Vaginal Yeast Infections in Children

Females of all ages, even young girls, are susceptible to yeast infections, or candidiasis. Minimal amounts of yeast normally grow on the skin, in the mouth and in the vagina, but when conditions become moist, warm and dark, yeast can grow quickly and become an infection. Yeast infections commonly affect the mouth, diaper area of infants and toddlers, folds of the skin, and genital and vaginal areas.

Characteristics

Infant and toddler girls that wear diapers might develop a yeast infection that starts within the folds of the skin and buttocks and then spreads to the vaginal area. Females of all ages that have the condition may experience irritation, redness, swelling and itching of the affected vaginal area. A thick white or yellow discharge is also common. A burning sensation may also be felt during urination.

Causes

There are several reasons girls may develop a yeast infection. First, the developing immune system of children may not fight off infections as effectively as the adult immune system. Second, children taking antibiotics or steroid medication are at a higher risk of getting a yeast infection. When your daughter's doctor prescribes antibiotics, it eliminates not only the bad bacteria, but also the beneficial kind called probiotics. According to the website, bnet, high numbers of probiotics create vitamins A and B, assist with nutrient absorption, help with proper digestion, and make immune-boosting substances. So, by eliminating the good bacteria, yeast can multiply and become an infection. Third, little girls that sit in wet or soiled diapers may develop a yeast infection in the vaginal area. Fourth, hormonal changes due to maturity and puberty can also cause yeast infections. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, girls that have a menstrual cycle are more likely to get a yeast infection than girls that have not yet gone through puberty.

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the affected area by a physician is often all that is needed to diagnose a yeast infection. Sometimes, a doctor may scrape a small sample from the infected area and for further examination at a laboratory.

Treatment

For female infants and toddlers that wear diapers, it is essential to keep the diaper area clean and dry. For all females, an over-the-counter antifungal cream will usually cure the infection within one or two weeks.

Prevention

For infant and toddler girls, keep the diaper area clean and dry. Also, help your daughter build a healthy immune system through a balanced, nutritious diet so she can naturally fight off infections. For preschool and grade-school children, enforce the importance of wiping from front to back after having a bowel movement. In doing the reverse, bacteria from the feces can travel to the vaginal area. Girls should wear comfortable, cotton clothing because nylon bathing suits, nylons or underwear can trap moisture and cause yeast infections. Only give your daughter antibiotics that were prescribed by a doctor. Finally, incorporate plain, unsweetened yogurt into your daughter's meals; this type of yogurt is known to prevent yeast from rapidly growing.