Yeast is found in and on healthy babies. The Candida Foundation points out that candida albicans, a strain of yeast, is found in the digestive system including the mouth, throat, intestines and other parts of the bowel. An overgrowth of yeast can lead to various symptoms in an infant and often requires treatment with a location-specific form of anti-fungal medication. Understanding yeast overgrowth in babies can help caregivers prevent and treat the condition.
Significance
The purpose of naturally occurring yeast, such as candida, is to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria found inside the digestive tract states the Candida Foundation. An infant is born with a healthy level of yeast in the body. The immune system and other healthy bacteria keep the yeast from overpopulating the baby's body.
Causes
Various factors contribute to the overgrowth of yeast in a baby. MedlinePlus suggests that yeast infections that affect the diaper area are most common in babies who eat solid foods. Not all cases of diaper rash are due to yeast overgrowth. A regular diaper rash may simply be the result of skin irritation from normal diaper wearing or exposure to urine and feces. When yeast overpopulate the area, the diaper rash may look different and be resistant to commonly used diaper cream treatment. When an infant or a breastfeeding mother takes antibiotics, the risk of an overgrowth of yeast in the baby increases. This is due to the medication indiscriminately killing off bacteria, including those that keep yeast under control.
Effects
A yeast overgrowth that affects the diaper area will result in redness nearly anywhere on the baby's bottom, including the vaginal folds, the penis, testicles, anus and surrounding tissues. A yeast infection is often characterized by a bright red rash in one area with red bumps a short distance from the main rash. AskDrSears.com explains that the rash is typically red, raised and patchy with sharp borders. The rash may be itchy or somewhat painful.
An oral overgrowth of yeast, called oral thrush, is characterized by white patches on the soft tissues of the mouth including the tongue, roof of the mouth and the throat. This infection can occur in a baby who is breastfeeding if the mother's nipples have developed a yeast infection. Because the excess yeast is swallowed by the baby, it can end up in the baby's feces, causing a yeast infection near the anus and other surrounding tissues.
Prevention
Adequate hygiene is the most effective way to reduce the risk of yeast overgrowth in babies. MedlinePlus states that this includes keeping the baby in a dry and clean diaper, using mild soaps and making sure the baby's diaper isn't too tight. Parents can also prevent yeast overgrowth by allowing the baby to spend some time without a diaper on each day and giving the baby a bath several times a week or more often if needed.
Treatment
Yeast overgrowth in babies is treated with an anti-fungal medication. This can be applied topically to the diaper area or vagina if the yeast infection affects these tissues. When a baby has oral thrush or other forms of yeast overgrowth, a liquid anti-fungal may be prescribed. Many over-the-counter topical anti-fungal creams are safe for infant use but caregivers should discuss the amount and frequency of treatment with a health care professional. Common drugs used to treat yeast overgrowth, according to MedlinePlus, include nystatin, miconazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole.
