How and with what to treat thrush in a child’s mouth correctly

General information

Candidiasis in children is a common disease among children. Normally, small amounts of fungi are part of the opportunistic microflora and are constantly present in the body. If the child’s immunity is strong, microorganisms are safe for health. In weakened children, the fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, affecting the mucous membranes, skin, and genitals. If candidiasis is left untreated, serious health problems can follow. The main task of parents in the fight against the disease is to establish good nutrition and strengthen the child’s immunity.

What happens if thrush is not treated?

Untreated thrush can lead to serious problems.

The diagnosed disease must be treated. Despite the fact that Candida fungus is an opportunistic microorganism, the body needs help to cope with overgrown colonies and neutralize the consequences of their vital activity. Untreated disease:

among women:

• will reduce immunity, resulting in the development of secondary sexually transmitted infections;
• will provoke erosion of the mucous membrane;
• disrupts the menstrual cycle;
• will cause inflammation of the cervix.

for men:

• will lead to prostatitis, vesiculitis, which can cause infertility.

Symptoms of candidiasis

Most often, candidiasis occurs in newborns and preschool children.
The older the child, the less often the disease is diagnosed. The favorite place for thrush to appear is the oral mucosa. A cheesy coating appears on the gums, palate, and inside the cheeks, and the baby feels pain and itching when eating. Along with these symptoms, candidiasis in children is also characterized by other signs:

• redness of the mucous membrane;
• ulcers that open after removing the cheesy plaque;
• loss of appetite;
• general weakness;
• white coating on the tongue.

The child does not eat well and is often capricious, since any touch to the mucous membrane causes pain.
In advanced cases, bleeding wounds open at the site of the removed plaque. There is another common form of candidiasis - fungal tonsillitis. It develops as a result of improper treatment of protracted sore throat. Characteristic symptoms of the disease are a cheesy coating on the tonsils and a burning sensation in the throat.

When the skin is infected with fungi, dense spots, redness, and blisters appear on it. In adolescents, thrush often affects the mucous membrane of the genital organs, and the disease is more typical for girls. Vaginal discharge becomes white and thick. In boys, the head of the genital organ turns red, and a discharge similar to sour cream appears in the area of ​​the urethra. Cystitis and urethritis may develop.

If fungi infect the digestive tract, the child begins to suffer from colic, and food is difficult to digest. The baby suffers from constipation and pain in the lower abdomen. If fungi colonize the respiratory organs, the child often suffers from bronchitis, pneumonia, and ARVI. If internal organs are damaged, treatment should begin immediately, in consultation with a pediatrician.

Features of “thrush” in the mouth in children of the first year of life

Mycoses in children, and very young ones at that, are not that uncommon. According to statistics, the first illness of a newborn in 33% of cases is associated with Candida fungi5. Moreover, they mainly affect the skin and tissues of the oral cavity5.

Why does thrush appear in the mouth of a child under one year old?

Mycotic stomatitis, or fungal inflammation of the oral mucosa, is the most common form of mycosis in children under one year of age1.5. How do mushrooms get into a baby’s mouth and why do they take root there? There are many reasons for this.

• Infection during childbirth.

During childbirth, the fetus comes into contact with the microflora of the woman’s vagina. If the mother suffered from vaginal candidiasis before giving birth and did not undergo the necessary course of treatment, the baby has every chance of inheriting a large amount of the causative agent of this disease1.5, which is a big burden for the immature immune system. According to statistics, on the first day of life, Candida fungi are found in the oral stool of 25-40% of newborns5.

• Unsanitary conditions.

Infection is possible due to violation of the rules of care for the newborn and defects in the hygiene of the nursing mother herself1,5. The infection is transmitted through dirty nipples and hands during feeding, through toys, nipples, dishes and linen.

• Imperfect immunity1, 5.

In a baby under one year old, the immune system is only “gaining experience”, because in the womb it did not come into contact with the infection and therefore “did not learn” to fight it.

• Prematurity and illness.

Candida can only harm a weakened body. The best conditions for their development are created if the birth occurs before term, the fetus is premature and/or has developmental defects or congenital diseases5.

• Nutritional features.

The threat is posed by regurgitation, the habit of putting the baby to bed with a bottle of milk and feeding with sweet artificial formulas. If milk remains in the mouth, which also contains a large amount of sugar, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for mushrooms.

• Features of salivation.

Due to physiological characteristics, the salivary glands of infants produce little saliva1 - they simply do not need it, since food is already liquid. At the same time, saliva has antifungal activity, and when there is little of it, the likelihood of oral thrush in a newborn increases1,5.

What does oral candidiasis look like in children?

The symptoms are the same as in adults: first, white “grains” appear on the mucous membrane, then “clumps” resembling curdled milk, and white films1. The difference is that the process is almost always accompanied by severe tissue swelling and the formation of numerous painful ulcers on the oral mucosa and tongue1,5. Therefore, due to oral thrush, infants often refuse to eat5.

In children, a fungal infection can affect not only the tonsils (tonsillitis), but also the pharynx (pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis). If the larynx is affected, the baby's voice becomes hoarse and low, and there is a risk of swelling of the airways and breathing problems1, 5.

