Home Remedies For Baby Yeast Infection

If your baby often suffers from severe diaper rash, then don’t take it lightly as it might be the case of Candida yeast infection. Candida yeast is already present in human body in little amounts. Such minimal presence does not cause any trouble to the normal functioning of the body.

It is the overgrowth of the Candida that is alarming, especially for infants. There are many home remedies that can cure Candida yeast infection in babies. Here are discussed some of the common causes of yeast infection in babies followed by respective remedies.

Home Remedies For Baby Yeast Infection

Diaper Rash

Diapers are the chief cause of yeast infection in babies. Normal rashes do not last longer than 2 days. So, if your baby is having a rash for over 2 days, it is a sure case of Candida yeast infection. Yeast infection in infants is also characterized by circular red bumps. In such a situation, you should switch over to soft washcloth soaked in warm water from diaper wipes. Wash the infected area with a mild soap without any anti-bacterial contents. Let the area dry naturally.

Infection On Topical Areas

In this case, the best way to get rid of the Candida infection is applying topical cream on the yeast infected area of your baby’s body. Remember that the topical cream should have anti-fungal properties and avoid a cream with anti-bacterial properties. Choose one topical cream like the one used to treat athlete’s foot. Vinegar also relieves the symptoms of yeast infection in babies. Mix warm water and vinegar in 1:1 ratio and spray it lightly on baby’s bottom every time you change his/her diaper. Let the mixture remain on the bottom part for some time and then pat it dry.

Infection On Mouth or Fingers

When the agent causing infection in your baby is Candida, it is likely that it will spread rapidly to other parts of the body. The yeast infection might appear as white coating on the baby’s tongue – a condition also known as thrush. To relieve the symptoms of thrush, feed yogurt to your baby. If the baby sucks fingers, the yeast infection might turn the color of the finger to red. In that case, apply anti-fungal cream to the fingers.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers should also take precautions as the Candida yeast may pass on from the nipples to the baby’s mouth. Mothers should take plenty of garlic and yogurt to prevent the yeast infection from spreading even further. Mothers should also decrease sugar intake.

Weak Immune System

If your baby is infected by Candida yeast twice or more than that in a time period of 3 months, then measures should be taken to strengthen the baby’s immune system. Probiotics will boost the baby’s immune system by suppressing overgrowth of the yeast. Yogurt is a good source of probiotic. You can also add probiotic supplement to the baby’s feeding bottle.

To prevent further yeast infection in babies, mothers should change the baby’s diaper frequently. After changing the diaper, mothers should not wash hands with antibacterial soap. Baby wipes should not be re-used. Keep space between the diaper and baby’s body for free passage of air.