Infant Thrush
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Infant thrush is a yeast infection of your infant's mouth. The same yeast may also cause a diaper rash. This yeast is a type of fungus called Candida. This yeast is normally present in your infant's mouth and digestive tract. Sometimes the yeast can overgrow and cause a yeast infection. Medicines such as antibiotics or steroids may increase your infant's risk of thrush.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
Your infant has signs of dehydration including any of the following:
- Crying without tears, urinating less than usual or not at all, or a very dry mouth.
- Urinating less than usual or not at all
- Dry mouth
Call your infant's doctor if:
- Your infant is drinking or eating less than usual.
- Your infant has a fever.
- There is bleeding in the areas where your infant has thrush.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be needed to treat your infant's yeast infection.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage infant thrush:
- Limit your infant's pacifier use if you think he or she has mouth pain. Sucking for long periods of time can irritate your infant's mouth. Try to use the pacifier only when you cannot find another way to calm your infant.
- Feed your infant with a cup, spoon, or syringe instead of a bottle if you think he or she has severe mouth pain. Your child may not want to take the bottle if he or she has pain.
- Wash the nipples from your infant's bottles and pacifiers in hot water or dishwasher after each use.
- Apply antifungal cream to your nipples if you breastfeed and your nipples are red and sore. You may have also have a yeast infection on your nipples. Apply the cream to your nipples 4 times each day after you breastfeed your infant, or as directed.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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