Treatment of thrush (candidiasis). The undoubted advantages of clotrimazole should be attributed. Preparations for thrush in children

Many forms of infectious diseases pose a variety of problems for modern man... Among such diseases, thrush or candidiasis is one of the first places. A fungal infection that develops in the body under the influence of many factors causes discomfort and, naturally, requires treatment.

One way to treat thrush is to use it. In this article we will try to answer the frequently asked question - how to smear thrush?

The cause of candidiasis or thrush is most often considered a weakened immune system, when the body cannot independently influence the development of bacteria, fungi, viruses, microbes located in healthy body a person constantly, but usually they do not cause harm. Candidiasis affects people with weakened protective function organism, but other factors can be the causes of its occurrence.

The main causes of thrush

For most people who are faced with such an unpleasant problem as thrush, it is necessary to know the main stages of treatment of the disease, the recommendations most often used for candidiasis, and expert advice. But, first of all, it should be said that in order to identify the cause of candidiasis and make a diagnosis, you should consult a specialist, turn in everything and establish the presence of thrush, and only after that start treatment.

Topical therapy for candidiasis

Usually, immediately after the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe the use of topical agents for the treatment of thrush. TO local therapy include creams and ointments, as well as candles for women or vaginal tablets... Men are usually prescribed a cream that should be applied to the affected areas, while women most often use suppositories.
Creams and ointments - the best choice for pregnant

For women, there are a number of contraindications that are associated with pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is not always possible to use candles during this period, and then they are also prescribed local remedies in the form of ointments or cream. It is necessary to smear the affected areas for several days, until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear. But you should not stop using the drugs yourself, because an incompletely cured thrush almost always leads to relapses. That's why independent application any means, when candidiasis has already made itself felt, is not recommended. The consequences of chronic thrush are quite severe and can lead to the emergence of a number of diseases of the internal organs.
Usually, the areas affected by thrush are recommended to be smeared with antifungal drugs, which successfully fight candidiasis. First of all, it is worth mentioning about such a well-known brand as. This cream has been used in the treatment of thrush for a very long time, and has proven itself on the positive side.
Clotrimazole cream

Therefore, most specialists prescribe Clotrimazole for the treatment of candidiasis. Smearing the affected areas should be started immediately after the onset of symptoms of the disease. The cream is applied once or twice a day and left on the skin or mucous membranes until completely dry. The duration of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the body of a man or woman. Sometimes there are side effects such as itching or allergic urticaria... If this happens, then the cream should be stopped smearing and seek a new appointment and additional research from the doctor. Most often, Clotrimazole does not cause negative manifestations and can be used sufficiently long time.
Another drug that is used for local treatment, is an .
Pimafucin cream

He is widely known in medical practice and has a positive effect on the activity of the fungus. It is recommended to use Pimafucin in the same way as other products in the form of a cream or ointment. The affected area should be smeared once a day, and if chronic form, at least twice, it all depends on the stage of the disease. With acute thrush, sometimes it is enough to smear the inflamed areas at night, and with chronic thrush, it is recommended to use the cream at least twice a day.
Among the well-known remedies for the treatment of candidiasis, it is no less popular. This is enough inexpensive drug which renders brightly pronounced action on the fungus and its activity. In most cases, Nystatin is applied within a week. If the disease is already chronic, then the duration of treatment is set by the doctor and it increases. Nystatin is applied to the affected areas, in a thin layer, once a day.
Nystatin ointment

Women are sometimes prescribed the joint use of suppositories and ointment for thrush in order to enhance the effect of using these drugs, and to exclude the use of pills. In some cases, only such a treatment regimen is really enough, but most often it concerns the primary acute form of thrush. Nystatin is one of the oldest remedies in the treatment of candidiasis, which appeared in the 60s and is successfully used to this day. It is an antibiotic-containing agent that has a destructive effect on the growth of bacteria and fungi in the human body. Nystatin is also used in preventive purposes, which is typical for this drug, which until today has practically no analogues.
Among the popular ointments, it is worth noting Kanizon. This agent has a wide spectrum of action, including antifungal and antibacterial properties. In the composition of Kanizon there is an active substance clotrimazole, which directly fights against fungal infection. An ointment is applied to the affected areas as well as other agents in this group. The duration of its use depends on the degree of infection of the organism. Most often, Kanizon ointment is used to treat male candidiasis. There are few contraindications and the main one can be attributed to them, it is an allergic reaction to clotrimazole, which occurs quite rarely.
Canison cream

If there is a feeling of additional discomfort in the genital area or swelling and redness, then the drug should be canceled until the cause of the reaction is identified. We can say that Kanizon is quite effective in combating fungal infection in both acute and chronic stage diseases.
The peculiarities of using a cream or ointment are that very often, only local treatment is not enough, therefore, simultaneously with this treatment, tablets for yeast infection are used, which affect the body as a whole. Exceptions exist for expectant mothers, when pills are practically not prescribed, so as not to affect the developing fetus and not harm the body of the expectant mother. That is why, during pregnancy, the most common treatment for candidal infection is a cream that does not harm the woman and the unborn child.
Before you start using a cream or ointment, it is necessary to carry out a number of hygienic procedures in order to cleanse the genital mucosa from dirt and secretions. This is necessary so that the cream can be completely absorbed. Hygiene procedures first of all, it is washing and douching with solutions of soda, Furacilin, potassium permanganate, as well as various medicinal components.
Chamomile decoction for the treatment of thrush

Additionally, it is recommended to make decoctions of medicinal plants, such as celandine, sage, string, which very well help to relieve inflammation and are used in gynecology for a long time. With the help of decoctions, a solution is prepared with which the genitals of a woman or a man are treated, and only after that medicinal creams or ointments can be applied. Hygiene during treatment must be observed especially carefully. It is recommended to abandon the use of scented soaps, concentrated gels and shampoos; it is best to use natural products that do not additionally irritate the skin. You can wash yourself with laundry soap, which, like soda, creates an alkaline environment. The fungus does not multiply in it.
Creams or ointments for thrush are very effective means to fight infection, they are used to treat even infants, because it is the cream that is non-toxic, which practically does not cause side effects as opposed to pills. In children, only with chronic, neglected form it is recommended to start treatment with antifungal drugs. Usually, when thrush is detected in a child's mouth, it is enough to simply treat the oral cavity with a soda solution and observe the indoor climate regime, and the use of medicines is prescribed in case of severe fungal infection of the child's body. In this case, they begin to use a cream that is used to lubricate the damaged surfaces in the same way as in adults. The difference exists only in the dosage and duration of use of the drugs. Lubrication of the affected areas in children is carried out once a day, you should first wash and dry the surface of the skin or mucous membrane to apply the ointment.
A cream or ointment has proven to be excellent in the treatment of skin candidiasis, the so-called mycoses. Very often, thrush can affect the surface of the skin of the hands, feet, nails, and even hair follicles. For the treatment of such forms of candidiasis, a cream is used. It is also applied to the affected areas and left until completely absorbed. The procedure can be performed several times a day.
Hand candidiasis cream

During the period of using the cream, you should not deal with water, so as not to further irritate the skin and not wash off medicine... It should be noted that skin fungal diseases are found in people who work a lot with chemicals, or concentrated detergents... Skin mycoses can occur in those who suffer allergic diseases, dermatoses, psoriasis. In these cases, skin candidiasis often accompanies the underlying disease and requires complementary treatment... In these cases, the use of the cream is safest, but an allergy test should be taken, because a particularly sensitive organism may react to antifungal drugs additional allergic reaction.

Thrush, which most often affects the genitals or mucous membranes, is successfully treated with creams, especially at the beginning of the acute period.

The effectiveness of creams for thrush

Lubrication of the affected areas lasts for several days, but before stopping the use of drugs, it is necessary to undergo an examination to exclude possible relapses of the disease. For preventive purposes, using the cream is practically ineffective, with the exception of cutaneous candidiasis, when the prevention of the disease is permissible.

In all cases of using a cream or ointment, one should not forget about integrated approach to the treatment of thrush. It is necessary to observe hygiene rules and strictly follow the doctor's prescriptions in order to prevent the development of the inflammatory process, which can go to internal organs and then local treatment alone will not be enough.
Immediately after the end of the main treatment, it is important and necessary to diagnose and pass the recommended tests, in particular, smears, which will show whether there is a risk of recurrence of the disease. Only then can we talk about complete recovery.

Such unpleasant disease caused by a fungal infection, do not recur subject to certain rules of nutrition, hygiene, maintenance of the immune system, prevention of viral, immune diseases and sexually transmitted diseases. Candidiasis, it is mainly the result of other diseases, and immunity to it human body is not produced. The use of numerous products, which include creams, ointments, sprays or suppositories, help to eliminate the growth of the fungus, but are not able to protect against re-infection.

Thrush in children (candidiasis) can occur in the first days of life, even in newborns. White cheesy plaque in the mouth of a newborn (on the tongue, gums) worries the baby and frightens young parents.

Not surprisingly, many parents search the Internet and medical reference books description of similar symptoms of the disease, consider photos with similar outward signs trying to understand what kind of disease it is and how to treat it, how it is transmitted and how dangerous it is.

Thrush (candidiasis) is caused by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. Spores of this fungus live everywhere: on the skin of the face, hands, feet of a person, on the mucous membrane of the mouth and rectum. The pathogen, being in the body and on the mother's body, can easily infect a newborn. If the immune system works normally, the microflora is balanced, then the disease does not occur.

Thrush is transmitted through kissing, poorly washed nipples or breasts. It is easy to infect a newborn.

A beneficial microflora inhibits the growth of fungi, a balance is maintained. But in a newborn child, a useful flora is just being formed, it is not yet in enough, therefore, under certain favorable conditions, fungi begin to multiply uncontrollably, and cause a disease called candidiasis.

Breast milk contains immune antibodies against many pathogens, which helps the baby to keep from getting sick. Mother's immunity protects infant... But sometimes various reasons have an adverse effect on the body, after which the conditionally pathogenic flora, which includes the fungi of the genus Candida, becomes pathogenic.

The reasons contributing to the development of thrush:

too dry and warm air indoors, causing drying out of the oral mucosa (in such conditions, any infection is easily transmitted to the child);
taking antibiotics, as a result of which the balance of the beneficial and conditionally pathogenic microflora is disturbed;
unbalanced nutrition of the mother, the presence of muffins in the diet, a large number sweets (especially critical in combination with taking antibiotics);
violation of personal hygiene rules before and after breastfeeding, as well as abuse of antibacterial soap or other antiseptic agents;
prematurity, immunodeficiency states;
other reasons.

Symptoms

Symptoms of thrush in children are different, depending on the location of the disease. Candidiasis can manifest itself in the mouth, throat, tongue, genitals, skin. How thrush looks like in children can be seen in the photo.

In the mouth

Thrush in children of the first months of life and in newborns is most often localized in the mouth. Primary signs thrush in a child is a white cheesy coating on the tongue, gums, and mucous membranes of the cheeks (see photo). Plaque can be in the form of thin white stripes, plaques, plugs on the tonsils in the throat.

The mucous membrane under this plaque is red, inflamed (see photo). Candidiasis in newborns and older children can be localized on the lips, in the corners of the mouth (cheilitis). Secondary signs are restless sleep, refusal to eat, crying. Throat candidiasis often affects children of one year of age and older. Usually, children weakened by diseases or vitamin deficiency.

