How do I know if I have thrush on my nipples?

Understanding Nipple Thrush: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Nipple thrush, a type of yeast infection caused by the Candida fungus, is a common concern for breastfeeding individuals. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and to ensure a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
Symptoms of Nipple Thrush
The primary symptoms of nipple thrush include:
– Intense Pain: Many individuals report sharp, burning pain in the nipples during and after breastfeeding. This pain can be severe enough to discourage continued breastfeeding.
– Itching and Rash: Itching around the nipple area and the presence of a rash can also indicate thrush. The rash may appear red and inflamed.
– Shiny or Flaky Skin: The skin on the nipple may appear shiny or flaky, which is another telltale sign of a yeast infection.
– Discomfort During Feeding: If breastfeeding becomes increasingly painful, it may be a sign of thrush, especially if other common causes of nipple pain have been ruled out.
Differentiating Thrush from Other Conditions
It’s important to note that nipple thrush is often misdiagnosed. Other conditions, such as dermatitis, milk blebs, or vasospasm, can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, if you suspect you have thrush, it’s advisable to consult a skilled breastfeeding supporter or healthcare provider who can help differentiate between these conditions before concluding that thrush is the cause.
When to Seek Help
If you experience persistent nipple pain, it’s essential to seek professional advice. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is a valuable resource for those needing support and guidance. They can provide insights into whether your symptoms align with thrush or if another issue may be at play.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are experiencing severe nipple pain, itching, or a rash while breastfeeding, you may be dealing with nipple thrush. However, due to the potential for misdiagnosis, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help alleviate discomfort and support a successful breastfeeding journey.

What will happen if thrush is left untreated?

In some cases, the symptoms of oral thrush can make eating and drinking difficult. If left untreated, the symptoms will often persist and your mouth will continue to feel uncomfortable. In severe cases that are left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading further into your body, which can be serious.

Do I have mastitis or thrush?

The presenting symptoms for both of these conditions are similar, but there are a couple of distinct differences: Thrush will generally always be bilateral, while subclinical mastitis will usually be unilateral. The breast pain associated with thrush happens after or between breastfeeds.

How to tell if baby has thrush?

Signs to look for include:

1. creamy white spots or patches on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth or insides of the cheeks – if you gently wipe these patches with a clean cloth, they won’t come off.
2. your baby being unsettled when feeding.
3. a white film on the lips.
4. in some babies, nappy rash that won’t clear up.

How do you rule out thrush?

If there are any white or red patches, your provider might scrape the affected area with a tongue depressor. Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose thrush just from the appearance of the mouth lesions. But a simple lab test of the sample can also often confirm it.

What kills thrush on nipples?

Medications for the nursing parent:
The most effective treatment for topical thrush is Miconazole (Daktarin) cream (2%), which should be applied to the nipple in small amounts after every feed. In mild cases, expect improvement within a couple of days. In more severe cases, it may take 3 to 5 days or longer.

How to tell the difference between mastitis and thrush?

Thrush will generally always be bilateral, while subclinical mastitis will usually be unilateral. The breast pain associated with thrush happens after or between breastfeeds. Breast pain caused by subclinical mastitis is usually most intense when a mother has a milk ejection reflex (MER) at the beginning of a feed.

What does thrush on nipples feel like?

Nipple thrush pain is often described as burning, itching, or stinging and may be mild to severe. The pain is usually ongoing and doesn’t go away with improved positioning and attachment of your baby to the breast. Your nipples may be tender to touch and even light clothing can cause pain. Breast thrush pain can vary.

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).

Will breast thrush go away by itself?

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.

What can be mistaken for thrush?

5 vaginal infections that aren’t thrush (but look or feel like it)

• Herpes. Herpes, a common and extremely contagious STI, causes painful sores on the genitals.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• A sensitivity or allergic reaction.
• Gonorrhoea.
• Whatever your suspicions, get your symptoms checked out.