Yeast Infection in Girls

Yeast infections are very common.  About 75% of all females will have at least one yeast infection in their life at some point.   A yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast infections can occur in areas that are warm and moist such as your mouth, or moist areas of the skin.  Some places can be your armpits, neck, or vaginal area. Yeast infections are thought of to just occur in grown adult women, but they can be very common in growing girls or even toddlers.  

Yeast infections of the vagina happen when the yeast in the vagina becomes overgrown.  This can happen because a girls immune system is weakened. Another cause could be because you could be taking an antibiotic which kills off the good bacteria in your body that keeps the yeast in line.  High blood sugar, or hormonal changes from puberty are two other causes of yeast infections. Also be aware of clothing that is being worn too tight or non breathable clothing can cause yeast infections as well. Toddlers can get yeast infections in their diaper areas.

Symptoms of a yeast infection can include; pain, itching, redness, vaginal discharge, pain during urination, whitish patches on the skin.  If you notice any of these you should consult with a doctor. A toddler may show signs of a yeast infection, but it can look very similar to diaper rash.  If the rash doesn’t get better with diaper cream you may want to consult your physician.

Vaginal yeast infections can be diagnosed by a urine sample or a swab.  Once diagnosed if you are positive for a yeast infection there are a few ways it can be treated.  You can have a vaginal cream, oral medication, tablet or suppository. If your toddler has a yeast infection they will usually be treated with an antifungal ointment that you will apply directly onto the infected skin area.  Yeast infections should start to clear up in a few days or a week. If they haven’t then you will want to call your doctor.

Yeast infections are a hard thing to prevent.  In toddlers there are somethings you can check.  If your child is on antibiotics too often this might kill their good bacteria causing them to be more prone to a yeast infection.  Also make sure to check pacifiers and nipples or lids to bottles or sippy cups. All of these items have the potential to grow bacteria very easily, make sure they are being cleaned in very hot water to kill off bacteria so it cannot grow on these items.  Make sure you are also giving your toddler frequent diaper changes. Allow air time after each diaper change to let the skin dry out so that it doesn’t remain too moist. Diaper area yeast infections usually go away when you child is out of diapers.

Yeast infections are very common in all women.  They sometimes can be very hard to prevent, but are easily treatable.  Top things to consider while trying to prevent yeast infections, stay clean and dry, stay healthy and eat nutritious foods, and be wise on the amount of antibiotic use.  Make sure that if any itchy or discomfort is noticed to reach out to your doctor before the yeast infection progresses.

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/toddler-yeast-infection#prevention
kidshealth.org