Body temperature can be within normal limits, and can be increased to 38 degrees. The child feels weakness, malaise, and has a sore throat. But sometimes thrush appears asymptomatic or with very mild symptoms.

Vaginal

The fungus can affect the walls of the vagina in girls (vaginal thrush), and in boys, the scalp of the penis can be affected (candidal balanitis). The main signs of vaginal yeast infection are itching, cheesy discharge, inflammation of the genitals.

Children who already know how to speak usually complain to their mothers that they itch in their piss; in newborns, thrush causes anxiety and crying.

The main signs of a genital fungus infection in a boy are inflammation and swelling of the genital mucosa, hyperemia. Body temperature may be elevated, but normal temperature is more common.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms and after confirmation of the assumptions laboratory analyzes... A smear is taken from the affected mucosa, which is transferred to the laboratory and examined by a bacterioscopic or bacteriological method. The presence of fungi of the genus Candida is confirmed.

It is important to distinguish plaque on the tongue of a child from thrush. Plain plaque can be easily removed with a sterile swab or spatula. Thrush rashes are much more difficult to remove.

Treatment

Treatment for thrush depends on the degree of the disease, location and age of the child. Treatment should eliminate the causes of the disease. Then it is effective. It is difficult to treat a nursing baby because many drugs are age-restricted.

Doctors do not prescribe pills to such patients. Are applied medicinal preparations, hygiene products, folk remedies in order to successfully treat thrush. Fluconazole, holisal, miramistin are often used in treatment.

Drugs

Sodium tetraborate

(borax) has a strong antiseptic effect, an agent that inhibits the development of fungi. Applied for uncomplicated form of the disease. Sodium tetraborate is a solution in glycerin. Swabs moistened with sodium tetraborate solution are applied to the sites of fungal infection.

Sodium tetraborate is enough effective treatment thrush of the genitals. Sodium tetraborate is also used to treat thrush in the mouth, tongue, and lips. Sodium tetraborate has been used for many years for the topical treatment of thrush.

Nystatin

Refers to antifungal drugs. Release form - tablets, suppositories. Nystatin (tablets) - effective remedy against fungi of the genus Candida. Nystatin (tablets) is taken as directed by your doctor.

Nystatin can treat thrush of any location. Nystatin (tablets) is used as prophylactic agent during long courses of taking antibiotics, for the treatment of plaque on the tonsils. Suppositories are used to treat vaginal candidiasis with nystatin.

Fluconazole

- antifungal agent, synonymous with Diflucan. Eliminates the causes of the disease. Administered orally and intravenously. It is not used to treat children under 16 years of age. Compared with nystatin, fluconazole and diflucan have more pronounced antifungal activity.

Fluconazole (Diflucan), like nystatin, is used only as directed by a physician. Release form: capsules, syrup, solution. Fluconazole (solution, capsules) and Diflucan are used to treat candidiasis of any localization.

Miramistin

Miramistin is a cationic antiseptic. Miramistin has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial activity. Miramistin stimulates local immunity, has anti-inflammatory properties.

Nystatin, fluconazole, diflucan have a number of contraindications, especially in children. Compared to nystatin, miramistin is more effective for topical treatment.

Miramistin has almost no contraindications, the possibility of adverse reactions is minimal. It treats yeast infection of the genitals well. Miramistin is produced and applied in the form of a solution and ointment. The tablets are not released. Miramistin can treat candidiasis of any localization.

Holisal

– combination drug, which has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic effects. Treatment of candidiasis in the mouth, on the tongue is not complete without this remedy. Cholisal significantly eases the condition of the child, relieves pain, burning.

Cholisal is applied to the affected areas in the mouth. First, ulcers on the tongue, on the lips are cleaned, and then drugs are applied, including holisal.

It is impossible to list all the drugs, tablets, ointments for thrush. In pharmacies, talkers are sold, similar in action to the drug "holisal", tablets, ointments. Treatment of thrush in little child complicated by the fact that many drugs are contraindicated in children. That's why special place in the treatment of thrush in children, folk remedies are used.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies is sometimes more effective and safer for children than ready-made ointments and tablets. Fluconazole, sodium tetraborate, diflucan, holisal - treatment of small children with these drugs is not always possible.

Soda

Treatment with ordinary baking soda gives a good result. It's simple folk remedy which is recognized official medicine and is used to treat newborns. A solution of soda 2% (a teaspoon of soda in a glass of warm boiled water) is used to lubricate the affected areas of the mucous membrane, lubricate plaque on the tonsils.

The solution is used to treat the oral mucosa. Soda treatment is carried out in newborns 3-4 times a day. To do this, first, the tampon is moistened in a solution, after which the affected areas are treated. Such treatment has no contraindications, the likelihood of side effects is excluded.

Soda solution effective in treatment and prevention. Uncomplicated thrush in a newborn with such treatment passes quickly. For kids school age rinsing with soda (2% soda solution) are suitable.

Herbal decoctions

A decoction of herbs from chamomile, oak bark, string wonderfully treats thrush. The tampon is moistened in herbal broth, then sore spots are lubricated. The surface of the mucous membrane is treated 5-6 times a day.

Herbal decoctions are actively used in the treatment of newborns. However, it must be borne in mind that a newborn child herbal decoction may cause allergies.

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Honey

Honey is wonderful antiseptic... Smeared with honey sore gums, tongue, fungal mucous membranes in the mouth. Lubricate plaque on the tonsils. A contraindication is an allergic reaction to honey treatment. Good results are obtained by processing with honey after washing with herbal decoction.

Complications

The main complication is the transition of candidiasis to other parts of the body and organs, as well as the transition of acute to chronic thrush. Thrush from the oral cavity can spread deeper, affect the throat, internal organs.

