Candidiasis In Children: Causes, Symptoms And Prevention

Candidiasis, or cold sores, is an oral infection caused by the fungus  Candida albicans . It can be quite uncomfortable and uncomfortable. The infection is actually more common in newborns than you might think.

It comes from the same fungus that can cause diaper rash and vaginal infections.

Causes of candidiasis

Normally, our bodies maintain a balance with all the microorganisms that live in us. Sometimes, however, this balance changes for various reasons. It is then that fungal species such as candida albicans begin to multiply at a faster rate, usually in the mouth and throat.

When it happens to older children or adults, it indicates the presence of an immune disorder, but oral candidiasis is common in newborns.

One of the reasons why the immune system may be temporarily weakened is if you use antibiotics to fight another infection.

Another factor is the birth itself. If the mother has a vaginal infection during childbirth, the baby comes in contact with the fungus and can easily become infected. It can also be transmitted through the pacifier on a baby bottle.

Symptoms and treatment

The fungus establishes itself in the mouth and covers the tongue and palate. It can also spread to the inner cheeks and throat. It looks like white spots that look lumpy and grainy.

Be very careful when the stains appear. If they are scratched or broken, they will bleed profusely and the baby may refuse to breastfeed due to the pain.

As I said, the same fungus is also responsible for diaper rash. In that case, the infection appears as red rash instead of white. A vaginal infection is also similar to diaper rash.

In general, the infection disappears on its own. However, it is important to have a doctor look at it so that he or she can see how serious the infection is and prescribe appropriate treatment.

A doctor can examine the fungus using a microscope to determine the cause. This allows him or her to make appropriate recommendations to avoid infection in the future.

To treat it, doctors usually prescribe drugs that can be taken orally or that can be applied directly to the spots in the mouth and throat.

It is also good to review their hygiene routines. Wash your hands often, change your nappy regularly, prevent your baby from putting their hands in their mouths if they are dirty and, for adults, use mouthwash.

Prevent candidiasis

Logically, the best way to prevent the infection is to avoid the circumstances that help it spread:

• To begin with, pregnant women should have their urine analyzed 15 days before delivery to ensure that no infection is present. If there is a vaginal infection, start treatment as soon as possible. Check that the problem is completely gone a few days before the birth. This can be done with another urine sample.
• It is also important to thoroughly disinfect pacifiers and baby bottles. As stated above, the pacifiers on baby bottles are one of the most common ways in which the infection spreads. The best thing you can do is use a bottle sterilizer or put the pacifiers in boiling water for 3 minutes or in steam for 5 minutes.

The most important thing is to strengthen the child’s immune system. To do this, breast milk should be the baby’s only food source for the first 6 months. This is the best way to provide the vitamins and minerals your baby needs to stay healthy.

Another way to avoid candidiasis is to be careful about hygiene. Avoid letting your child put his hands in his mouth if they are dirty. If your baby has a diaper rash, he can touch it because it is irritated and then transfer the fungus to his mouth that way.

These tips can help you prevent oral candidiasis in your newborn baby and avoid discomfort for your little one.