Recognize and treat diaper thrush properly

diaper thrush

General

Diaper fungus, also commonly called diaper thrush, is caused by  candida albicans . The fungus can occur throughout the diaper period and is transmitted either directly through touch or indirectly through food or personal care products.

Causes of diaper thrush

On the one hand, diaper thrush can result from the fact that your baby does not tolerate the diapers. It is then advisable to simply change the manufacturer. A weak immune system in your child can also be the cause of the disease. The damp, closed area of ​​the diaper still favors the development of the fungus. An already sore bottom is particularly vulnerable because the natural skin barrier has already been destroyed.

It is also quite possible that diaper fungus was triggered by a thrush infection in the mother during pregnancy. The infection was then transmitted via the birth canal and breaks out in your baby relatively quickly. In isolated cases, certain foods can be the cause. Peppers, tomatoes or citrus fruits can cause a sore bottom in some children.

recognize diaper thrush

The typical symptoms of diaper fungus are severely reddened skin in the buttocks area, often with white deposits and pustules that run out scaly at the edge. Your baby’s mouth may also be affected. There, too, white deposits collect that cannot be removed so easily.

treat diaper thrush

In most cases, diaper thrush heals within a few days. However, before you start any treatment, please discuss it with a doctor. For example, you can use a thrush ointment or an antifungal agent for your child’s buttocks. You can also use an ointment for your baby’s oral cavity that your doctor has prescribed for you beforehand. If you are still breastfeeding, the fungus can also spread to your breast and from there back to your child. To prevent this, you should always treat your chest as well.

prevent diaper thrush

To prevent diaper thrush, you should change your child’s diaper regularly. A new diaper is appropriate at least 4-6 times a day. It can also be helpful if your child is allowed to go “bottomless” from time to time. Your child will surely like it too. If foods are the culprit, eliminating those foods from your child’s diet for a while will likely help.