How to Treat a Baby With a Yeast Infection

Candida albicans, a fungus that is normally present in the intestinal tract, is usually kept in check by the friendly flora in the gut. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of candida albicans in the baby's intestinal tract. Unlike a regular diaper rash, a yeast infection in the diaper area is marked by a bright red rash with raised borders. Little red pinhead sized bumps often radiate from the main rash site. Unfortunately, a yeast infection is often confused with a diaper rash, but because the treatments are not the same, the yeast infection continues to grow and remain untreated.

Instructions

1

Identify that the infection is truly a yeast infection. Look for a well-defined, bright red rash. The rash is often centered on one area, with pin-sized raised bumps that can sporadically move away from the center. The skin may also look scaly. The rash also looks like it hurts.

2

Purchase a topical, over-the-counter antifungal or anti-yeast cream and use as directed on the package. Any antifungal cream containing the active ingredient miconazole should clear up a yeast infection within a few days.

3

If the rash does not clear up in a few days, call your child's pediatrician. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength anti-fungal cream like nystatin. If your child has a fever or if the rash oozes, your child may have a bacterial infection and need proper treatment.

4

Let your baby's bottom air out. Change your baby often and don't fasten diapers too tight; let air circulate around your baby's bottom. Let your baby go bare bottomed for awhile to air out the rash area.