Thrush infection

Thrush is an infection caused by a fungus or yeast called candida albicans. Thrush is common in babies, especially in and around baby’s mouth, and if babies have severe nappy rash. The symptoms are easy to treat, and you can get treatments from your local pharmacy or doctor.

DermnetNZ

It looks like white patches on the inside of the cheeks and the tongue. Babies often have milk left on their tongue after feeding, but this can be rubbed off easily, and it’s not thrush.

If your baby is breastfeeding, thrush can pass to the mother’s nipples, so they will need treatment too. Put anti-fungal medication on the nipples after feeds.

Thrush thrives in warm moist areas, so it’s often present when there’s severe nappy rash.

It looks like tiny raised red spots on your baby’s bottom. The skin becomes dry and peels, leaving red patches.

DermnetNZ

Your midwife, doctor or pharmacist can suggest different anti-fungal treatments for your baby’s bottom, mouth and a mother’s nipples. They will tell you how long to use them. Make sure the thrush has gone before you stop using the treatment.