Yeast Infection in Small Children

According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, candidiasis is a yeast infection common in the mucous membranes and skin of young children. All of us have Candida yeast in our systems all the time, but our immune systems normally keep it from spreading.

The immune systems of small children, however, aren't fully developed. Although they have some protection from their mothers' antibodies, they are still more susceptible than healthy adults to infections and disease.

Types

• Yeast infection of the mouth is called thrush. Both girls and boys can get genital yeast infections. Because candidiasis thrives in warm moist conditions, the navel, corners of the mouth, beds of the nails and skin folds are other vulnerable areas.

Symptoms

• Oral yeast infection produces white patches on the tongue and inner walls of the mouth. Genital yeast infection in girls surfaces with a pasty, yeasty-smelling discharge; itching and burning; and vaginal redness. Boys get a rash, scaling and redness on the underside of the penis.

  Known as perleche, candidiasis at the corners of the mouth causes cracking. Infection of the navel or skin folds can result in pimples, itching, burning and pus, while yeast in the nail beds can mean pus, swelling and discolored loose nails.

Causes

• Their underdeveloped immune systems are one significant cause of yeast infections in small children. Antibiotics are another. Children either taking them or breastfeeding from mothers taking them get yeast infections because the antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria that normally help keep candidiasis levels in check.

  Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, that affect the immune system; genetic conditions, including Down syndrome; chemotherapy; use of steroid-based inhalers for respiratory problems and poor diet also leave children at increased risk for yeast infection.

  Because this yeast loves moisture, protecting skin wounds and drying children thoroughly after bathing are essential for thwarting candidiasis.

Treatment

• Medicated suppositories treat anal and vaginal thrush, while medicated ointments relieve candidiasis elsewhere on your child's skin.

  Children with oral thrush can use antifungal Nystatin and Amphortericin B mouthwashes and Chlortrimazole lozenges. For very young or seriously infected children, standard treatment is a 5- to 10-day course of Fluconazole suspension or pills given once daily.

Warning

• An infant or small child with oral thrush may find eating and drinking painful. Make sure your child continues to get adequate food and fluids while his thrush is being treated.

  If your child develops a fever or chills or begins vomiting, the yeast infection may have spread to the bloodstream. Seek medical help immediately.