About Thrush

What is thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection resulting in small white flakes in the mouth, together with symptoms of appetite loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and potentially dehydration.

Why babies are at risk.

Thrush affects mothers and babies, but newborns have reduced resistance due to their low serum Anti-Candidal activity.

Babies in Special Care Baby Units are also at increased risk because the fungus thrives in warmth and humidity. They are also more likely to be on antibiotic therapy.

happy baby

What causes thrush?

The fungus Candida Albicans is present in body cavities and clefts -the oral mucous membrane (30%), gastrointestinal trace (faeces) 38%, and vaginal membrane (59%).

How is it passed on to baby?

Most commonly, during the passage through the birth canal (81% of cases). However, it can also be contracted from mother's mouth and hands during feeding or from soothers. Even bottles sterilised in a steam or microwave steriliser can be re-infected by mum's hands.

How to advise parents to reduce the risk

Sterilise all feeding utensils until baby is one year (Milton Sterilising Fluid or Tablets will kill all Candida Albicans within 15 minutes).
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling nappies, going to the toilet and before feeding baby. You can also use the Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel.
Mothers should avoid putting soothers or teethers into their mouths and then passing these to baby.
Prevention is better than cure. Strains of Candida Albicans become resistant to anti-fungal treatments.

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