How can I treat breast thrush at home?

Understanding Breast Thrush
Breast thrush, often referred to as nipple thrush, is a common condition that can affect breastfeeding mothers. It is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, leading to symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain in the nipples and breasts. While it can be uncomfortable, there are several effective home treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing.
Home Treatment Options
1. Baking Soda Solution:
One of the simplest and most effective home remedies involves using baking soda. You can create a solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. This mixture can be applied to the affected areas using a cotton swab. It is recommended to apply this solution to your nipples before breastfeeding, but be sure to wipe it off before nursing to avoid any ingestion by your baby.
2. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is not only a popular cooking ingredient but also possesses antifungal properties that can combat the Candida fungus. Applying a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected areas can help soothe irritation and reduce fungal growth. Additionally, swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes can help eliminate oral thrush, which may also affect breastfeeding.
3. Salt Water Rinse:
Rinsing with a saltwater solution can provide relief from discomfort. To prepare this remedy, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth or apply it to your nipples. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
4. Fermented Foods and Probiotics:
Incorporating fermented foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your body. This can be particularly beneficial in combating yeast infections, including thrush. Probiotics may also be taken as supplements to support gut health.
Hygiene Practices
Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial in managing breast thrush. Here are some important practices to follow:
– Wash Clothing and Breastfeeding Supplies: Ensure that any breastfeeding bras and breast pads are washed at high temperatures to eliminate any lingering yeast.
– Change Breast Pads Frequently: If you are using breast pads, change them regularly to keep the area dry and reduce moisture, which can promote fungal growth.
– Expressing Milk: If you need to express milk while dealing with thrush, it is safe to give the expressed milk to your baby during treatment, as long as you maintain proper hygiene.
When to Seek Professional Help
While home remedies can be effective, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. A skilled breastfeeding supporter can help rule out other potential causes of nipple pain and provide guidance on appropriate treatments.
In conclusion, treating breast thrush at home involves a combination of natural remedies, good hygiene practices, and dietary adjustments. By taking these steps, you can alleviate discomfort and support your recovery while continuing to breastfeed.

How do you get rid of thrush fast while breastfeeding?

Breast and nipple thrush is treated with antifungal medicine and antifungal nipple gel/creams. Treat any other site of fungal infection in the whole family, i.e. vagina, nappy rash, feet. Keep your nipples dry by frequently changing breast pads as thrush grows well in a moist and warm environment.

What can be mistaken for breast thrush?

Sometimes, nipple thrush pain is quite similar to other health issues – some of the most popular issues that get mistaken as a yeast infection are:

• Vasospasm/Raynaud’s Phenomenon.
• Micro-fissures due to suboptimal attachment.
• Tongue tie in baby.
• Nipple eczema.
• Bacterial infection (staphylococcus aureus possibly).

How to treat thrush in the breast naturally?

However, you can try this home remedy in the meantime. Rince your nipples with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vinegar in 1 cup water (250 ml), every hour for a 24-hour period. Oil of oregano and pure coconut oil are other treatments that may be helpful.

What ointment is good for breast thrush?

Medical help. The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) recommends that GP’s should prescribe an antifungal to treat thrush for at least 10 days, as well as a cream such as Daktarin that is applied to the nipples following a feed for 2-3 weeks. Babies can be prescribed Daktarin as long as they are over 4 months.

Can breast thrush heal on its own?

Thrush is a yeast infection that can lead to very damaged, cracked, and painful nipples, a nursing strike, or early weaning and it needs treatment to clear up. While you can take care of some breastfeeding issues on your own, this isn’t one of them.

Do I have to throw out breast milk if I have thrush?

You’ll need to wash any breastfeeding bras at a high temperature and change your breast pads frequently while you’re both being treated. If you express any breast milk while you have thrush, you’ll need to give the milk to your baby while you’re still having treatment.

How long does it take for thrush to go away in breasts?

Some women may need to take antifungal tablets to clear the infection. Once you and your baby start treatment, your symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 days. It will take a little longer for the infection to clear completely. If you don’t see any improvement within 5 days, speak to your health visitor or GP.

How do you treat thrush while breastfeeding over the counter?

Miconazole 2% Cream for surface thrush. Best practice is to apply a small amount sparingly to the nipple and areola after every feed rather than the licensed twice daily treatment. Any cream which can be seen should be wiped off gently prior to the next feed to reduce further nipple damage.

What does thrush on breast feel like?

Traditionally, healthcare providers diagnosed a nipple yeast infection (also called “nipple thrush” or “mammary candidiasis”) based on how it looked. They’d look for signs like redness, cracked skin or swelling around the nipples. They’d also ask about symptoms like shooting pain or itching.

How do you flush thrush out?

You’ll usually need antifungal medicine to get rid of thrush. This can be a tablet you take, a tablet you insert into your vagina (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation. Thrush should clear up within 7 to 14 days of starting treatment.