How to treat breast thrush at home?

Understanding Breast Thrush
Breast thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast. This condition is particularly common among breastfeeding mothers, leading to discomfort and pain in the nipples and breasts. Symptoms may include intense itching, burning sensations, and sharp pain during breastfeeding, which can significantly affect a mother’s ability to nurse comfortably.
Home Treatment Options
While it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms, several home remedies can help alleviate the discomfort associated with breast thrush.
1. Maintain Hygiene:
Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial. After breastfeeding, gently wash your breasts with warm water and mild soap, then pat them dry. Avoid using harsh soaps or lotions that could irritate the skin further.
2. Use Antifungal Creams:
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, can be applied to the affected areas. These creams help combat the yeast infection and can be used while continuing to breastfeed, ensuring that the treatment does not interfere with nursing.
3. Probiotics:
Incorporating probiotics into your diet may help restore the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your body. Foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, can be beneficial. Probiotic supplements are also an option, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
4. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil has natural antifungal properties and can be applied to the affected areas. It not only helps in fighting the infection but also moisturizes the skin, providing relief from dryness and irritation.
5. Avoid Tight Clothing:
Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce moisture buildup and irritation around the breasts. Opt for breathable fabrics that allow air circulation, which can aid in the healing process.
6. Dietary Adjustments:
Reducing sugar intake can be beneficial, as sugar can promote yeast growth. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your immune system.
When to Seek Medical Help
If home treatments do not alleviate symptoms within a few days, or if the pain becomes severe, it is crucial to seek medical advice. Persistent thrush can lead to complications, and a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications or investigate other underlying issues.
Conclusion
Breast thrush can be a painful and frustrating condition for breastfeeding mothers, but with proper care and home remedies, it is often manageable. Maintaining good hygiene, using antifungal treatments, and making dietary adjustments can significantly improve symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen, ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy and comfortable during the breastfeeding journey.

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.

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 is commonly misdiagnosed as thrush?

Several conditions can mimic oral thrush. These include: frictional keratosis: a persistent, usually isolated, low-grade irritation of the oral mucosa. hairy leukoplakia of the tongue: commonly seen in HIV patients.

What is a natural antifungal for under breasts?

Be gentle: fungal infections should not be scrubbed or irritated. Other people, both men and women, have utilized the antifungal activity of old-fashioned amber Listerine for jock itch or under-breast rash. Some people like to use a lotion containing tea tree oil, which also fights fungus.

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.

What does thrush on breast 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.

How do you get rid of thrush under your breasts?

The most effective treatment for UBS is:

1. Wash the area regularly and pat dry rather than rubbing.
2. Wear a good supportive bra to reduce ‘skin to skin’ rubbing.
3. Avoid sharing flannels or towels to prevent spreading any infection.
4. If the skin is red, sore and itchy, apply an anti-fungal* cream or powder.

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.

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.