Prophylaxis

For the prevention of thrush (in month old baby and older) it is necessary to ensure long-term breastfeeding. Since thrush is transmitted through objects, air, saliva, it is necessary for parents to very carefully observe hygiene rules:

not kissing a child on the face;
thoroughly wash toys, items that are near the child;
rinse nipples and bottles with baking soda and boiling water;
for a nursing mother, observe the rules of personal hygiene, treat the nipples with 2% soda solution or brown;
wash your hands thoroughly before picking up the baby;
mothers to avoid taking antibiotics while breastfeeding.

Many mothers have noticed in their children white bloom on the tongue or cheek mucosa. At the same time, the child became moody and refused to eat. As a rule, such symptoms are a signal of the development of thrush.

Thrush in infancy- This is a common phenomenon that can be well controlled with proper treatment, without causing serious consequences.

Symptoms

Not always the symptoms of thrush can be detected the first time. Parents often confuse it with the usual plaque that occurs after feeding a child with artificial milk formula. You can determine the presence of thrush by specific signs:

plaque has a cheesy character and is difficult to remove from mucous membranes;
when deleting it hyperemic areas of the mucous membrane are exposed that may bleed;
the appearance of plaque is accompanied by irritability and tearfulness a child, since the affected foci are distinguished by severe soreness;
baby refuses to eat;
as the inflammation grows, plaque gradually covers the entire surface of the oral cavity forming a thin film. Further, it spreads to the lips and larynx;
the disease is accompanied stool disturbance and fever.

Causes

The cause of the development of thrush is the fungus of the family Candida... It is found in the body of every person and activated when decreasing immune functions ... Since the immunity of infants is not yet fully formed, the fungus, entering its body, quickly begins to multiply, leading to the appearance of thrush.

There are several options for infecting a baby:

during childbirth when the child becomes infected with urogenital candidiasis, passing through the birth canal;
by airborne droplets.

There are several factors that provoke the development of the disease:

dysbiosis;
prescribing antibiotics to the child;
oral acidosis;
acute respiratory infection;
allergy;
frequent regurgitation;
regular non-compliance with the rules of hygiene by the mother: licking a pacifier, using unsterilized bottles, etc.

Stages

For thrush, as for any other disease of the oral cavity, it is characteristic gradual development which includes 3 stages:

Lightweight. It is characterized by the appearance of small rare spots of red color on the mucous membrane, which are then covered with a white film. In this form, the disease does not cause discomfort in the child and responds well to treatment.
Average. The affected areas become covered with a curdled, voluminous bloom and become painful. Bleeding ulcers appear.
Heavy. Dense plaque covers the entire oral cavity and spreads to the larynx, symptoms of intoxication intensify. At this stage, inpatient treatment is required.

Forms

For this disease two forms of manifestation are characteristic: acute and chronic.

Acute form characterized by sprinkling of the oral mucosa, curdled plaque, consisting of fungi, dead epithelium and food decay products. As the acute form develops, the sprinkling area and plaque density increase.

As a rule, the pathology is accompanied by excessive dryness of the mucous membrane and the appearance of cracks in the corners lips. With a timely visit to a doctor acute form responds well to treatment.

The chronic form of this pathology proceeds a little differently. On the mucous membrane appear small inflamed lesions rounded, which are covered with yellow or brown bloom... The affected area has a noticeable induration and elevation above healthy tissue.

These areas give pain on palpation. In the future, there is swelling of the entire mucous membrane and lymph nodes... This form requires long and serious treatment.

Help

The peculiarity of the treatment of thrush in infants is that for this age most of the drugs and remedies that are effective against Candida fungi cannot be used. Therefore, therapy should only be prescribed by a doctor. This applies not only to local or general treatment, but also the application of folk methods.

Local therapy

Topical therapy is the most preferred option for treating thrush in infancy. She has no common negative impact on the body, but at the same time effectively combats the symptoms and the cause of the disease. Basically, the following agents are used for local treatment:

Poorly diluted potassium permanganate solution. Used to treat the baby's oral cavity at least 5 times a day. To do this, the finger is wrapped with a bandage and moistened in a solution, after which the entire mucous membrane is treated, paying attention to the inflamed areas.
Potassium permanganate has aseptic properties, due to which the growth of fungi stops.
Nystatin ointment, which has antifungal action. It is used to treat inflamed areas at least 2 times a day.
Holisal. This gel is recommended for mucosal pain relief, in addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. After application, the drug begins to act in 2 minutes. Most often it is used to facilitate the feeding process.
Aqueous solution of 1% tannin. It is used to disinfect mucous membranes by applying to the affected area. For infants, the solution should not be used for more than 5 days.
After each treatment, iodinol, gentian violet or lugol must be applied to the mucous membrane. The treatment is repeated every 3 hours.
Suspension of levorin, with antifungal effect. It is prepared independently by crushing a tablet into 100 thousand units. and pouring 5 ml of boiled water into it. The entire oral cavity is treated with the suspension every 6 hours. This remedy can be replaced with a suspension of pimafucin.
Canesten in the form of a solution. Differs in pronounced antifungal activity. It is used to treat mucous membranes no more than 3 times a day.

General therapy

Usually, general therapy in infancy, it is prescribed only with advanced thrush or its chronic form, when local preparations did not have the desired effect. As a general treatment in this age period, the following antifungal drugs are allowed:

Fluconazole or its derivatives: diflazone, diflucan. When sharply severe symptoms on the first day, a single dose is prescribed in a dosage calculated from 6 mg of the drug per 1 kg of the child's weight.
V next days the dosage is reduced by half. To facilitate the administration of the agent, it is mixed with milk or water. On average, the treatment period is 3 to 5 days.
Amphotericin B. It is produced in the form of a powder, from which a suspension is prepared. It is indicated for the treatment of children from one year old, but under the supervision of a doctor it can be used at a younger age.
The dosage is determined depending on the weight of the child: no more than 75 IU of the drug should fall on 1 kg. The tool is taken 1 time per day for 3 days.
Flucytosine. It is a powder used to prepare a suspension that can be used to treat thrush from the moment a baby is born. The average daily dose is 100 mg per kg. The course of treatment lasts about 7 days.

