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One of the common forms of bacterial infection, yeast infections occur both in men and women, as well as in infants. The first thing that must be understood when considering baby yeast infection is that the bacteria which causes the condition, known as Candida, occurs naturally in small amounts in a healthy human body. Because of certain triggers such as faulty hygiene, excessive body heat, or other factors that cause an imbalance in the level of yeast in the body, infections develop. Baby yeast infection is commonly caused by the weak immune system present in newborns. While this is the common cause of Candida developing in newborn, other factors contribute to the development of the condition, such as when the young children are breast fed from mothers who have yeast infection, or because of pacifiers that have come into contact with Candida bacteria. Another leading factor that contributes to the development of yeast infection in infants is the use of antibacterial drugs, which causes a weakened immune system response. The symptoms of baby yeast infection are generally heightened infant agitation and frequent crying. The infant is also likely to frequently reject the pacifier and will have difficulties sleeping at night because of the discomfort produced by the infection. Aside from this, however, the lining of the mouth of the infant can also develop the same yellow and bad-smelling surface that is commonly found in adults. Treating baby yeast infection is slightly different when it comes to treating the condition as found in adults. Generally, treatment in adults consists of anti-fungal creams and pills (or preferably following natural treatment plans) and the effects are quick, because the body of an adult can already manage doses of anti-fungal drugs. In infants, however, the best defense against yeast infection is through defensive measures. With infants, the best practice remains to be prevention rather than cure, because there are some medications that a newborn cannot handle well. Common hygiene practices in infants are the best preventive measure. Because of this, the disease is easily prevented by ensuring that the infant’s feeding bottles and pacifier is clean and sterilized. When a pacifier falls, the object should be cleaned before being given back to the infant. The mother should also check for candidiasis infections to ensure that treatment will be carried out immediately if the condition is present in the mother, and to ensure that the infant will not acquire the disease. In pregnancy, the condition should also be treated immediately since the infant’s passage through a vagina that is infected with yeast can also lead to the child’s acquisition of the disease. The food that is given to the infant should also be checked since there are types of food that foster the growth of Candida such as those that are rich in gluten and which contain processed carbohydrates. Other foods such as mushrooms and dairy goods are also prone to fostering yeast infections, and should be avoided. Baby yeast infection, however, need not be a terrible disease for an infant to deal with, as long as basic hygiene and knowledge of the basics of what fosters candidiasis growth is identified. If you discover that your baby suffers from a yeast infection you have 2 real options to choose from. Firstly, head to your local doctor and have your child examined. Alternatively you may choose to educate yourself which will in turn allow you to not only cure the current condition but also allow you to learn the types of preventative measures that can be taken to ensure yeast infection never returns. 2011-10-29
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