Thrush
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus known as candida that normally lives on the surface of our skin. When children are on frequent antibiotics, normal skin bacteria that keep the yeast in check are killed off, allowing the yeast to proliferate. Yeast likes to grow on abraded skin surfaces, especially warm moist areas like the mouth or diaper area. Infants are at particular risk for thrush because the sucking they do on hands or pacifiers easily introduce yeast into their mouth.
Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth that appears as white patches coating the inside of the mouth and tongue. Refusal to suck on a bottle may be your first sign. Diet does not play a role. Diaper rashes caused by yeast often appear as red bumps over the labia or scrotum. It usually spares the buttocks and tends not to be painful.
Nystatin ointment for the diaper area or Nystatin suspension for the mouth is the usual treatment. Nipples and pacifiers will need to be sterilized the first 3-4 days if treating thrush to prevent reinfection. In terms of prevention, feeding your child foods containing the natural occurring bacteria called lactobacillus when they are on antibiotics may help decrease the risk of a yeast infection.