Thrush in a child (or candidiasis) is a fairly common disease, moreover, it is often found in children of their first life, it brings considerable discomfort to the baby, prevents him from sleeping normally and eating.
You definitely need to know how exactly candidiasis develops, manifests and is treated, so that you can timely diagnose the disease and conduct complex treatment.
Causes of occurrence
Candida fungi provoke the development of thrush in a child, because the disease is also called candidal stomatitis. Fungal damage is present in the body of absolutely every person, not letting itself know until a certain point. The impetus for the development of the disease can be weakened immunity, taking antibiotics and many other factors.
A fungal infection affects not only the oral cavity, but also other organs, therefore, it is important to start treatment for thrush in a timely manner so that it does not spread further.
Basically, the infection comes from the mother. Infection passes from a woman to a child during delivery. Thrush on the lips of a child is formed when it passes through the birth canal of the mother, as a result of which fungus enters the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, factors such as:
- viral diseases;
- allergic dermatitis;
- intestinal diseases;
- dirty dishes, toys, nipples;
- non-observance of personal hygiene;
- taking antibiotics;
- frequent spitting up.
Babies who are breastfed are much less likely to get candidiasis than those who eat the mixture. In adolescence, candidiasis often occurs against the background of hormonal changes in the body, as well as as a result of frequent colds and hypothermia.
Main forms
There are 2 main forms of the course of thrush in a child: acute and chronic. In acute form, candidiasis affects the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, provokes the formation of plaque, which consists of food debris and yeast.
Gradually, the film begins to grow, cracks form in the corners of the lips. Often there is an increase in lymph nodes, which is accompanied by pain on palpation. During this period, the child may complain about:
- burning;
- itching
- dry mouth
- discomfort and pain when eating food.
In the acute course of the disease, it is very important to correctly diagnose, since the thrush in a child can have similar symptoms with other diseases, in particular, tonsillitis, stomatitis, diphtheria.
The chronic form of the disease manifests itself in the form of the formation of yellow or brown plaque. When you try to remove it, pain occurs, blood can go. The mucous membrane swells, the cervical lymph nodes increase. The chronic form of candidiasis requires long-term treatment.
Developmental stages
Often, it is quite difficult to recognize the symptoms of thrush in an infant in the mouth, since it can be taken simply for the remnants of milk or porridge. That is why you need to regularly inspect the baby's oral cavity in order to timely notice the presence of plaque and characteristic rashes.
It is worth noting that the disease has several stages. With a mild degree, small spots of red color form in the child's mouth. Gradually they become whitish. If the presence of the disease is determined in a timely manner, then it can be quickly cured without complications.
With moderate severity, the spots gradually grow and fill the entire oral cavity. A characteristic sign is the formation of painful bleeding ulcers. During this period, the child is very painful to swallow and he refuses to eat food.
In the severe stage, the sores begin to bleed much harder. Plaque can even spread to the throat. The kid feels significant discomfort, pain. At this stage, the child’s well-being deteriorates sharply, the temperature may rise.
Genital candidiasis
Thrush in a child's groin occurs quite rarely. The source of infection is the baby's mother. Girls of the first year of life can suffer from vulvitis, a provoking factor is the failure to observe personal hygiene rules.
The danger of thrush in children in the inguinal region is quite high. If treatment is not carried out over a long period of time, fusion of the labia may occur over time and surgery may be required.
Treatment of thrush in children in the inguinal region is carried out using tablets and ointments containing antifungal components. Self-medication in this case is prohibited. Immediately show the child to the doctor. After examination and diagnosis, he can prescribe such drugs as Clotrimazole, Canizon, Diflucan, Pimafucin.
Candidiasis of the organs of vision
Many parents are interested in whether a child may have thrush not only in the oral cavity and genitals, but also on the skin. Basically, folds in areas such as:
This disease occurs in the event of a decrease in immunity. In some cases, it can be noted as a concomitant violation in allergies. Thrush spreads very quickly, so timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are urgently needed.
