Thrush lesions can be quite painful, leading to fussiness and decreased feeding. They can also be completely asymptomatic. Either way, the yeast sometimes passes through the gastrointestinal system and causes a yeast diaper rash on the other end. In otherwise healthy children, thrush is a self-limited condition, usually resolving within a month from its first appearance. No treatment is required.
Treatment usually consists of an antifungal medicine such as nystatin suspension.
This can be applied, gently, directly to the plaques with a cotton-tipped applicator, or given orally 2ml four times daily. Stronger medicines are available, though usually unecessary. If the thrush persists, yeast on nipples or pacifiers should be considered as sources for reinfection. We also come trailing hosts of microorganisms. Even before an infant has completed her trip through the birth canal, she is already being introduced to the complex interplay of different species of life.