nipple thrush

NIPPLE THRUSH

What is Nipple Thrush?

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast-like organisms called Candida albicans or just Candida. Breastfeeding mums may experience a thrush infection of the nipple, areola and/or breast – and this infection can be passed onto the baby’s mouth as well (but is easily treated once identified).

CHARACTERISTICS OF NIPPLE THRUSH

• Burning, itching, tender or stinging nipples
• A deep ache or a burning sensation that radiates through the breast
• Pain to be experienced both immediately after and between feeds
• The nipple/s may appear bright pink; the areola may be reddened, dry or flaky.
• Nipple damage (e.g. cracking)
• Signs of thrush may be present in your baby’s mouth and/or on your baby’s bottom

HOW TO TREAT NIPPLE THRUSH

1. Avoid soap in order to reduce further irritation and use one of Botáni’s gentle cleansers to thoroughly clean the area. Either the Olive Soothing Cream Cleanser, Olive Cleansing Bar or PhytoBody Wash can be used to gently cleanse the affected areas.
2. Directly after breastfeeding, apply Phytoseptic Anti-Fungal Skin Cream to the affected area/s and leave this on until the next feed.
3. Gently remove any obvious residue with a warm, damp cloth before feeding baby.
4. Apply after every feed and continue to apply for 2 weeks after symptoms cease.
5. The baby should be treated orally with an appropriate neo-natal anti-fungal treatment whether thrush is apparent or not.
6. Regular application of the Olive Skin Serum and/or Olivéne Repair Balm will assist in preventing and treating cracked nipples.

Please seek your healthcare practitioner if symptoms still persist.