Among the main manifestations, the presence of small swelling, in which pus may be present, can be noted. Skin integuments acquire some roughness. The child feels discomfort, itching, which is provoked by the inflammatory process.
Candidiasis of the skin
Often, thrush in a child up to 1 year old can occur in the eye area. This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- swelling of the eyelids;
- redness of the eyes;
- tearing.
Similar symptoms can be with other diseases, so you need to immediately contact an optometrist for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Candidiasis can be very dangerous, as it can provoke various kinds of complications. A newborn can become infected by the mother while passing through the birth canal. For treatment, antibacterial drops are used. In addition, you can use a special ointment for the eyelids. All drugs are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. With improper treatment, various violations are possible, up to complete blindness. Therefore, you should contact a specialist immediately!
The main symptoms
Symptoms of thrush in newborns and older children for a long time may not manifest at all, which is why parents may not even suspect the presence of the disease. But there are a number of characteristic features by which it can be determined:
- unusual dryness in the oral cavity;
- itching
- swelling;
- decreased appetite or a complete refusal to eat food;
- weakness and lethargy;
- plaque in the tongue or genitals;
- curdled discharge.
Many parents believe that if a child has redness of the mouth, then he has a sore throat. It is worth noting that this symptom can signal the development of many diseases, including fungal infection.
If the child has such symptoms, then you must definitely consult a specialist for a comprehensive examination. Once again, we draw your attention to the fact that only a doctor can choose high-quality therapy.
Diagnostics
What thrush looks like in the mouth in children should be understood by all parents in order to timely recognize the symptoms of the disease and conduct appropriate treatment. Only a specialist can determine the form and type of the disease, so you need to contact a pediatrician in a timely manner. When diagnosing, the baby is examined and a number of studies can be prescribed, namely:
- urine and blood tests;
- blood chemistry;
- swab of discharge from the genitals and mouth.
After the diagnosis, the doctor can correctly determine the form of the course of candidiasis and choose the most effective drugs that will help cure the yeast infection in a child.
Treatment features
In addition to drug treatment of candidiasis, folk remedies and methods are widely used.
Initially, you need to eliminate the root cause, which leads to the development of Candida fungi. After this, the pathogens themselves must be eliminated. If other diseases provoked the development of thrush, then they need to be treated, since they lead to a decrease in immunity. In addition, proper nutrition is essential. With concomitant allergic dermatitis, anti-allergy drugs should be used. It is also necessary to conduct an examination of the intestines, since in some cases dysbiosis becomes the main factor.
Local therapy
A soda solution is quite effective in the fight against fungal infection (one teaspoon of the powder is dissolved in a glass of warm boiled water). Half an hour before eating, you need to wind a clean bandage or gauze on your index finger, moisten it in a soda solution and thoroughly treat the entire oral cavity: gums, cheeks, tongue. This should be done carefully, because the baby already feels discomfort. It is advisable to carry out a similar procedure every two to three hours throughout the day. If you diagnose the disease at the initial stage, then using such manipulations you can get rid of candidiasis in just 5 to 10 days.
Soda solution creates an alkaline environment in the oral cavity, which is detrimental to the development of fungal infection. For the same purpose, a weak solution of potassium permanganate is used (a small amount of potassium permanganate is dissolved in boiled warm water, the color of the solution should be light pink).
Treatment is often limited only to local treatment of the oral cavity, and with a good result, antifungal drugs may not be needed.
Infant Treatment
Many drugs intended for the treatment of candidiasis can be taken to children from 6 months. However, many therapists are inclined to think that it is advisable to prescribe medications later, starting from a year. Until this time, only local therapy is recommended. But if the thrush has passed into a severe form, then antifungal drugs are prescribed, as well as medicines containing iron.
The principle of action of antifungal agents is based on the destruction of the shell of the fungus. The course of therapy must be brought to an end, since a fungal infection is unpredictable and there may be a relapse. After the end of treatment, a repeated diagnosis will be required.