Folk recipes

To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, use and folk methods treatment. But before using them, it is imperative to consult with a specialist. The most popular remedies are:

baking soda solution, which is prepared as follows: in a glass of boiled water room temperature dilute a teaspoon of soda. The resulting mixture is treated with inflamed mucosa 5 times a day;
decoction of a mixture of medicinal plants: bark of oak, calendula, chamomile, sage. A tablespoon of each plant is poured into a glass of boiling water and allowed to cool.
When processing the mouth, use a small amount of liquid to prevent swallowing, as these plants can cause allergies;
raspberry juice and honey paste. To prepare it, you need to take both components in equal volumes and boil 3 times. The cooled mixture is applied to the foci of inflammation.
Despite the fact that this recipe has become widespread, doctors do not advise using it, since raspberry juice contains acid, which leads to additional irritation of the mucous membrane.

In addition, honey is an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, the reproduction of which will only worsen the overall clinical picture.

Possible complications

If untreated, the infection can invade other tissues or organs and cause a number of complications:

intestinal dysbiosis and disruption of the stomach;
diseases of the ENT organs: sinusitis, rhinitis, otitis media;
defeat genitourinary system girls, in which vulvovaginitis or vaginal fusion may develop;
respiratory tract pathology which quickly become chronic: bronchitis, asthma;
sepsis which occurs when an infection enters the blood or lymphatic system.

Valuable advice about the disease in question is given by Dr. Komarovsky in this video:

Prophylaxis

In order to avoid the development of thrush in infants, mothers need to adhere to certain rules:

when breastfeeding, before latching a baby to the breast, it is necessary wash with boiled water;
after feeding or regurgitation, it is necessary give the child a drink to wash away food particles and neutralize the acidic environment;
before dealing with a baby, it is imperative to wash your hands;
can not be given to the child unwashed toys and a pacifier... At least once a day, they must be boiled or treated with soapy water;
recommended handle all baby items regularly intended for eating or playing, aseptic solutions or soda;
preferably once a day clean the baby's mouth with moistened gauze worn on a finger;
it is forbidden give your child medication uncontrollably and products unsuitable for the age of the baby.

Candidiasis (candidiasis, candidal infection), or thrush, is a fungal infection. Pediatrician Komarovsky says that the term "thrush" is a common definition associated with the external manifestation of the fungus. The causative agent is the yeast-like fungus Candida. It is found in a small amount in the body even healthy person... But to activate it, it needs a certain push, for example, taking antibiotics or other drugs, a decrease in immunity by other factors. Candidiasis in a child can appear in the vagina, in the mouth, in the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract... The growth of the fungus leads to unpleasant symptoms. The disease requires compulsory treatment.

Causes of thrush in children

The most common candidiasis in infants. The causes of thrush are as follows:

Infection during childbirth. Walking through birth canal, fungi remain on the baby's skin and mucous membranes. Infection may occur on the first day.
Contact with a mother with candidiasis. In this case, infection occurs in the first few days.
Bathing in an untreated bathroom.
Failure to comply with the rules of hygiene by the mother before breastfeeding. Milk drops remain on the breast after feeding. They sour and create excellent conditions for the development of the fungus.
Prematurity frequent colds, teething. These factors reduce the immunity of the infant, which provokes the development of the disease.
Violation carbohydrate metabolism(diabetes, obesity).
Long-term use of antibiotics, cytostatics, corticosteroids.

How a child can get candidiasis

Candidiasis in newborns is transmitted by contact, as well as through the air, communication with a sick person. But infection occurs only with obvious prerequisites, especially a decrease in immunity.

Classification of candidiasis

Depending on the area of infection, children's candidiasis is classified into types and subspecies.

Oral thrush

Infant thrush is divided:

on the oral mucosa - stomatitis;
on the lips - cheilitis;
on the gums - gingivitis;
on the tongue - says.

Oral thrush is most often affected by infants and preschoolers.

Signs of oral candidiasis:

Symptoms appear as a white cheesy plaque on the palate, cheeks, and gums. At first, it can be easily removed, but over time it becomes a grayish tint, it becomes more and more difficult to separate it. After removal, the mucous membrane begins to bleed.
With the defeat of the tongue, its swelling is observed, a clear striation of grooves.
Sensitive to spicy, sour, hot food.
Dry and burning mouth.
Thrush in infants interferes with sucking, food intake is difficult.
Candidal sore throat. It develops against the background of lesions of the oral mucosa. A loose white coating forms on the tonsils, which can be easily removed with a spatula. The temperature rises slightly if the infection develops in parallel with ARVI.
Thrush on the lips of a child, or rather, in the corners of the lips, is rare. Cracks appear in the corners of the lips.
Lip border candidiasis is usually accompanied by oral lesions and erosions. The border of the lips acquires hyperemia.

Thrush in the eye area in children

The fungus can even affect the area near the eyes. In this case, candidal conjunctivitis occurs. It is characterized by the following signs:

Eyes watery and redden.
The eyelids are swollen.
Hyperemia of the mucous membrane.

The disease is dangerous with complications, primarily visual impairment.

Genital thrush

Thrush of the genitals in boys is called balanopastitis, and in girls -. It manifests itself as follows:

White discharge.
The mucous membrane is moderately hyperemic.
A white-grayish bloom appears on the mucous membrane, sometimes surface erosion is observed.
Itching and burning of the external genitalia.

