Thrush
What is thrush?
Thrush is a yeast infection that is commonly seen in a baby's mouth. Thrush appears as whitish-gray elevated patches that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. They are found on the insides of baby's cheeks, tongue and gums. These patches will not wipe off and may become red and raw if you try to wipe them off. If there are many of these patches, your baby may have pain while sucking and will not drink as well.
What causes thrush?
Thrush is caused by a yeast called candida albicans. It is normal in the mouth and vagina. It usually does not cause any problems, but an illness, use of antibiotics, or hormone changes can make the yeast grow and cause symptoms of infection. Thrush may appear at any time. If it does, call your child's doctor.
Treatment for Thrush
Thrush is usually treated with nystatin, a liquid medication. Nystatin is placed in each cheek of your baby's mouth by using a syringe. It should be given as your child's doctor has directed.
Continue to use all the medication, even if the spots are gone. Thrush should disappear after the medication is completed. Call the doctor if your baby has trouble eating or if the patches do not go away after 1 week.
Tips for Preventing Thrush
It is important to boil reusable nipples and pacifiers for 10 minutes, and cool them before your baby uses them again. Running them through the dishwasher is also effective. Be sure to wash your hands and the baby's hands often and well.
Rev. 10/09
