Yeast, also known as Candida, occurs normally in certain parts of the body, especially moist areas including the throat, mouth, intestines and genitourinary tract (vagina, anus and urethra). When the bacteria grow out of control, the result is a yeast infection. Yeast infections present as a common problem of childhood and have many different causes. They do not cause long-term problems, and treatments are usually quite simple.
Tight clothing
Yeast and bacteria live together in the body, and the bacteria help keep yeast from overgrowing. Since yeast occurs naturally in warm, moist environments, adding extra warmth and moisture having your child wear clothing that fits tightly against his skin can cause yeast to multiply and cause an infection. Wearing loose-fitting clothing allows air to circulate on the skin, preventing an overgrowth of the yeast bacteria.
Improper Diapering
Infants and toddlers are prone to yeast infections in the diaper area due to excess moisture on the skin. Urine is highly acidic, and an increase in acidity along with moisture from the urine can cause yeast infections of the skin. This differs from simple diaper rash which occurs as the body's natural immune response. Skin breakdown from excess acidity and moisture leads to a yeast infection. In girls, this can also lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, causing a yeast infection that may need medical treatment.
Prolonged pacifier and bottle use
If a child sucks on a pacifier too long without cleaning it, yeast builds up and transfers to the mouth. An oral yeast infection is known as thrush. Bottles, teething rings and anything a child chews on frequently needs thorough cleaning to prevent infection.
Antibiotics
According to the authors of "Essentials of Pediatric Nursing", antibiotics are one of the most common causes of yeast infections in children. Antibiotics kill of the bad bacteria that make us sick, but it also kills off good bacteria that keep yeast at bay. Once the good bacteria becomes outnumbered by the yeast, a yeast infection can result. Overuse of antibiotics continues this cycle and may become difficult to break.
Foods high in sugar
Children tend to love sugary foods, and sugar can lead to yeast infections because of its acidity. Once the acidity in the body rises, a yeast infection can occur in the intestines. According to the authors of "Understanding Nutrition", some sugar is necessary for a child's growth and development but should be avoided in excess. Foods containing high amounts of sugar include fruit juice, sweetened cereal, ice cream, candy and some infant formulas.
Bubble baths
Soap is alkaline and can change the pH of the vagina. This can cause mucus production to decrease and can kill off the good bacteria that prevents infection. When soaps from bubble baths consistently come in contact with the genital area, yeast can overgrow causing an infection. The authors of "Essentials of Pediatric Nursing" recommend bathing children with a hypoallergenic soap.
Sexual contact
Very young children who have chronic genital yeast infections not caused by antibiotic use, diaper rash or other obvious reasons should be carefully evaluated for signs of sexual abuse. Oral yeast infections can also be transmitted to the genital area and present with the same symptoms in both males and females.
References
- "Essentials of Pediatric Nursing"; Donna L.Wong, PhD, RN, PNP, CPN, FAAN; 1993.
- "Understanding Nutrition"; Eleanor Noss Whitney, Sharon Rady Rolfes; 1993.
- "Child Abuse"; Peggy Murray, RNC, MN, CDE, Mary Stein; 1997.
