Candidiasis in Children
A child is at risk for candidiasis because of:
- Hot, humid weather
- Too much time between diaper changes
- Poor hygiene
- Taking medicines such as antibiotics or corticosteroids
- Health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes, cancer, or HIV
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. And they vary depending on where the infection occurs. The most common symptoms include:
Location |
Symptoms |
---|---|
Skin folds or navel |
|
Vagina |
|
Penis |
|
Mouth (thrush) |
|
Corners of the mouth (perlèche) |
|
Nail beds (peronychia) |
|
The symptoms of candidiasis can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. He or she will give your child a physical exam. And the healthcare provider may scrape off a skin sample to check in a lab.Most cases of candidiasis are mild and respond well to medicine. Treatment depends on where the infection is and how severe it is. For example:
- Candidiasis on the skin is treated with medicines to put on the skin, such as creams or gels.
- Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories.
- Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges.
- Severe infection or infection in a child with a weak immune system may be treated with oral anti-yeast medicines.
You can help prevent candidiasis by:
- Keeping your child’s skin as clean and dry as possible
- Changing diapers often
- Allowing your child to have diaper-free time
- Using antibiotics on your child only when needed
- Watching for candidiasis symptoms after the use of antibiotics
- Teaching your child about personal hygiene, such as how to brush their teeth and take a bath
- Talking about prevention with your child’s healthcare provider if your child has a weak immune system
Call the healthcare provider if your child has:
- Symptoms that affect a large area
- Symptoms that get worse
- Signs of a skin infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fluid
- New symptoms
- Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast.
- Risk factors for candidiasis include humid weather, too much time between diaper changes, and other factors.
- Candidiasis is easily treated with medicines such as creams, suppositories, or mouthwash.
- Prevention includes keeping the skin dry, changing diapers often, and using antibiotics only when needed.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Updated:  
May 10, 2018
Sources:  
Candidiasis. UpToDate., Candidiasis, Mucocutaneous. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. StatRef.
Reviewed By:  
Lehrer, Michael Stephen, MD,Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN