Saturday, November 28, 2009

Yeast Infection Prevention in Babies - Do You Know Babies Can Get Yeast Infection?

By Salli Smith

Baby free from diseases and infections are what every parent would wish for. Thus, most parents would usually do everything to protect their babies from getting sick. But parents should also be aware that yeast infection can also occur in babies. Yeast infection in babies usually occurs in their mouth and this is even a common childhood sickness.

This is because babies do not have protective bacteria in their mouth yet. Thus, they can easily acquire yeast infection in their mouth or thrush. This is very irritating for your baby. So, you have to make sure that you protect them from this disease.

You will know that your baby has thrush if you see white patches in your baby's mouth or the sides of the mouth. The presence of thrush can make your baby irritable, uncomfortable and they will cry often because of this.

Causes of yeast infection in babies are also similar to adults. The overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans is what causes the infection. This is because this fungus is also present in babies. Candida is actually present in everybody. Their presence, per se, is not really problem. The problem comes when they are overgrowing and dominating over good bacteria causing yeast infection.

Babies would usually acquire thrush when they are taking antibiotics. As we know, antibiotics can kill not only bad bacteria but also good bacteria. This lowers the defense system of the baby allowing Candida to grow and multiply. This will result to your baby getting yeast infection.

Yeast infection can even be acquired from the mother. This is because mothers are also prone to yeast infection during pregnancy. Pregnancy can lead to hormonal imbalance which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast in the body. Thus, if yeast infection is not cured before childbirth, this can transfer to the baby because the baby may swallow some of the secretions in the birth canal during childbirth. So, if you do not want your babies to contact thrush, make sure that you are free and safe from yeast infection during childbirth.

And whether you like it or not, yeast infection can also contacted from breast milk. Though it would be best if a doctor is consulted before assuming where the infection comes from. Remember that babies also need breast milk as this is their source of pro-biotic that will help protect them from infections.

Yeast infection can also be prevented by considering places where the infection can occur. For example, infection in the diaper area can be prevented by ensuring that the baby is dry at all times. Diaper should not stay too long before changing and allowing fresh air on the baby's bottom when removing the diaper. And when there is presence of yeast infection, a mild anti-fungal cream would help solve this problem.

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