Yeast is type of fungus, called candida, that exists everywhere in the environment, according to the National Institutes of Health. The fungi prefer warm, moist places. An overgrowth of the yeast can lead to a yeast infection. Treatment of the infection in a baby consists of oral or topical antifungal medication, depending on the location of the yeast. Babies can develop a yeast infection for a number of reasons.
Dirty Diapers
A wet, warm diaper is a place where candida yeast can thrive. Most infants are susceptible to a yeast infection related to diaper wearing because feces and urine may rest against the skin for long periods of time. The National Institutes of Health recommends that caregivers change an infant's diaper often and apply a moisture barrier to his bottom to reduce the risk of yeast infection. A candida diaper rash will last longer than two days and may appear scaly and red; small pimple-like bumps can appear as well.
Antibiotics
An infant who is prescribed antibiotics or is breast-feeding while her mother is taking antibiotics is at a greater risk of developing a yeast infection, according to the National Institutes of Health. The outbreak occurs because healthy bacteria usually keep yeast levels under control. The use of an antibiotic can kill off even these healthy bacteria, however, leaving the yeast to thrive and grow out of control.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. It can occur just like a diaper rash caused by yeast---the normally occurring fungus thrives in abundance, leading to infection. Baby Center suggests that as a baby travels down the birth canal, she is exposed to yeast for the first time and may develop a case of thrush shortly after birth. Breast-feeding increases both the risk of thrush in a baby and a yeast infection of the nipple for the mother. The mother may develop it first owing to poor hygiene of the breasts or not drying the area completely after feeding. Mother and baby can pass the infection back and forth.
Tight Diapers
Family Doctor recommends avoiding plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers on infants because they can prevent airflow. The tightness can also keep the baby's skin warm, promoting the growth of microorganisms including yeast.
