Overgrowth of yeast in toddlers is a common occurrence during childhood. Yeast overgrowth occurs when good bacteria in the child’s body, especially in the digestive tract, becomes unbalanced and allows yeast to grow uncontrolled. A common cause is antibiotic treatment which tends to kill all bacteria, both the bad bacteria and the good that controls yeast growth. To help prevent overgrowth, replace good bacteria using probiotics such as yogurt with live cultures. Yeast may show up in a variety of ways in toddlers.
White Spots
When yeast overgrowth occurs in the mouth, white spots appear on the tongue, gums, inside the cheeks and even on the throat and tonsils. Doctors refer to this condition as thrush. The white spots will not wipe off easily. NYU Langone Medical Center notes that children with an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth may experience a dry mouth and painful swallowing, and the mucous membranes of the mouth may also appear reddened and irritated.
Rash
Toddlers may experience a yeast overgrowth in the form of a diaper rash. AskDrSears.com explains that yeast which builds up in the intestines can cause a painful skin rash on the genital area. A diaper rash that appears very red and raised and does not respond to typical over-the-counter diaper rash ointments may be a sign of yeast overgrowth. Yeast rashes tend to last longer than normal rashes and must be treated with a prescription antifungal cream.
Pain, Itching and Discharge
Genital yeast infections in toddlers have similar symptoms to yeast infections in adults. Both boys and girls will experience pain or burning during urination. Redness, itching and discharge may also occur in both sexes when an overgrowth of yeast is present, causing an infection.
Fever and Chills
Less frequently, yeast overgrowth can become systemic and invade the entire body. Systemic overgrowth infections occur more frequently in children with compromised immune systems because of underlying medical conditions such as cancer. A high fever should be reported immediately to a pediatrician for further testing to determine the cause. In infants, young toddlers and children with a compromised immune system, systemic yeast infections can be very serious and even deadly. Parents should not hesitate to seek medical treatment.
