What causes breast thrush?

Thrush is a type of yeast infection. It may sometimes occur in breastfed babies and on the nipples of breastfeeding women. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that lives in the digestive tract and on skin. Candida is a naturally occurring organism.

How do you get rid of thrush on nipples?

Many physicians treat nipple thrush with a prescriptive Nystatin cream. However, other OTC (over the counter) medications may be more effective. Mycolog ointment or vaginal yeast medication such as, Monistat 7, Lotrimin AF, or Micatin are all good options.

Can thrush on nipples go away on its own?

If you have thrush on your nipples, areolas or breasts, your doctor will likely recommend that you apply a prescription antifungal cream. The infection should clear up after about a week, but let your doctor know if it doesn’t.

What does yeast infection on nipples look like?

A yeast infection on the breasts tends to look like a raised, shiny, red rash in the warm, moist folds of your skin. If the yeast overgrowth becomes more severe, it can also cause your skin to crack and bleed. Like other yeast infections, itching, burning, and pain at the rash site are common symptoms.

Can you still breastfeed with thrush?

Treating thrush when you’re breastfeeding You can carry on breastfeeding while you and your baby are treated for thrush. Oral thrush in babies is usually treated with an anti-fungal gel or liquid. This is safe for your baby to have. It’s important to wash your hands carefully after treating your baby.

How long can thrush last?

Mild thrush can usually be treated with a short course of antifungal medication. The symptoms will usually clear up within a week or two. Treatment may need to be continued for longer if you have repeated bouts of thrush.

Can I put yogurt on my nipples for thrush?

Yogurt. Natural yogurt is chock-full of “healthy” bacteria called probiotics, which can create a balance of yeast in Baby’s mouth. This can effectively stop thrush from spreading.

Can I pass thrush onto my baby?

Oral thrush and breastfeeding If your baby has oral thrush, they can potentially pass the fungus to your breasts or other areas of skin. If you have a breast yeast infection or nipple yeast infection, you can potentially pass the fungus to your baby’s mouth or skin.

Can I breastfeed if I have a yeast infection?

While you can still breastfeed baby during a thrush infection, you can’t store or freeze your milk. Cold temperatures do not kill the yeast cells you carry in your milk during a thrush infection, so it’s possible to reinfect your baby – and yourself – with stored milk pumped during infection.

What does yeast infection look like?

redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina) a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it might smell like bread or yeast. pain or burning when urinating (peeing) or during sex.