Yeast Infections in Babies

Just FYI, the best place to get the generic OTC version of Lotrimin is at Wal-Mart in the foot care aisle. They have a generic "Antifungal Cream" in an economy sized tube for about $5. It is the same medicine......clotrimazole 1%, but it's a lot cheaper and you get a lot more than the brand name. I have always used this cream for all of the crease rashes for my kids. It works great!

A.

When this happened with my oldest daughter, who I think at the time was not a year old yet, the doctor had me get an anti-fungal cream, such as Lotrimin, and I think it just took a couple days to clear up.

YOu need to identify what is causing it so it does not happen again. It could be her diet. It sounds like it could be a food allergy or intolerance. Try keeping a food log to see if something is causing it. Yeast is usually tied to sugar and bread. Does she eat a lot of refined sugar?

I would NOT treat your daughter's yeast infection (if that's really what it is) with anything that your doctor hasn't told you to use.

First off, Kay your being a little tough. You don't know the financial situation. "It sickens me" ? Thats helpful! D., do not use Monistat. It is for adults. Call the nurse. Most likely they will tell you to use the lotrimin. I also got a statin cream for my baby and I didn't have to go in. You always want to make sure you have the right dx because giving them something that isn't for that problem could potentially make it worse or cause another.

Hi D.. Our twins get them, even our son. Our doctor said to use lotrimin. He also said if we used the cream and it was not a yeast infection, it would not hurt them, better to be safe than sorry he says. He also said the generic stuff is just as good so we could use that. Our daughter gets them after swimming for a long period of time(being in the wet diaper) and they are common in toddlers.
Hope that helps.
K.

Are you certain that's what it is? That would be my first concern. If you're not sure, you could always call the nurse at your daughter's doctor's office. I do this all the time with my children. They will be able to tell you what you should use to treat her. I would not recommend using a product made for an adult without consulting a doctor or pharmacist though as an adult body is larger and dosage amounts would also be higher.

I'm assuming the infection is in her vagina? I don't know that I've ever heard of a child getting a yeast infection unless she is breastfeeding or has been taking antibiotics. I really would consult a professional.

Your child is not an inconvenience, and she deserves the best. :)

God bless,
A.

Do not treat your baby with over the counter yeast products because they are created for adults and our body makeup/hormones. Your baby is worth whatever the copay cost is. I would call the doctor and perhaps they can tell you something over the phone.
You definately want to have a doctor tell you if it is a yeast infection because in babies symptoms can cross over from one illness to another and you do not want to take it for granted that it is something minor. If you really do not have the cost of the co-pay email me back and I will pay it.

First of all - it's quite common for babies in diapers, regardless of breast feeding or antibiotics (though these can increase risk) to get a yeast infection "down there". It's dark, it's damp and just the right circumstances for all kinds of infection. Second of all - I try to keep my comments helpful - not judgemental ladies, not everyone can afford the luxuries of taking their kid to the doctor for every sniffle and rash and to be honest - I think it's smart to look for support here. There's no reason to be so rude about something as simple as a Yeast infection and an honest question. If you don't have an answer to her question - skip this post and go on to the next!

They usually recommend lotrimin (athlete's foot creme - I think the generic name is clotrimazole). It's still an anti-fungal and it does work - my daughter got these quite a bit. I agree that if you're still unsure (which I would be after reading all these posts) you can call the nurse line at the pedatrician's office - Nystatin is the presription they usually write - maybe you can call and just request the prescription if the Lotrimin doesn't work - but you have to give it a few days.

I hope this helps.

Hi D.! I've used monistat, and it was just fine. Good luck!

I would check with your doctor. Monistat is for ADULT women. Also, you need to know if you really are treating a yeast infection. If the yeast infection is just on the outside diaper area, try Lotrimin AF. Worked well for my son. Eating yogurt should help and, lastly, changing diapers may help.

Best of luck,

C.

I was told by my DR to apply Vagisil mixed with Desitin

I know it's a little late since I'm just getting around to my emails, but my daughter is 2 and is potty trained now, sometimes she will "wipe herself", well we found out that it wasn't working out too well when she was all red and broken out down there. I had some over the counter cheapy monistate like medicine and put it on her and in a couple days she said it quit hurting and it looked to be healed. So in my opinion, I would've done it with my 12 month old in a heartbeat.

I take acidiphillus (I spelled that wrong, but spell check won't fix it) when I feel like my system isn't working right or I'm getting sick. My kids take a lighter version that is available in chewable tablets. They also have it for babies and I believe it is called bifidophillus. Check with your pharmacist and/or do a search online.

no you can not you must go to the dr, that over the counter nedcations is so strong if use adults take it the wrong way it hurts the have to give you something for her hope that help but there is no other way

My son, who is uncircumcised, had one really persistent yeast infection. Lotrimin and prescription medicines didn't clear it up. What DID clear it up was taking acidopholis and applying it to the area. At first I bought the liquid, and later just mixed the contents from the capsules with a small amount of cool water. I'd apply it and let it dry. It also worked great one some of those diaper rashes that leave the bumps and won't go away either. Giving your daughter the children's acidopholus orally is a good idea too. For the kids it's in a powder form, and you just mix it into their cold foods.