Infection of the genitals of children, in particular in boys, is characterized by redness and swelling foreskin and head, as well as creamy discharge from the urethra.

Immediate treatment of thrush in children is required, since in girls it can lead to fusion of the vagina and labia.

Internal candidiasis

The localization of the infection is distinguished:

Respiratory candidiasis. The fungus infects Airways causing candidal bronchitis. It seldom occurs on its own. It usually develops against the background of pneumonia or common bronchitis. It is accompanied by hoarseness, the voice may disappear completely, there is a cough, the temperature is high, it lasts longer than usual.
Esophageal candidiasis. Often confused with a tumor. Requires thorough examination... It is characterized by: chest pain after eating, difficulty swallowing, vomiting. With esophagoscopy, white films and curdled plaque are visible on the esophagus. When they are separated, erosions appear on the mucous membrane, which subsequently bleed.
Stomach candidiasis. Symptoms are similar to gastritis: nausea, stomach pain, lack of appetite, vomiting. V vomit you can see the particles of the fungus. It is rare in children. Revealed by histological examination.
Intestinal candidiasis. The cause of candidal enterocolitis is dysbiosis, which occurs as a result of stress, thoughtless medication, inflammatory processes of various kinds. In this case, the microflora in the intestine becomes pathogenic and begins to adversely affect the immune system. At the onset of the disease, discomfort is observed, alternating acute pain and diarrhea.
Candidiasis of the heart and brain. This is the most dangerous species fungus. Brain infection resembles a tumor or an abscess. By affecting the lining of the brain, candida causes candida meningitis. Signs of infection include headaches, vomiting, and nausea. Defeat heart valve or heart muscle ends with endocarditis and myocarditis.

Genitourinary candidiasis

Candida infection urinary tract begins to manifest itself in the form of cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, pyelitis. Thrush in a child after antibiotics develops against the background of long-term illnesses. In case of intestinal fungus infection, the next stage may be infection urinary system... If vaginal candidiasis in children has not been completely cured, it can also cause infection. Bladder.

Symptoms

Bladder infections are often asymptomatic. But the signal can be:

Frequent and painful urination.
Turbid urine, excreted in small portions.
Sour smell of urine.
The fungus is excreted in the urine in large quantities.
Hematuria - blood cells in the last portion of urine.
Heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen.

Candidiasis of the kidneys and other organs of the genitourinary system is usually the result of other ailments. For example, chronic pyelonephritis.

Fungal disease of the skin of a child

In a child, candidiasis of the skin can manifest itself in different places: shoulders, chest, thighs, anus, groin, armpits. It is often confused with dermatitis. Skin candidiasis in newborns in the area anal passage expressed as wet bumps. After emptying, a suitable environment is created for the development of the fungus.

Often, the beginning of the spread of the fungus gives its appearance in the skin folds. This is due to poor or lack of hygiene.

Candidiasis of the skin in children looks like small swollen areas that look like pimples with pus inside. The skin becomes rough. Ulcers may sometimes appear.

Fungal nail disease

The fungus is localized under the arch edge of the nail, which makes contact infection possible. Young mothers are at risk. They can easily infect a baby.

Signs of a nail lesion:

In children, unlike adults, only the nail itself is affected, the periungual roller remains intact.
The nail becomes dull brown, loses its luster.
The surface of the nail is covered with transverse grooves.
The edges of the nail plate turn brownish and begin to crumble.

Diagnosis of candidiasis in children

In order to start treatment on time, parents need to know what thrush looks like in children. Visually, thrush is diagnosed in the presence of cheesy light overlays on the mucous membranes or dark red foci with clear boundaries, as well as in the presence of maceration and erosion on the skin.

Visceral types of thrush (internal organs and systems) are more difficult to diagnose. This requires a laboratory examination.

PCR method. The main diagnostic method in this case is sowing on a specific medium in order to detect the fungus.
Examination of pathological material under a microscope (crusts from the skin, scales, sputum, urine, pus).
Serological diagnostics (RSK and agglutination reaction) - isolation of the causative agent of fungal infection from blood, biopsy material, articular and cerebrospinal fluid.

After the diagnosis is made, the treatment of candidiasis in children cannot be postponed.

Treatment

It is necessary to treat thrush in children as early as possible in order for the therapy to be successful. For this period, you must refrain from taking antibiotics. Treatment includes the destruction of the fungus, the cessation of pathogenic processes and the stimulation of the immune system.

Medication for infants

In newborns, thrush is dangerous because, attacking a fragile body, it can quickly cause severe consequences... During thrush, the child's appetite disappears, he is afraid to eat, loses weight, and dehydration may begin. Parents need to know how to treat thrush in newborns in order to provide first aid when a disease is detected. But the attending physician should determine the degree of infection, diagnose it and prescribe a therapeutic course.

Before treating thrush in infants with antifungal agents, with mild diseases are usually prescribed topical drugs.

Zelenka. A disinfectant capable of providing first aid in the event of a fungal infection. Before treating candidiasis with its help, you need to prepare a solution: 5 drops of brilliant green, a teaspoon of peroxide and a teaspoon of water. It is better to use this product on skin, sores on the face, groin and other places.
Blue. An excellent antiseptic solution that effectively treats thrush in the oral cavity. Wounds should be treated 3 hours after feeding with cotton swabs to avoid vomiting. This should be done 6 times a day. Improvements come on the third day. Sometimes blueprint is difficult to find in pharmacies. Iodinol for thrush has a similar effect and is a good alternative.
Holisal. The gel has a disinfecting and analgesic effect. By using cotton swab the agent is applied to the sores in the mouth several times a day.
Levorin. Available in tablets. It is diluted in B12 solution.
Pimafucin. Remedy for thrush even in infants. One course is enough.

