What can I use for thrush on my nipples while breastfeeding?

Understanding Thrush During Breastfeeding
Thrush, a common yeast infection caused by the fungus *Candida albicans*, can significantly impact breastfeeding mothers. It often manifests as intense pain in the nipples and breasts, making the breastfeeding experience uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable. Understanding how to manage and treat this condition is crucial for both the mother and the baby.
Symptoms and Causes
Nipple thrush typically presents with symptoms such as sharp, shooting pain in the nipples during or after breastfeeding, a burning sensation, and sometimes a rash or redness on the nipple. In some cases, the baby may also exhibit signs of oral thrush, such as white patches in the mouth. The infection is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted between mother and baby, complicating the situation further.
The condition often arises when there is an imbalance in the natural flora of the body, which can be triggered by factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or improper latch during breastfeeding.
Treatment Options
1. Antifungal Medications: The primary treatment for nipple thrush involves antifungal medications. These can be prescribed in topical forms, such as creams or ointments, which can be applied directly to the affected area. Oral antifungal medications may also be necessary, especially if the infection is severe or persistent.
2. Continued Breastfeeding: It is important to note that mothers can continue breastfeeding while undergoing treatment for thrush. In fact, breastfeeding can help clear the infection, as it promotes the natural flow of milk and can help maintain nipple health.
3. Home Remedies: Some mothers find relief through natural remedies, such as applying coconut oil or diluted vinegar to the affected area. However, these should be used with caution and ideally discussed with a healthcare provider.
4. Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good hygiene is essential in managing thrush. This includes washing hands frequently, sterilizing breastfeeding equipment, and ensuring that any clothing or breast pads worn are clean and dry.
5. Consulting Healthcare Professionals: If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek advice from healthcare professionals. They can provide tailored treatment plans and support.
Prevention Strategies
To prevent the recurrence of thrush, mothers can adopt several strategies:
– Proper Latching: Ensuring that the baby is latching correctly can help prevent nipple trauma, which can lead to infections.
– Dietary Considerations: Some studies suggest that reducing sugar intake may help lower the risk of yeast infections, as yeast thrives on sugar.
– Avoiding Antibiotics When Possible: Since antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the body, avoiding unnecessary use can be beneficial.
Conclusion
Thrush can be a painful and frustrating experience for breastfeeding mothers, but with appropriate treatment and preventive measures, it can be effectively managed. Mothers experiencing symptoms should not hesitate to seek help, as timely intervention can lead to a more comfortable breastfeeding journey.

How do you treat thrush in newborns?

Treatment for Thrush
Nystatin is placed in each cheek of your baby’s mouth using a syringe or sponge. Give after feeding and as your child’s doctor has directed. Continue to use all the medication, even if the spots are gone. Thrush should disappear after the medicine is completed.

What can I buy over-the-counter for thrush on my nipples?

Over-the-counter creams

• Miconazole 2% (Micatin, Monistat)
• Clotrimazole 2% (Lotrimin, Mycelex)

How to get rid of thrush on nipples naturally?

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. Please consult your health care professional to find how to use these products.

How do you treat thrush in breastfeeding nipples?

Thrush in breastfeeding women is usually treated with a cream that you sparingly spread on and around your nipples after feeds. You’ll need to wash your hands thoroughly after treating yourself. Some women may need to take antifungal tablets to clear the infection.

What is the best cream for fungal infection under the breast?

How to Treat a Yeast Infection Under the Breasts

• Ecoza (econazole)
• Lamisil (terbinafine)
• Lotramim (clotrimazole)
• Monistat-Derm (miconazole)
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• Nyata (nystatin)

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).

What antifungal cream is good for thrush while breastfeeding?

What to do: Mother and baby should be treated at the same time: • Apply an antifungal cream or gel (not ointment) such as Miconazole (Monistat) or Clotrimazole (Canestan) to your nipples. Put a small amount of cream (about the size of a pea) on nipples and areolae before each feeding.

What is the fastest treatment for thrush?

Clotrimazole works by killing the yeast that causes the fungal infection. It usually treats thrush within 7 days but it’s best to treat the infection for at least 2 weeks to stop it coming back.

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 drink kills thrush?

Preliminary research suggests that lemon juice can help with oral thrush because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties. But don’t apply lemon juice directly to lesions. It can cause burning and irritation. If you want to try lemon juice, mix the juice of half a lemon in a cup of water.