Yeast Infection in Children

When children are born, their immune system is at a very weak stage. When the child grows up, even the immune system starts strengthening, but it is only when they become adults that their immune system becomes fully strong. This is the reason why children as well as teenagers get infected by various diseases very easily. One such disease that is commonly seen in children is candidiasis yeast infection. They appear in the form of red swollen tissues which are covered by cream or white colored patches, and can be seen in the mouth as well as in the genital and anal areas.

Causes

When a child becomes ill, it is obvious that the parents rush him to the hospital where the doctor gives antibiotics to treat the disease. This is one of the major cause of yeast infections. The intake of antibiotics may cure the child from an illness, but in turn destroys all the bacteria present in the body which is needed for the child to stay healthy. Due to the absence of bacteria in the body, the yeast fungus is able to thrive without getting noticed, leading for the occurrence of yeast infection.

Another cause of yeast infection, also known as candidiasis in children, is the high intake of sugar. Consumption of sugar in high quantities can lead to growth of fungus in the body and subsequently to yeast infection. Though commercial baby foods claim to be unsweetened, they contain high levels of sugar. Other than that, canned fruit juices and even those made at home contain 5 - 6 teaspoons of sugar. It is also said that consumption of cow's milk, rice milk, soy milk or goat's milk can lead to yeast infections, since these foods contain high amounts of sugar.

If the mother has yeast infection while giving birth to the child, she can pass over the infection to the baby. Also, breastfeeding can give rise to this condition in children. Little children often suffer from diaper rash, and when this is left untreated, it can also lead to yeast infection in them.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of yeast infection is the appearance of rashes in the affected areas. However, there are other things that accompany yeast infection, which include chronic acute abdominal pain and other digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Other symptoms seen in children affected by this disease are athletes foot, chronic ear infections, hives, eczema, etc. Children may also complain of frequent headaches and may seem to be tired and depressed most of the time. Some children are also reported to have learning problems because of yeast infection.

Treatments

If your child is suffering from these symptoms, it is necessary that you get him/her treated soon. The pediatric would recommend the application of antifungal cream on the area where the infection has occurred. Apart from this, it would also be beneficial to treat the child with probiotics. You can either feed the child with yogurt or give him probiotic supplements. If you are child has yeast infection in the rectal area, care should be taken and the diaper should be changed within short periods of time. Feeding the child with green foods like bifidus, barley green, spirulina, etc. along with a diet containing fibrous foods are also effective ways of treating yeast infections. These are some of the treatment measures for yeast infection, however, it is important to consult the physician before choosing any of the treatment measures.

You must have understood the importance of preventing the occurrence of this infection in children. Ensure that your child follows a healthy diet and is getting all the essential nutrients required to become strong. In the case of infants, it is necessary that their major source of nutrition remains mother's milk, and other commercial products should be avoided as much as possible.

Yeast infections are curable, however, it causes pain and irritation to the patients. So it is important to take the necessary precautions to keep your child safe from this discomforting disease.