If within three days self-treatment improvement has not come, you need to see a doctor. Most likely, he will prescribe more serious antifungal drugs, such as Fluconazole. In addition, in a month-old baby, thrush must be treated under the supervision of a doctor. Babies up to 3 months old are at particular risk.

If the infection came from the mother, then antifungal drugs are prescribed to her, and breastfeeding is suspended for the period of treatment.

Treatment of children over 6 months old

For the treatment of candidiasis in children over six months, more serious drugs can be used.

Miramistin. it antibacterial agent wide range actions. Usually used to treat the oral cavity. Miramistin for thrush is often prescribed to children. It comes in the form of a solution and ointments. Used for skin lesions. The solution is applied with a cotton swab, the ointment is rubbed with a thin layer with your hands. The dosage depends on age, weight, severity of the disease.
Nystatin. Besides the main active substance, contains auxiliary components. Available in tablets. Used to treat mucous membranes. Nystatin for thrush in infants is prepared in this way: the tablet is ground into powder and mixed with an ampoule of vitamin B12. The agent is applied with a cotton swab on the affected mucous membranes of the oral cavity twice a day.
Candide. It is a solution in propylene glycol. For the treatment of thrush in a baby, the solution is applied to a tampon and the mucous membranes are treated 4 times a day. The effect usually occurs on the third day.

In children under one year old, thrush often develops due to non-compliance by parents with hygiene rules. It is necessary to thoroughly wash the bottles, do not leave milk in them, process the breast before and after feeding, monitor the cleanliness of the baby's skin and linen.

Treatment of children over one year old

Thrush at one year old child happens a little less often than a newborn. By this age, the formation of microflora occurs in children, which prevents the pathogenic fungus from developing. But with a decline in immunity, relapses can be. Usually used for treatment traditional methods and drugs. Becomes possible application strong antifungal drugs. At severe forms infections can be prescribed by Diflucan.

In children after three years, genital candidiasis is treated local antiseptics... Intestinal candidiasis is removed with non-adsorbed antimycotics.

Treatment of adolescents

Thrush in adolescents is often caused not only by taking antibiotics, decreased immunity, but also by early sexual intercourse. In this regard, this category is increasingly common fungal infection genitals.

Topical antifungals and antiseptics are commonly used. You can make applications from the ointment, applying them to a bandage or napkin and applying them to the affected area.

In case of relapses, several affected foci and a severe form of infection, antifungal drugs are prescribed:

Diflucan - from 3 to 8 mg per kg of body weight per day;
Nizoral - ½ tablet 2 times a day;
Amphogyukamine - 200,000 IU orally 2 times a day for 3 weeks.

In addition to the main therapy, for candidiasis in adolescents, drugs that increase immunity are used, for example, Eleutherococcus, ointments based on solcoseryl and vitamin A.

There is a drug sodium tetraborate known as borax in glycerin. It is inexpensive but high quality antiseptic drug... It prevents the development of pathogenic flora.

Sodium tetraborate is a 20% saline solution containing borax in glycerin. It is applied to a napkin, treating damaged mucous membranes, or douching is performed. The effect of the use is achieved if the drug is started to be used on early stages diseases.

Sodium tetraborate for thrush is prescribed simultaneously with other antifungal agents. It is used to treat candidiasis of the vagina and external genitalia.

Traditional methods of treatment

There is one true folk remedy that helps treat candidiasis in children and adults. This is soda. Even doctors often recommend it to speed up treatment and relieve unpleasant symptoms... Especially often soda solution is used for thrush of the genitals in children.

To prepare the solution, add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. They can wash the skin and wounds. If vaginal candidiasis or thrush occurs in groin area in children, treatment involves washing with a soda solution. It has a disinfecting effect, relieves itching and irritation.

With stomatitis, you can treat the mouth and lips of the child with a solution. Also, the agent is used to treat intestinal candidiasis in children. With this form of the disease, white plaque often appears on inner surface cheeks. Soda solution helps to get rid of this symptom sooner. If intestinal candidiasis is accompanied by constipation, then sometimes you can use soda enemas (a tablespoon of baking soda per liter of water). But you should not get carried away with this procedure, since soda, with frequent use, can irritate the intestines.

There are many folk recipes against fungal infection. They are suitable for children of any age with a mild form of infection.

Honey. A tablespoon of honey is diluted in half a glass of water. The solution is applied to the oral cavity until complete recovery... This remedy is best used for children from 3 years old, if there is no allergy to bee products.
Tincture of calendula. Used for candidal stomatitis. A decoction of calendula flowers is prepared as follows: 2 tablespoons of flowers are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Older children can rinse their mouths on their own, while babies are better off douching over the sink to prevent choking.
Aloe. Juice is squeezed out of a leaf of a plant that is more than 5 years old and applied to the affected areas in the mouth. In the groin area of children, thrush is also treated with aloe juice.
A mixture of herbs. Thrush in an infant is relieved with a decoction of sage, plantain, thyme and chamomile. Mix the herbs in equal amounts. Two tablespoons of the mixture are brewed in 0.5 liters. boiling water. The broth is ready to use after an hour of infusion. It can be added to a bathtub.
Dill. For babies sold at the pharmacy Dill water... For older children, you can make dill tea (a teaspoon of the plant is boiled in a glass of water). Give to drink twice a day. It is often recommended for intestinal candidiasis and gastric form of the disease.

What diet is indicated for candidiasis

For a speedy recovery, nutrition will have to be adjusted. Especially if the patient suffers from a visceral form of the disease. The main principle diets for thrush is the restriction of foods that contribute to the development of the fungus:

foods rich in glucose;
sweet fruits;
soda;
fatty food;
marinades and pickles;
smoked products;
buns and pastries;
mushrooms.

