Thrush

Thrush, or moniliasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is caused by the yeast like fungus Candida albicans, which can also cause diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections. Thrush is usually seen in children under six months of age. In older children, it is much less common and its occurrence may indicate a serious illness, such as an immune deficiency.

Thrush appears as white, flaky, cheesy-looking patches covering all or part of the tongue and gums, the inside of the cheeks, and, sometimes, the lips. These patches do not scrape off easily. When they are picked or scraped off, they leave a red, inflamed area that may bleed. Milk curds look like thrush, but curds scrape off very easily without leaving a sore area. The pain of thrush may interfere with feeding. It can cause your infant to lose her appetite.

Thrush is usually self-limiting, but it should be treated to avoid a long, chronic course of infection. If pain from the infection prevents your baby from taking sufficient fluids, aggressive treatment is necessary. Insufficient feeding can compromise hydration and nutrient needs. If you are nursing your baby, it is possible for her to spread the thrush to one or both of your nipples. Nipples with a thrush infection will be red, swollen, and tender, and may be cracked. There may also be itching, flaking, and burning.

If thrush is accompanied by fever, cough, or stomach upset, call your doctor. These could be signs of a compromised immune system.

Supplements and herbs

• Grapefruit seed extract is very helpful for reducing the yeast in a breastfeeding mother's intestinal tract. A nursing mother may take 250 milligrams daily or 10 drops in 1 cup of water, two or three times a day, for two to three weeks.
• Aloe vera gel has been shown to have antifungal properties. Try dipping your finger in aloe vera gel and applying it topically to the thrush, two or three times a day, until the infection clears. Use a food-grade product for this purpose.
• Garlic has yeast-fighting properties, although it can sometimes cause colic. A nursing mother can take one odorless garlic capsule, twice daily, for two to three weeks.
• Ginger tea has antibacterial and antifungal properties. A nursing mother can take one cup with meals.