A kind of yeast infection thrush affects your breast area and the mouth of your breastfed baby. It affects your nipples, areolas, and even the skin of your breasts. Thrush is more likely to occur if your nipples are cracked. Nursing babies get oral thrush in their mouth and tongue. Thrush is a painful condition for both the mother and child.
Causes of Thrush
Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of candida, a type of yeast. It is a highly contagious and painful condition. You and your baby enter a cycle of infecting and re-infecting each other. The main causes of thrush can be classified as:
- If you have a weakened immune system
- If you get vaginal candida, it could reach your breasts through touching, clothing, and other sources causing nipple thrush
- If your baby gets thrush, it can infect you. You can get thrush while changing the diapers of your baby
- If you are on certain drugs such as cancer medications, antibiotics or corticosteroids then you are more likely to get thrush. These medicines can destroy the healthy bacteria in your body and cause thrush
- Diabetic women are susceptible to thrush
Symptoms
For some women, a nipple thrush can cause extreme pain after breastfeeding, while for other women it is mainly itchiness. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the nipple, areola, and entire breast
- Itchy nipples
- White patches on the nipples and areolas
- Nipples look pale
- Burning sensation on the nipples that can be temporary or long-lasting
- Shiny skin around the nipples and areolas
- Flakes on the nipples and areolas
Treatment
If you suspect that you have nipple thrush, then consult with your doctor. Simultaneously also take your baby to the pediatrician. Both of you should get checked and treated for thrush to avoid further contagion. Your doctor will check your breast and prescribe the necessary treatment.
- Your doctor may prescribe you antifungal topical creams like Lotrimin, and creux
- Some of the creams may cause potential harm to your baby, therefore wipe them off clean before breastfeeding your baby
- Your doctor may prescribe you medicine in the pill form
- If you are diabetic, your doctor will give you medication to control your blood sugar level
- Even if you do not have diabetes, your doctor may ask you to reduce your sugar and carbohydrate intake
- If you are experiencing pain due to thrush, your doctor may prescribe you a pain medicine
- Your doctor will also give your baby an oral gel to cure their thrush
Prevention
Here are some ways to prevent thrush:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after changing diapers or using the washroom
- Keep your nipples dry between feedings
- Increase good bacteria levels in your body by eating curd, yogurt, and probiotics
- Reduce stress
- Eat a balanced diet to maintain immunity levels
Thrush is a contagious condition that can affect you and the baby. To prevent thrush, maintain good hygiene and healthy habits. Thrush can be treated with antifungal medicines.
