Oral thrush in babies
Advice for breastfeeding mothers
If your baby has oral thrush and you're breastfeeding, it's possible for your baby to pass a thrush infection to you. This can affect your nipples or breasts and cause nipple thrush.
Symptoms of nipple thrush can include:
- pain while you're feeding your baby, which may continue after the feed is finished
- cracked, flaky or sensitive nipples and areolas (the darker area around your nipple)
- changes in the colour of your nipples or areolas
If you have nipplethrush, or there's a risk of your baby passing thrush on to you, you'll normally be advised to continue breastfeeding while using an antifungal cream such as miconazole to treat the infection.
You should apply the cream to your nipples after every feed, and remove any that's left before the next feed.
In severe cases of nipple thrush, antifungal tablets may be recommended.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about oral thrush in babies and young children, a fungal infection in the mouth that's usually harmless and easily treatable
Signs of oral thrush in babies
The main sign of oral thrush is a white coating on your baby's tongue, although there may also be white patches elsewhere in the mouth. This coating may look like curd or cottage cheese and usually c
When to seek medical advice
Oral thrush in babies isn't usually serious, but you shouldvisit your GP if you think your child may have the condition. You can also ask your health visitor for advice or call NHS 111 . If there's a
Causes of oral thrush in babies
Oral thrush is caused by a yeast fungus called Candida albicans. Healthy people have this fungus in their mouths and it doesn't normally cause problems. But it can overgrow and infect the membranes i
Treating oral thrush in babies
If your GP or health visitor feels your baby needs treatment, they'll probably prescribe an antifungal medicine. The two main antifungal medicines used to treat oral thrush in babiesare: miconazole
Advice for breastfeeding mothers
If your baby has oral thrush and you're breastfeeding, it's possible for your baby to pass a thrush infection to you. This can affect your nipples or breasts and cause nipple thrush. Symptoms of nipp
Preventing oral thrush in babies
It's not clear whether it's possible to prevent oral thrush in babies. Some doctors suggest the following advice may help: sterilise dummies regularly, as well as any toys that your baby puts in the
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