Treatment of older children
For the treatment of thrush in a child at 3 years of age and older, medications are prescribed. The most popular drugs are: Miramistin, Diflucan, Fluconazole, Candide.
Miramistin is considered a very good antibacterial agent with a wide spectrum of action. You can apply it in the form of a solution or ointment. The solution is used to treat the oral cavity, and ointment needs to lubricate the affected areas. It is worth noting that this drug has no taste and smell, therefore it is well tolerated by children. In addition, it does not irritate the oral mucosa. If you use the medicine with antibiotics, the effect of antibacterial drugs is enhanced.
Doctors often prescribe "Fluconazole" for children with thrush, as it is considered safer, well tolerated by the child. This tool is widely used in the treatment of stomatitis.
An effective drug is Nystatin, which is available in the form of tablets and ointments. It is prescribed mainly for the treatment of a severe form of the disease. This drug can cause allergies, so you need to carefully monitor the condition of the child during treatment.
The Candide solution is similar in principle to Nystatin in its principle of action. They need to carry out oral treatment. At the same time, the doctor may prescribe Biovital Gel.
It is possible to treat girls' genitals with the help of Clotrimazole cream, which is completely safe for children. It is not recommended to use probiotics in addition, as this can provoke an excess of lactobacilli in the body.
Folk remedies
Alternative methods of treating thrush in children show a fairly good result and help to quickly eliminate pathogens. They are widely used in childhood, when it is undesirable to use medications. It is worth noting that folk remedies and methods are used only after consulting a pediatrician. Self-medication can provoke a deterioration in well-being.
And most importantly, such therapy is possible only at the initial stage of the disease. With advanced cases, it is unlikely to give a result.
According to reviews, the thrush in a child is well treated with decoctions of herbs. Use chamomile, calendula, birch buds, juniper, nettle, oak bark, thyme, milk thistle. The main task is to create an alkaline environment in which fungi of the genus Candida die. Do not abuse, everything should be in moderation, so that instead of the necessary relief not to harm health.
Here is an example of making infusion of oak bark with chamomile:
1 tbsp. l mix oak bark and chamomile pour 1 liter of boiling water. Cover and let it brew for half an hour, strain, cool. Treat the affected area 3 times a day. If a fungal infection occurs in a child up to a year old, you can lubricate the genitals after changing the diaper or diapers. But no more than 3 times a day.
Honey has good antiseptic qualities, so it is widely used for thrush in the oral cavity. Need 1 tsp. dissolve a spoon in 2 tsp. boiled (but not hot) water, moisten the bandage and regularly treat the baby's mouth. However, it is not recommended to do this too often, since a fungus of the genus Candida loves sweets very much. You should also remember that this procedure is only suitable for those who are not allergic to honey.
Possible complications
If timely treatment of thrush is not carried out, then the quality of life of the child can significantly decrease. In some cases, the development of candidiasis in a newborn can provoke various complications. Among them are such as:
- blood poisoning;
- damage to internal organs by fungi;
- the transition of the disease to the chronic stage;
- pain and discomfort during urination;
- accession of secondary diseases.
With fungal damage to the genitals, girls may form adhesions in the fallopian tubes, which in the future can lead to infertility. With the development of thrush, treatment should be carried out as early as possible to exclude the development of these troubles.
Prevention
Preventive measures should be carried out before the birth of a child. A pregnant woman must undergo a comprehensive examination for the presence of a fungal infection and, if necessary, undergo a full course of treatment. In the room in which the child will live, there should be no dampness, mold.
After the birth of a child, certain preventive measures must be followed, namely:
- sterilize pacifiers and nipples;
- wash breasts with baby soap;
- monitor the state of the digestive system;
- increase the immunity of the child;
- after the appearance of the first teeth, organize regular and thorough care for them.
It is very important to properly organize the feeding of the child, it is best to initially introduce vegetable purees, not fruit ones, since sweet food creates a favorable environment in the intestines for the reproduction of fungi.