Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Outbreaks of thrush in child-care settings may be the result of an
increased use of antibiotics rather than newly acquired Candida
infections. In children (and adults) taking antibiotics or steroids
(such as cortisone-related asthma medications), the
balance of microbes in the mouth can be disturbed. This may cause an overgrowth of
Candida, which in turn results in oral thrush.
How does yeast affect diaper rash?
Candida may infect an infant's diaper area and worsen a diaper rash. This is because yeast can grow very readily on irritated, moist skin. The infected skin is usually fiery red with areas that may have a raised red border.
Can thumb sucking cause problems with yeast?
Children who suck their thumbs or other fingers may occasionally
develop Candida around their fingernails. This causes redness at the
edges of the nails.
Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant?
Nursing mothers are at risk for developing Candida infections on their breasts
(this is called mastitis) and can be treated with the same medication that is used for infants.
What is the treatment for thrush and other yeast infections?
Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called
nystatin (Mycostatin), either by mouth or in a topical cream. Luckily most
Candida are very sensitive to nystatin and resistance is rare. Brand names for
nystatin preparations include
For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Barrier creams or ointments such as Desitin or A&D are helpful. While cornstarch may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High-absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do not allow air to circulate over the diaper area should not be used, although the diapering system should be able to hold urine or liquid feces.
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs. Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, a dry feeling in the throat, a b urning or tingling sensation in the mouth, and a dry, red, raw tongue.
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