The overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans can cause an infant to develop yeast infection symptoms. This common infection, which is also called thrush, can cause symptoms within an infant's mouth or in the diaper-covered region. Infants who develop any yeast infection symptoms require further evaluation from a pediatrician as antifungal medication may be necessary to resolve symptoms.
Diaper Rash
The skin beneath an infant's diaper is typically warm and moist and presents the perfect breeding ground for yeast to grow and spread. Infants with a yeast infection can develop a bright red skin rash across their genital region--a yeast infection symptom often referred to as diaper rash. The affected skin can appear inflamed, dry or scaly. These skin rash symptoms may be more prominent within the skin folds around the groin, explain medical professionals with BabyCenter, an online informational resource for mothers and mothers-to-be. Diaper rash symptoms caused by a yeast infection typically persist for longer than two days and do not resolve following application of over-the-counter diaper rash creams or ointments.
Genital Skin Lesions
A yeast infection affecting the genital region can cause an infant to develop skin lesions across the affected skin. Fluid- or pus-filled skin sores can appear near the genitals or anus, explains MedlinePlus, a medical information website established by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These skin lesions may burst and crust over and can be uncomfortable for an infant. A parent or caregiver may notice that these skin lesions are tender to the touch, and an affected infant may begin to cry or fuss during usual diaper changes. If these skin lesions persist for more than a couple of days or become severe, a parent or caregiver should take the affected infant to a pediatrician for further evaluation and care.
White, Fuzzy Oral Lesions
Infants can also develop oral yeast infection symptoms due to overgrowth of Candida albicans within the mouth. Symptoms include white, fuzzy patches of skin along an infant's gums, tongue or inside the cheeks, report health officials with the North Dakota Department of Health. Patches of cracked skin can also develop at the corners of an infant's mouth. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may affect an infant's ability to breastfeed or bottle-feed, warns KidsHealth, a children's health information website established by the Nemours Foundation. Infants who develop these oral yeast infection symptoms should see a medical professional for care.
