Thrush is an infection caused by yeast known as candida fungus. There is always a small amount of candida fungus in the mouth, but normally it is kept within balance by bacteria and microorganisms. Sometimes the body becomes immune to infection because the body is stressed due to certain illness or medications that disrupt the balance. This allows the Candida fungus to form an infection causing thrush. Candida fungus is not limited to just the mouth. It also cause diaper rash in infants or vaginal yeast infections in women. Since everyone already has the candida fungus in their bodies, it is contagious, but you can take steps to prevent the spread of thrush.
Instructions
1. Determine if it is thrush. It is fairly easy to spot thrush. Thrush appears as white bumps on the inside on of the mouth. When you rub these bumps, they will bleed slightly and leave a shiny red spot. The spots may look similar to cottage cheese or a spider web. These bumps normally start on the tongue or inner checks but can spread to the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils. Your baby appear hungry but refuse to drink because the sores hurt their mouth. The infection may also cause them to run a fever. Nursing mothers may have red, shiny nipples, intense pain when nursing, and deep breast pain.
2. See the doctor. It is important to see to confirm the thrush along with determining the cause of the infection. An examination of the bump can confirm if it is thrush.
3. Prevent the spread. Thrush is most contagious to some one who already has it. A baby who has thrush is very likely to get a yeast diaper rash or to reinfect themselves. There are some easy ways to prevent reinfection. Boil everything that would normally come in contact with the mouth. This includes forks, spoons, bottles, nipples, pacifiers, and teething toys by boiling for 5 minutes. Take child care providers. Wash your hands often. If you cloth diaper, use disposable if possible.
4. Limit sugar and yeast-containing foods in your diet. These foods will just encourage the growth of more yeast.
5. Finish the medication. The best way to prevent thrush from being contagious is to take all the medicine. If you don't fully stop the infection, it can come back again.
6. Sterilize again. It is really important that you take the time to re-sterilize everything that comes into contact with the thrush. The candida fungus would have been re-exposed to the bottles and forks again. Without boiling and sterilizing everything the thrush is still contagious and you may have another outbreak.
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