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Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) in Children

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) in Children

What is candidiasis?

Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive system, diaper region, and vaginal area, it may cause an infection when the skin is damaged or when conditions are warm and humid, or when a child has a depressed immune system. In some very sick children, it can infect deeper tissues or get in the bloodstream and cause serious illness. Antibiotics and corticosteroids can also cause yeast to grow because the normal bacteria in tissues are killed, letting the yeast grow unhampered.

What are the symptoms of candidiasis (yeast infection)?

The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection. The following are the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Location

Symptoms/signs

Skin folds or navel

  • Rash

  • Patches that ooze clear fluid

  • Pimples

  • Itching or burning

Vagina

  • White or yellow discharge from the vagina

  • Itching

  • Redness in the external area of the vagina

  • Burning

Penis

  • Redness on the penis

  • Scaling on the penis

  • Painful rash on the penis

Mouth (thrush)

  • White patches on the tongue, top of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks

  • Pain

Corners of the mouth (perlèche)

  • Cracks and/or tiny cuts at the corners of the mouth

Nail beds (paronychia)

  • Swelling

  • Pain

  • Pus

  • White or yellow nail that separates from the nail bed

The symptoms of candidiasis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

How is candidiasis diagnosed?

In addition to a medical history and physical examination of your child, your child's doctor may scrape off a skin sample to confirm the diagnosis with a microscope or a culture.

Treatment for candidiasis

Candidiasis is highly treatable with medicated ointments. Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infection or infections in an immunocompromised child may be treated with oral anti-yeast medications.

 

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