Download the entire Caring for Children document in PDF format here.
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Thrush
Thrush is an infection caused by yeast (Candida) that occurs in the mouth on the tongue, inner lips and cheeks. It commonly occurs in infants, and also in children who have been taking certain medications such as antibiotics or steroids.
Your infant may have thrush if there are white patches that coat the inside of the cheeks or lips and sometimes the tongue. These patches cannot be washed away or wiped off easily like milk. Thrush can cause mild discomfort.
Call the office if you suspect your child has thrush. It is treated with a prescription antifungal medication, such as Nystatin oral suspension. If you are breastfeeding, you should also apply the medication to any irritated areas on your nipples. Nipples from bottles and pacifiers should be boiled for 15 minutes.
If your child has a diaper rash and thrush, the diaper rash may also be caused by yeast and should be treated with an antifungal cream, such as Nystatin cream.
Call the office if:
- Your child refuses to eat.
- The thrush gets worse or does not respond to treatment.
- You have other concerns.