The diet should be based on eggs, meat, fish, boiled vegetables (seaweed, carrots). V limited quantities the use of fermented milk products is allowed. In a baby, treatment for breastfed thrush includes a diet for his mother. Each form of the disease has its own characteristics in the composition of the diet, so the doctor determines which foods can be consumed in a particular case.

Preventive measures

Thrush is more common in newborns than in older people. Therefore, you need to know what preventive measures will help to avoid its occurrence.

Strengthening the child's immunity. According to pediatrician Komarovsky, first of all, the conditions of keeping the baby are important. Therefore, you need to monitor the optimal temperature and humidity in the room. Temperature 20 ° C, humidity 60%. Under these conditions, the fungi die.
Regular walks. You can also walk during the period of illness, if there is no temperature.
Constantly wash and boil pacifiers and nipples. Keep toys and bottles clean.
Do not abuse antibiotics. Dr. Komarovsky recommends doing without them whenever possible. Antibiotic treatment should be given in conjunction with antifungal drugs.
The baby's mom needs to keep it clean own hands, breast skin.
Keep your baby clean.

Komarovsky insists that 80% of pregnant women suffer from thrush. As a result, they will have children infected with candidiasis or having a predisposition to it. That's why expectant mother it is important even before giving birth to take care of the health of your own and the future baby and to be treated before childbirth. And after birth, take preventive courses.

Why is thrush dangerous in a child?

Fungal disease is the first sign of decreased immunity. It can spread very quickly throughout the body, affecting the internal organs. In newborns, it is important to start the treatment of thrush at the earliest stages. Therefore, it is better not to pull, but to show the baby to the doctor faster. A neglected form of the disease can turn into a chronic one, and bother a person with relapses throughout his life. Other complications are also possible:

Thrush in the oral cavity can lead to the formation purulent abscesses... In the future, infection of the larynx, tonsils, lymphoid and cartilage tissue pharynx.
Fungal infection of the genitourinary system threatens the occurrence adhesive processes that causes infertility.
Intestinal and stomach candidiasis can cause intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, and even a breakthrough of the intestinal wall.
With a very advanced form, there is a risk of blood poisoning. For babies, this is a threat of death.
Due to the refusal of food and water, babies dehydrate very quickly.

As Komarovsky says, subject to preventive measures, strong immunity a child, a small form of infection, thrush is able to pass by itself. Therefore, many parents underestimate the danger. They use traditional medicine and wait for the result. But each case is different. Therefore, what younger child, the sooner a doctor's consultation is necessary. He will tell you how to remove thrush, alleviate the baby's condition, prevent relapses and prescribe treatment that is relevant in a particular case.

Questions of interest and answers to them

Which doctor should you go to if you find a child with thrush?

First, they usually turn to a pediatrician, and he already, depending on the type of disease, refers to an infectious disease specialist or dermatologist.

Tell me, does it hurt for children to suck a pacifier with thrush?

Depends on the degree of the disease. At mild form it is possible that the nipple will not cause much discomfort. In severe cases, children from pain are often afraid to take a pacifier, bottle, breast in their mouths.

Are there effective and inexpensive medications for thrush?

You can buy it on the shelves of pharmacies, but only a doctor will tell you whether it is suitable for a child.

Candidiasis - infection, accompanied by tissue damage by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. The fungus mainly affects the mucous membranes and skin, in the case of reduced immunity- internal organs.

In children, candidiasis often affects oral cavity, in this case, they talk about the development of thrush in the child. The disease is characterized by reddening of the mucous membrane, the appearance of a white or yellowish plaque on the cheeks, palate, tongue, under which bleeding erosion may appear. Infant thrush is accompanied by unpleasant sensations: the child may complain of soreness and burning sensation in the mouth, pain when swallowing, feeling unwell, newborns may refuse to eat.

If untreated, the disease can spread into the pharynx, stomach and even into the bronchi, therefore, if a child has symptoms of fungal infection, you should consult a doctor in order to start adequate treatment in a timely manner.

Thrush in children in the initial (superficial) stage is easily treatable. In such cases, for the treatment of the disease, it is advisable to prescribe alkalizing and disinfecting anti-candidiasis agents.

The affected areas are treated weak solution potassium permanganate, borax, hydrogen peroxide, tannin, solution baking soda... After treatment with one of the listed remedies for thrush in children, the affected areas are lubricated with a 1-2% solution of aniline dye, a solution of iodinol or Lugol (diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3). The procedure is carried out every 2-3 hours for 4-5 days.

The treatment of the affected areas should be carried out gently and without strong pressure. It is not recommended to carry out manipulations immediately after feeding or eating, as this can cause the child to vomit.

As a rule, the treatment of thrush in children is limited to treating the affected areas with alkalizing and disinfectants... But sometimes it is advisable to prescribe antibacterial drugs. The most common drugs used in the treatment of thrush are:

Miramistin given antibacterial drug assigned to children in the form of a solution or ointment. Miramistin is well tolerated by children, does not have bad smell and taste, does not cause side reactions in the form of tingling and pain.
Nystatin. This remedy for infant thrush is available in the form of ointments, tablets, vaginal suppositories. It is prescribed for the advanced form of the disease, as well as for premature and newborn children who have undergone an ineffective long course of treatment.
Candide. The drug is prescribed for children in the form of a solution. A swab dipped in a solution of candida, wipe the affected areas 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

What are the best remedies for thrush in children?

There is no universal or better remedy for thrush in children (newborns). When prescribing a drug for antifungal therapy, the stage of the disease, the path of infection with the fungal flora, the individual characteristics of the child, the presence or absence of allergic reactions, concomitant diseases, the nature of feeding (breastfeeding or artificial), etc.