Up to contents

Causes of candidiasis

The main cause of candidiasis in children is a yeast fungus of the genus Candida, present in the human microflora. But to activate it and increase the number of microorganisms, a number of factors are required:

• weakened immune system;
• frequent viral and colds;
• thyroid diseases;
• diabetes;
• hypovitaminosis;
• taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics for a long time;
• chronic diseases;
• HIV infection;
• intestinal dysbiosis.

The disease often occurs in premature infants and weakened children. If the mother's birth canal has been affected by candida, the baby, passing through it, becomes infected. The risk of developing candidiasis in such a newborn is much higher.

Who's at risk

First of all, these are people who have the following unfavorable factors:

1. Weakened immunity.

Defects in immune defense are the main factor predisposing to the occurrence of mycoses (fungal infections)1,2,4. The increase in their incidence in all countries of the world is due, first of all, to various types of conditions accompanied by weakened immunity1,[3]. It is not for nothing that “thrush” is called “the disease of the sick”1. Among its reasons:

• severe general diseases, for example, infectious2,3;
• cancer accompanied by sudden weight loss, lack of vitamins and microelements, requiring radiation and chemotherapy2,3;
• congenital and acquired forms of immunodeficiency, including AIDS2,3;
• endocrine disorders, for example, diabetes mellitus2,3.

1. Dental diseases.

• Inflammatory , such as caries and its complications, gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease and others2. The huge number of bacteria present during inflammation weakens the immune system and contributes to the proliferation of fungal microflora2. A diseased tooth with a carious cavity “infested” with microbes or a periodontal pocket filled with pus may well provoke the development of “thrush”3,[4].
• Non-inflammatory , which change the structure of the oral mucosa, for example, folded tongue and leukoplakia4. It is easier for fungi to attach to a damaged surface than to a healthy one.

1. Constant dry mouth.

• Insufficient saliva (xerostomia), associated with a variety of problems, contributes to the development of oral mycosis4. Saliva contains many enzymes and antibodies that protect the mucous membrane from the action of microbes4. If there is little saliva, it dries out, its protection is weakened, which creates favorable conditions for the development of other infections.

1. Defects in oral hygiene.

• Insufficient care . Problems more often arise in those who rarely brush their teeth and ignore the care of their tongue, interdental spaces and dentures4.
• Injuries . Sometimes the cause of an “outbreak” of oral mycosis is a too hard toothbrush or rough manipulation of dental floss and toothpicks. Injured gums are easy prey for fungi2.3,4.

1. Incorrect use of removable dentures.

• Poorly customized removable dentures can rub the gums3,4, making them accessible to germs.
• No night break in using prostheses4. The gum located under the prosthesis is poorly enriched with blood, it lacks oxygen, it is not washed with saliva - this predisposes to the development of infection4.
• Improper care of dentures. Artificial teeth need care just as much as your own. Deprived of attention, they become covered with a thin film of various microbes, which then “attack” the gums.

1. Age.

• Most often, doctors find “ thrush” in the mouth of infants and the elderly4. The reason for this is the imperfections of the immune system, which create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microflora1,4,[5]. In addition, in childhood, dietary habits affect, and in old age – constant dry mouth and lack of teeth, forcing you to wear dentures1,5.

1. Medicines

• Antibiotics. They kill not only pathogenic microbes, but also beneficial ones, thereby disturbing the balance of microflora and creating conditions for mycoses to flourish1,2.
• Drugs that inhibit cell proliferation (cytostatics). They interfere with the renewal of surface mucosal cells and disrupt local and general defense mechanisms against infections1,2.
• Immunosuppressive medications, which are prescribed when immune responses need to be suppressed, such as during transplantation1,2.
• Inhaled corticosteroids, which are used in the treatment of bronchial asthma and, due to their side effects, increase the susceptibility of the mucous membrane to infections2,[6].

1. Unbalanced diet

• Lack of iron, vitamins C and B12, and folic acid1 in the diet, which leads to decreased immunity.
• Excess carbohydrates1,2. Excessive consumption of sweets, flour products, sweet fruits, starchy vegetables and other foods containing large amounts of simple carbohydrates contributes to the appearance of thrush in adults and children1,2.

Up to contents

Diagnosis of candidiasis

A pediatrician usually has no problems diagnosing thrush on the oral mucosa.
This is a common disease with characteristic symptoms, so an experienced specialist can easily identify it. In particularly difficult cases, when diagnosing a sore throat, sputum analysis may be required to identify the pathogen. The situation is more complicated with the diagnosis of candidiasis on the genital mucosa. In this case, you will have to take a smear for microflora, which will show the presence of inflammation and help identify the causative pathogen.

Thrush on internal organs is even more difficult to detect: external symptoms may be absent. Blood, urine, and stool tests may be required to detect mycosis.

Treatment of candidiasis

The goal of treatment for candidiasis in children is to eliminate symptoms and prevent further proliferation of fungi in order to reduce their number. General recommendations for strengthening the baby’s body are as follows:

• reduce the consumption of sweet, salty and flour foods, which create a favorable environment for the growth of candida;
• take vitamin complexes, including folic and ascorbic acids, probiotics to normalize microflora;
• give the child drugs to strengthen the immune system;
• For newborns on artificial nutrition, switch to medicinal mixtures containing probiotics and vitamins.

