may be acquired during passage through the vagina. It may also occur after the use of antibiotics. Thrush is not contagious since it does not invade normal tissue.

During regular office hours, call 344-9213 for a nurse if:

• Your infant refuses to eat;
• Thrush gets worse with treatment;
• Thrush lasts beyond 10 days;
• Your infant has an unexplained fever, or
• You have other concerns or questions.

Treatment for thrush involves a prescription medication Nystatin Oral Suspension and hygiene measures. Feed your baby before application of the medication. Try to remove large plaques with a clean, wet washcloth or cotton swab. Apply as directed on the prescription. Cover all oral tissues well and let your child swallow the medication. Treat for 10 days. Wash your hands before and after treatment. Sterilize nipples and/or pacifiers and wash toys well to prevent reinfection. If breast-feeding, wash nipples well with warm water before and after feeding. Apply Nystatin to any irritated areas on your nipples. Allow to air dry.

If your baby has a significant diaper rash along with thrush, it should be treated with Nystatin Ointment. Wash skin with plain water with each diaper change. Dry completely and leave the diaper area exposed for 15 minutes if possible. This helps eliminate the warmth and moisture that encourages growth of the yeast. Discontinue all powder and creams.

This advice on thrush is presented as general information is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s medical problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular office hours and speak to one of our Health Information Nurses.