Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for infant yeast infections, is one of the many organisms normally found in the human body. Typically, candida growth is kept under control by good bacteria in the body. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of candida due to a disturbance that inhibits good bacteria's ability to keep candida under control. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Consequently, infants commonly develop yeast infections in their mouths and diaper areas.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections. These drugs work by killing off harmful bacteria and fungi that are overpowering the body's immune system, thus causing infection. According to MayoClinic.com, these drugs also attack the body's good bacteria, which can allow for an overgrowth of candida and an increased risk of developing an infection.
Weakened Immunity
An infant's immune system can be weakened by illness or medications. In addition, premature infants are born with immature immune systems that are unable to produce the cells and proteins necessary to ward off infection, notes About Kids Health, a website produced by the Toronto-based Hospital for Sick Children. This inability of the body to fight back against infectious organisms can lead to illnesses such as yeast infections.
Poor Hygiene
Yeast grows best in warm, moist environments. Dirty diapers provide an excellent medium for candida growth. AskDr.Sears.com recommends changing diapers at least every two hours and immediately after stooling. Allowing an infant to remain in a wet dirty diaper increases the amount of bacterial contact with the skin in this already yeast prone area. Drying the diaper area with each diaper change will also decrease the risk of yeast infection development.
Yeast can also survive on certain surfaces. An infant who uses nipples, teethers or pacifiers can be continually exposed to candida by reusing these contaminated items. According to AskDr.Sears.com, these items can be sterilized by boiling them for 20 minutes once a day.
Breastfeeding
An infant can also acquire a yeast infection during breastfeeding if his mother has an infection of the nipples. Women who have undergone antibiotic treatment may develop a yeast infections of the nipples. Other drugs, such as corticosteroids used in the treatment of asthma, can predispose women to yeast infections. Additionally, yeast may flourish in this area if the nipples are continually moist and warm. Candida can then be repeatedly passed back and forth between the breastfeeding infant and mother unless both receive treatment to clear up the infection.
References
- "The Baby Book"; William Sears, M.D.; 2003
- About Kids Health: Infection and the Immune System
- La Leche League: Yeast Infections and the Breastfeeding Family
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Thrush
- AskDr.Sears.com: Diaper Rash