If candidiasis has affected the oral cavity, treatment of the mucous membrane with antifungal agents is prescribed:

• a solution of baking soda, fucorcin or brilliant green;
• Miramistin (antiseptic);
• Clotrimazole (antifungal ointment);
• Nizoral, Pimafucin (antimycotic medications);
• spray for sore throat, stomatitis.

It is recommended to lubricate nails infected with fungus with iodine, antifungal ointments Clotrimazole, Decamine, Mikoseptin and varnishes. If the vagina is affected in girls, antifungal suppositories are recommended. You should not select medications yourself. It is better to consult a doctor and get examined. Self-medication can only worsen the baby’s condition. If thrush, despite the measures taken, does not go away, you may need to consult an immunologist, because This condition is usually associated with weak immunity.

How to cure thrush in a woman?

Candida loves warm, moist places with minimal air access, so the fungus is more than comfortable on the vaginal mucosa. To get rid of an unpleasant neighborhood, you need to use the following drugs:

• local action: vaginal suppositories, tablets, creams with econazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole (Clotrimazole, Pimafucort);
• systemic action: tablets, capsules with fluconazole, itraconazole (Nystatin, Fluconazole, Difluzol, Diflucan);
• drugs to strengthen the immune system, probiotics, symbiotics (Wobenzym, Lactovit, Dactiale, Derma-Pro, Vagilak, Viferon).

Untreated disease spreads quickly

On average, the course of treatment takes from 3 to 6 days. Fungal spores mature within 20 days, so a second course of treatment may be necessary. Some medications (such as Betadine) can be used during menstruation.

In 20% of cases, the treatment prescribed by the doctor does not help. If thrush continues to bother you after a week:

• This is not candidiasis. You will have to retake tests and undergo additional examinations.
• the disease is not caused by Candida albicans, but by another type of fungus that is more difficult to destroy;
• this is a relapse that is possible with diabetes, during antibiotic therapy, or reduced immunity.

If relapses of candidiasis occur more than 4 times a year, the doctor will prescribe preventative treatment.

Chronic and recurrent candidiasis requires lifestyle changes

Topical medications can cause inconvenience - leaking and staining clothes. So that they are evenly distributed over the surface of the vaginal mucosa and do not cause discomfort, it is best to use them before bed. Suppositories and tablets should be placed approximately in the middle of the vagina. Medicines placed too close will leak out, and if placed too far away they can injure the delicate cervix.

If you have thrush, douching and other methods of “washing there” are prohibited, as this causes an imbalance of the microflora.

Prevention of candidiasis

To avoid thrush, follow the disease prevention measures:

• Mothers in labor are advised to sanitize the birth canal before giving birth. To do this, the woman takes a smear, based on the results of which the doctor determines the need for treatment. If candidiasis is diagnosed, vaginal suppositories with antiseptics are prescribed. This measure will prevent the baby from becoming infected with fungi.
• Follow the rules of hygiene in the maternity hospital.
• Breastfeed your baby only unless there are medical indications for bottle feeding. In the latter case, you need to choose the right mixture together with your pediatrician.
• Limit the consumption of sweets and sugar in children over one year of age. Try to keep your diet varied, healthy and nutritious.
• If the baby is weakened, strengthen the immune system with hardening procedures, proper nutrition, physical exercise, etc.

Candidiasis is an unpleasant but treatable disease. Timely consultation with a pediatrician, the correct course of therapy and compliance with preventive measures will allow you to forget about thrush for a long time. SM-Doctor specialists are always ready to help your child in the fight against candidiasis.

Preventive measures

Don't forget to thoroughly clean pacifiers, bottles and other devices!

Thrush in the mouth often occurs in children, especially between the ages of 1 and 5 years. The pathology is highly treatable if detected early. But in order to protect your child from taking medications and unpleasant procedures, you need to constantly engage in disease prevention.

How to prevent the development of a fungal infection:

• do not allow the child to put fingers or any objects into his mouth, especially while walking on the street;
• You cannot kiss a child on the lips and prohibit other relatives from doing this;
• carry out wet cleaning daily, wipe off dust, treat toys, ventilate and moisten the room;
• thoroughly boil pacifiers, bottles, teethers;
• teach your child to wash their hands after going outside and going to the toilet, before eating, and to properly care for their teeth;
• take your child to the dentist twice a year, even if nothing bothers you;
• The diet should contain fresh fruits and vegetables - they have a beneficial effect on the immune system;
• the child should know that it is forbidden to use other people’s towels and toothbrushes;
• to avoid intrauterine infection, a woman needs to cure vaginal candidiasis before conception, and during pregnancy try to avoid factors that can provoke the development of a fungal infection;
• A nursing mother needs to properly care for her breasts, rinse the mammary glands with warm water before feeding, and treat the nipples with a soda solution after feeding.

A strong immune system protects not only from thrush, but also other diseases. To strengthen protective functions, the child must move more, be sure to walk in the fresh air, and follow a daily routine.