Diaper thrush

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Diaper thrush is a skin disease that occurs mainly in babies in the area of ​​the skin covered by a diaper . It is an infection with the yeast fungus Candida albicans , which is favored by the warm and humid environment in a diaper. Diaper thrush is thus a sub-form of candidiasis .

Symptoms

In the anal and genital areas as well as in the area of ​​skin folds (at the base of the legs), reddened and sore spots on the skin often appear, which are often surrounded by red dots. In addition, blisters can form, which often begin to ooze and hurt. Without treatment, the affected areas of the skin can enlarge up to the thighs and back. Whitish deposits and detachments of the mucous membrane can also often be seen in the oral cavity.

treatment

First of all, the pediatrician must clarify whether it is just diaper rash or really a fungal infection. If this is the case, an attempt is made to fight the fungus with an antimycotic in the form of an ointment. In certain cases, cortisone is also added to the ointment . If the fungus has already infected the oral mucosa , an antifungal agent is often administered orally, usually in the form of a gel for babies. It should be noted that breastfeeding can spread diaper thrush to the mother's nipples .

The reduction of the moist and warm environment in the area of ​​the diaper is of great importance for the success of the therapy. The diapers should be changed more often than usual, and the skin around the diaper should be kept clean and above all dry. It is also helpful to let the affected skin air dry for a few minutes while changing diapers before putting on the next diaper. Dabbing dry after cleaning is always preferable to rubbing dry so as not to further irritate the skin.

As long as the affected areas are not open, you can also try to cover them with healing wool in the diaper, as this is better to keep the moisture away. In addition, the wool wax (lanolin) it contains has an anti-inflammatory effect .

literature

  • Ursula Jahn-Zöhrens, "Experience relaxed - babies 1st year", Trias Verlag (2011)
  • Louis and Joe Borgenicht, "The Baby - Commissioning, Maintenance and Servicing", Carl Hanser Verlag (2004)

Web links