Oral thrush in babies
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
- nystatin
These medications usually need to be used up to four times a day and are most effective if used after your baby has had a feed or drink.
Continue to use the medicine for two days after the infection has cleared up as this will help prevent the infection coming back. If treatment hasn't fully cleared the thrush after a week of treatment, speak to your GP or health visitor again for advice.
Miconazole
In most cases, miconazole will be the first treatment recommended by a GP.
It's available as a gel that you apply to the affected areas using a clean finger. It's important only to apply a little at a time and to try to avoid the back of your baby's mouth to reduce the risk of choking.
A small number of babies are sick after being treated with miconazole, but this side effect usually passes and isn't normally any cause for concern.
Nystatin
In some cases, your GP or health visitor may recommend an alternative medication called nystatin.
This comes as a liquid medicine (suspension) that's applied directly to the affected area using a dropper (oral dispenser) supplied with the medicine.
Nystatin doesn't usually cause any side effects and most babies have no trouble taking the medication.
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
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products