I am not really sure, but most doctors have nurses on call to answer these sort of questions for free. You can also asks nurses on call at your local hospital.

Hi D.:
I would not hesitate to see a doctor for my child. Well being is well worth any price for any child.
This is more in the nature of trying to prevent yeast infections at any age.
Do you give bubble baths to either of your children? Check with your doctor on problems that can stem from the use of the soap in a bubble bath.
Do you permit your daughter to wear tight fitting clothing?
It's a proven fact that adult women who wear clothing that looks like they have been spray painted on their body is screaming for all kinds of infections.
The body needs room to move and space to breath. Again ask your doctors opinion on both these issues.
Sincerely:
D. Y.

Hello D... How do you know your baby has a yeast infection? The over the counter medications are supposed to be used when a person has had a certain infection numerous times and they are able to self diagnosis. I also believe they have a age limit. I do not think it is a good idea for you to use an adult product on your daughter. Also, the over the counter medication cost around $10-15 which may be $10.00 less then your co-pay. I would take her to the pediatrician and get a correct diagnosis before you start medicating your daughter at such a young age.

I think they're too harsh on a baby... If I were you I'd call a pharmacy first.

My doctor just told me to use Lotrimin or another athlete's foot type of medication. Sounds gross, but it is the same type of rash, and that should clear it up.

No my Dr said to use the athlete's foot cream lotramin. If it is on a diaper area. My baby used to get them (yeast infections) everytime she had an ear infection and that is what my pediatrician said to put on her.Monistat is to strong for them.

D.,
My daughter had a couple yeast infections as a baby. I just called the doctor and spoke to a nurse. i did not have to see the doctor and they called in a perscription for her. Or I would discuss over the phone using the monistat before putting it on her.I am not sure about using that on babies. They should be able to tell you that over the phone.

J. C.

Soak your little one in baking soda for at least 20 minutes. Put in about two tablespoons. I do this for my daughter for every bath. I never have a problem with diaper rash or yeast infections. Good luck.
C. (mother of a 18 month baby girl)

D.,

I would call your pediatrician's nurse and make sure that you can use an over the counter cream, just tell them that you are sure that it is a yeast rash, and you would rather not bring her in. One more thing that you can try is to clean the area, then dry her with a hair dryer on low. Keep her very dry, and let her go without a diaper if you can. This helped our daughter who had this a lot.

M.

When my son got a yeast infection along with his diaper rash, the doctor had me get clotrimazole (sp?) which is actually for feet and over the counter, and that's what I've always used whenever I've seen the same signs. I think, it's been a while, but that you apply 1-2 times daily for about a week and it goes away.

PS: you can always double check our advice with a pharmacist, too. With my son, as a first time mom, I would make doctor's appointments for every little thing. But I was lucky and as a military wife, didn't have a copay to deal with. You're not a first time mom, I imagine you recognize a yeast infection when you see one (as I do now) and don't have to rush into the doctor every single time. (Doesn't mean you don't love your daughter and care about her with all that you are, btw.) A pharmacist can verify the advice we've given you and sometimes will have even better advice. There's a pharmacist here who is very reliable and helped me to "make" the magic butt cream for diaper rash and it was amazing.

Hi D.-
3 girls and yeast infections-my doctor said NO monistat.. LOTRIMIN the kind a guy uses for jock itch because esetually it is a jock itch instead of a vaginal infection (outside verse inside)We fund great success and really only needed one or two applications also, change her diapers more frequently this will help as well.

I would call the doctor, maybe he/she can give advice over the phone. If its oral yeast, it'll look like white, cheesy patches in her mouth. I've nerver seen vaginal yeast except in my elderly residents, and thats also a cheesy discharge. Your doctor is always your best bet.

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Call the nurse at your doctor's office and describe the symptoms. When my daughter had a yeast infection they simply called in a perscription without us having to go in for a visit.

AVOID giving babies meds unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Get the books Encyclopedi of Natural Health & Healing for Children by Weber and Naturally Healthy Babies & Children by Romm.

If you are in the Fishers area, go see Dr. Karen Marshall. She'll tell you what to do to get the chemistry back on track to get rid of the yeast infection. If you give antibiotics for the yeast infection, you then destroy friendly bacteria. Therefore, eat/give plenty of yogurt, etc to get some of that friendly bacteria back into the body. If you don't you end up w/ more problems like other infections, etc. and then have to take meds for it. Then, you go back to yeast infection, etc. etc. etc. It will turn out to be a CONTINUOUS vicious cycle. I've seen it happen TOO many times!

Let me know if you want more info.

The best I can tell you there is to read the labels and ask the pharmasist. He may tell you to take her to th Dr., but he is there to help you.

Usually an exterior yeast problem is the sign of an even worse one internally. You might read the book The Yeast Connection by Dr. William Crook to find out how our carb- and sugar-laden diets and over-use of antibiotics are causing major yeast overgrowths, of which there are over 2000 symptoms (including recurring ear infections, respiratory problems, ADHD, even MS!). Crook prescribes a 3-week yeast cleanse thru diet. There's another diet we've done called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet that also helps with yeast. We've seen significant improvement in our children's overall health (they hardly ever get sick; colds last for 3 or 4 days when they get them, instead of 2 weeks, etc.) and much better behavior since we've learned about diet and yeast!

