Baby Yeast Infection

Baby yeast infection may be a difficult condition to treat, and it may cause a tremendous amount of pain and irritation to the little ones. The main culprit for this infection is a fungus known as Candida albicans. It prefers warm, moist and dark places. This fungus is present in different places of the body in harmless amounts. These places may include mouth, skin, bowels, and in the vaginal regions of the body. In case of babies a diaper rash that is left unchecked or untreated, may easily result into a full-blown yeast infection. According to experts, the most common factor which act as a trigger for yeast infection in babies is the use of antibiotics. These drugs tend to destroy the population of the 'good' bacteria in the body thus, making way for the Candida albicans to take over and cause an infection.

Symptoms that Indicate Yeast Infection in Babies

Symptoms of this condition are quite prominent and not easy to be ignored. The affected baby develops diaper rash which may seem like red dots. These dots may look like tiny pimples or blisters. Also, the affected area that lies around the anus may look like being raised, with the tissues appearing soft. When the condition gets to a severe level, the affected skin may develop cracks and may even bleed.

Treatment

Mild cases of yeast infection can be treated with the help of topical preparations of antifungals. Also, mothers must ensure that the diaper area stays dry all the time. It is recommended that the use of the medications must be continued with full effect, until the infection gets complete resolved. Baby diapers must be changed frequently, in order to keep the baby's skin moisture free.

Home Remedies

• Make a mix of roman chamomile essential oil and lavender oil. While changing the diaper, wash the affected area with a solution of water and vinegar. Thereafter, apply this mix onto the area. Wait for a few minutes so that the oil is absorbed by the skin and not by the diaper.
• Another home remedy that may help manage a yeast infection is a warm bath with water mixed with apple cider vinegar. This kind of bath not only treats the infection, but soothes the baby's skin as well. Follow this method everyday for a week or until the symptoms subside.
• Garlic has been known as an age-old remedy for various kinds of infections. And it does well for treating a yeast infection as well. Simply rub a garlic clove onto the affected area, or you can also mash a garlic tablet in the baby's food or milk. It is preferable if the tablet is odorless.
• Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area about two to three times a day. Its antifungal property helps in treating and preventing yeast infection appreciably.
• Prepare some ginger tea and dilute it with water. Feed the baby with this tea once a day. There would be significant improvements in the symptoms.
• If you are baby is less than six months, then apply yogurt topically to the affected area. Otherwise, you can feed the baby with a cup of it once a day to deal with the infection.

Note: It is always recommended for parents to discuss all such home remedies with their baby's pediatrician before putting them into use.

Although, yeast infection is common in most babies, once they outgrow wearing diapers, the infection usually does not occur.