Pediatric yeast infection

What is a yeast infection in kids?

A yeast infection happens when too much Candida, a type of yeast, grows in or on the body. Small amounts of yeast naturally live in the mouth, skin, intestines and other areas. Healthy bacteria also live in and on the body and help control the amount of yeast. When this balance is upset, yeast can overgrow. Yeast infections can cause rashes, white patches, bumps, discharge and other symptoms.

Yeast infections are more common in infants and young children but can also affect teens and young adults. Most often, yeast infections in kids are mild, and treatment clears them up quickly.

What are the different types of children’s yeast infections?

Yeast infections can affect different areas of a child’s body. The type depends on where the yeast overgrowth occurs.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. This type is most common in babies and young children.

Diaper rash

This yeast-related diaper rash causes bright red skin, often with small red bumps. It may spread into skin folds of the groin area.

Vulvovaginitis

Yeast vulvovaginitis affects the vulva or vagina. The vulva is the outer part of the genitals, and the vagina is the canal connecting the vulva to the uterus (womb). Vulvovaginitis can cause itching, redness and discharge.

Skin fold infections

These infections affect warm, moist areas such as neck creases, armpits or the groin. This type often occurs in babies because they tend to have deeper skin folds than older children.

What are the signs and symptoms of children’s yeast infections?

Yeast infections can look different from child to child. Some children have clear physical signs, while others mainly seem uncomfortable or out of sorts. Babies and young children may not be able to tell you what’s wrong. Paying attention to both physical and behavioral changes can help you spot a problem early.

Some yeast infection symptoms and signs by body area include:

Mouth

• White patches on the tongue, inner cheeks or gums

• Redness or pain in the mouth

• Trouble swallowing or feeding

• Redness or cracks at the corners of the mouth

Diaper area

• Bright red, scaly rash

• Small red bumps or pimples near the rash

• Itching or burning

• Rash that doesn’t improve with regular diaper cream

Penis

• Red, scaly rash, sometimes with bumps or pimples

• Itching or burning

• Pain when peeing or wiping

Vagina

• Itching, burning or redness

• Thick, white or yellow discharge (in teens and young adults)

• Pain when peeing or wiping

Skin folds

• Red, shiny rash in skin folds

• Cracking or oozing skin, sometimes with bumps or pimples

• Itching or burning

Nails

• Redness, pain or swelling around nails

• Nails that become thickened or discolored

Behavioral changes

• Fussiness during diaper changes or feeding

• Increased irritability in general

• Trouble sleeping

How are children’s yeast infections diagnosed?

At Children’s Health, our specialists can often diagnose a yeast infection with a physical exam. We look closely at the affected area and ask about your child’s symptoms, including when they started. We’ll also ask you about their medical history.

In some cases, we may take a small skin sample or swab of discharge to confirm a diagnosis. We test this sample in the lab to confirm yeast overgrowth and rule out other conditions.

For children’s yeast infections, the Children’s Health team includes doctors and providers in gynecology and adolescent and young adult medicine. We focus on accurate diagnosis while keeping your child comfortable. We explain each step and recommend only the tests your child truly needs.

What causes yeast infections in kids?

Yeast infections happen when the natural balance of yeast and healthy bacteria in the body changes. Several factors can disrupt this balance, resulting in an overgrowth of yeast. These factors include:

• Warm, moist skin: Yeast grows best in warm, damp areas such as the diaper region, skin folds or skin that stays wet from saliva or sweat.

• Tight or non-breathable clothing: Underwear, leggings or other clothing made of synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for yeast to grow.

• Medications: Antibiotics can destroy helpful bacteria that keep yeast growth under control. Inhaled steroids for asthma can lead to yeast growth in the mouth.

• Birth: Newborns can get a yeast infection from their mothers during vaginal birth.

• Weakened immune system: Infants and children who have certain conditions or are receiving certain medical treatments may be more prone to yeast infections.

• High blood sugar levels: Children with poorly controlled diabetes may have yeast infections more often. That’s because higher blood sugar can help yeast grow.

• Hormonal changes: Puberty and other hormonal shifts in teens and young adults can increase the risk of yeast overgrowth.

How are children’s yeast infections treated?

Most yeast infections in children are easy to treat and heal quickly. Treatment focuses on stopping yeast growth, easing your child’s discomfort and helping the skin heal. With proper treatment and care at home, most children begin to feel better within a few days.

At Children’s Health, your child’s provider may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter product. The type of treatment depends on where the infection is and how severe it is.

Antifungal medicines and treatments

Antifungal medicines help stop yeast from growing. It’s important to use the medicine exactly as directed and for the full length of time, even if symptoms improve early.

Antifungal pediatric yeast infection treatments include:

• Creams or ointments for diaper rash, skin infections or genital yeast infections

• Powders to help keep skin folds dry

• Liquid or gel medicines for oral thrush

• Vaginal suppositories for teens and young adults

• Oral or intravenous (through a vein) medications to treat yeast infections in children who have weakened immune systems

At-home care and hygiene

Proper care can help treatments work better and help prevent future infections. Some at-home care tips include:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry.

• Change diapers often and allow skin to air-dry when possible.

• Use antibiotics only when necessary.

• Dress your child in loose, breathable clothing.

• Make sure your child thoroughly rinses their mouth with water after using inhaled steroids for asthma treatment.

• Provide proper care to keep blood sugar in control if your child has diabetes.

When should I call my child's health care provider?

Contact us if your child has:

• New symptoms or symptoms that get worse, even after a full course of treatment

• Symptoms that affect a large area

• Signs of a skin infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling or fluid

• Yeast infections that come back in children who have diabetes or a weakened immune system

• More than four yeast infections per year, which may be a sign of a more serious condition