I have a suggestion for you if you think she has a yeast infection. Give her Culturelle once a day. It is a capsule that you can take apart and hide in a bottle or food. It is used for many things, but it also will help a yeast infection (such as thrush), so it might be worth a try. It won't hurt her, so there would be no harm in giving it to her. You can look it up online to see the other uses. I know Dr. visit copays can be expensive, but what about ER visits? Sometimes they are covered better. You might want to get her checked in case it is a urinary tract infection and not yeast infection. Sometimes the symptoms can look the same (from what I have been told), and that would be nothing to fool around with. Good luck.

My son used to get yeast infections(sounds wierd)more than regular diaper rash the only thing I ever used after I found out what it was was over the counter monistat for him. It was only thing that worked. Good luck

I realize that a doc copay is expensive, but I would definitely not treat your baby unless you're sure you know what's wrong with her and a doc sees her, just in case your diagnosis is wrong. Especially if you feel she is uncomfortable!!

Call and ask to talk to the nurse. That is what I have done with my daughter in the past. If you describe what it looks like they'll be able to tell you how to treat it. With my daughter we were told to use Lotrimin (like the foot cream) and it worked like a charm. You shouldn't have to take her in to the doctor's, but if you do it's not the end of the world - afterall her health is what is most important. :)

Hi D.,
I have to say, I'm a little shocked about most of the responses to your request so far. Most people are pushing you to go to the doctor, but I would only advise you to do that if your daughter has an actual yeast infection with a discharge. If she just has the yeast rash on her diaper area (small bumps) my doctor told me to use Lotramin AF or Lamasil AT on the area. They are antifungals. I have 3 little girls (5,2,1), and I did take my oldest to the doctor several years ago when she had a diaper rash that was yeast. I didn't know why regular diaper rash cream was not clearing it up, but my pediatrician told me about the Lotramin and Lamasil, and I have used it with all my girls. The rash typically starts to clear up pretty fast, but I've learned to apply the cream for about week, or the rash just comes back. Good luck!

my friend uses yogurt on hers. just plain yogurt. she says it works.

The first time my daughter got a yeast infection, she was in day-care (it wasn't being in day-care that caused it - it was having changed the types of diapers we were using) and they said it looked to them like a yeast infection. When we called the dr.'s office and told them that the daycare place said that's what it looked like to them, they said to try this for a couple of days to see if it helped:

**Get Lotrimin (it's in the foot-care aisle - for athlete's foot).
**Get something called "Bag Balm" (we call it "booty balm"). It comes in a green tin, and there's stuff on there about Vermont Cows. (Different stores have this in different places, but I know Target, Walgreens and CVS all carry it as well as the local grocery stores)
*****Apply the lotrimin, then put the bag-balm on top - I think it was twice a day, at most 3 times/day.

Works like a charm!!!

If you've done that for 2 days and haven't notice improvement, then go to the dr. Sometimes it might take something a little stronger to help get rid of it - like Nystatin or something around here developed by the Riley's Children's hospital in Indianapolis, called Riley's Butt Paste.

They have a special type of cream to use for babies that develop yeast infections. The best thing to do though is to take her to the doctor because the infection may not be yeast though and she may have to get a different type of medication. It isn't safe to use otc meds on babies without first consulting a doctor and the doctor needs to see the baby anyway so they know what it is and what to use.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

I would not use these products on your 12 month old. My daughter has also had yeast issues, but it is mainly showing on her skin as a yeast rash. She had it really bad until around the time she started foods. Extra Virgin Coconut oil is very effective at killing yeast both on the skin and in the body. Ideally, your child should eat about a tablespoon a day. You can put it on toast, cook with it, or toss your pasta in it.

In my daughter's case, the yeast caused inflammation to her gut lining. What can then happen is excessive leaking of nutrients. The body can then start presenting an inappropriate immune response. We have now been battling eczema since she started foods. Finally, we found a doctor, who is a naturopath, who knows how to help us. She is awesome, but we have to pay completely out of pocket. We are in Cincinnati.

Most doctors prescribe Nystatin for yeast. Many strains of yeast are resistant. If you have problems fighting it, I would pay the money to see a naturopath who really knows about yeast issues. Good luck!

Are you sure that's what it is? I wouldn't treat her with Monistat for adults. Try some Medicaided Gold Bond powder. I agree with some of the others to take her to the Doc. I know it's expensive but this would be one of those times where you just gotta do it. :) Good Luck.

YEs you can use over the counter stuff. Monistat or vagisal or even lotrimin, which ever is the cheapest. I personally us it with diaper cream to make sure it really stays on the skin. My son would get a yeast infection after being on an antibiodic so now we know what to use it helps us. If it does not go away in about a day or so or even starts to clear up then you should go to your peditrician because you will need something stronger.

You can use monistat or other anti-fungal creams that you can get at the pharmacy. Just ask your pharmacist what kind that they suggest. I have used both for my girls.