How is thrush treated?

Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection with Candida albicans, commonly seen in infants and young children, especially those with compromised immune systems, such as those using steroids or immunosuppressants. The main approach to treatment is symptomatic and supportive, primarily involving topical application of medications. Dietary management is also crucial, typically involving the provision of bland, non-irritating foods. The use of sugary, greasy foods should be avoided to prevent exacerbating the symptoms. Of course, another important aspect of treatment is preventing reinfection by maintaining good hygiene, especially with food. All items that come into contact with the child's mouth, including pacifiers, bottles, and spoons, should be sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the mother's nipples and breasts is also very important. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What to do about baby thrush?

Thrush in babies generally indicates that the child has low immune function, or it has been caused by the long-term use of antibiotics, leading to an imbalance of bacteria and the overgrowth of white Candida in the oral mucosa. Thrush is not scary, and we can generally treat it by using 2.5% sodium bicarbonate to clean the mouth, followed by applying nystatin tablets to the oral cavity three times a day. It usually heals in three to five days. However, thrush tends to recur, so it's important to pay attention to oral hygiene.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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Which department to see for thrush

Oral thrush is a disease caused by Candida infections of the oral mucosa. If you go for pediatric treatment, in a division with detailed specialties, newborns can visit the newborn outpatient clinic; infants or older children usually visit the pediatric outpatient clinic during normal working hours. During non-working hours, such as noon, evening, weekends, and holidays, it's appropriate to visit the pediatric emergency department. If visiting a specialized children's hospital or a dental hospital, the pediatric oral medicine outpatient clinic is also a good option. Of course, if a child with oral thrush also has some underlying diseases, it might be advisable to visit the outpatient clinic for the primary underlying disease.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
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How to treat thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection of the oral mucosa with Candida albicans, so the treatment focuses on addressing this cause. It is advisable to wash the oral cavity with 2% baking soda water, 3-4 times a day, which generally leads to recovery. If the effect is still not satisfactory, nystatin can be added, dissolved in 2% baking soda water for oral application. Of course, thrush infections are very prone to recurrence. The most important factor causing recurrence is hygiene. Therefore, all items such as bottles, cups, and spoons that come into contact with the baby's mouth should be boiled and sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the mother's breasts and nipples should be cleaned with 2% baking soda before and after feeding to avoid recurrence. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can thrush heal by itself?

Thrush is generally caused by a fungal infection due to an imbalance in the microbial flora, primarily involving the formation of a white plaque membrane by Candida albicans on the surface of the oral mucosa. It is mainly seen in individuals with lowered immunity, such as those with long-term malnutrition, repeated use of antibiotics, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications like corticosteroids. Additionally, unsanitary conditions during breastfeeding, fungal contamination on the mother's nipples, or fungal infection from nursing equipment can also lead to thrush. Typically, thrush does not require special antimicrobial medication. If the baby's immunity improves and their intestinal flora are properly established, thrush can heal spontaneously. It is generally recommended to orally take some probiotics and enhance oral care, which can include cleaning the oral cavity with 2% sodium bicarbonate before and after breastfeeding, or locally applying antifungal agents to suppress the fungal growth in the mouth.

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Written by Zhang Xian Hua
Pediatrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

How is thrush treated?

Thrush is a mucosal lesion in the mouth caused by an infection with Candida albicans, commonly seen in infants and young children, especially those with compromised immune systems, such as those using steroids or immunosuppressants. The main approach to treatment is symptomatic and supportive, primarily involving topical application of medications. Dietary management is also crucial, typically involving the provision of bland, non-irritating foods. The use of sugary, greasy foods should be avoided to prevent exacerbating the symptoms. Of course, another important aspect of treatment is preventing reinfection by maintaining good hygiene, especially with food. All items that come into contact with the child's mouth, including pacifiers, bottles, and spoons, should be sterilized after each use. If breastfeeding, the cleanliness of the mother's nipples and breasts is also very important. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)