Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth caused by a yeast called Candida. It is usually harmless and is not contagious. It is common condition, especially in newborn babies, with one in seven developing symptoms by four weeks.
The main symptom of thrush is usually white patches (plaques) in the mouth that can often be wiped off, leaving behind red areas. You may also develop sore, cracked, red areas at the corners of your lips called angular stomatitis. In some people, their sense of taste may also be affected.
Low numbers of Candida are naturally found in the mouth and digestive system of most people without causing any problems. It is only if they multiply that people will develop symptoms of thrush. The most common reasons for this to occur are:
Topical treatments that are applied to the affected areas of the mouth and are the most commonly used treatment for oral thrush. Miconazole gel (Daktarin oral gel) is available over-the-counter for treatment of adults and babies from four months, or your doctor may prescribe Nystatin drops (Mycostatin).
These are applied to the affected area four times a day for seven to fourteen days. You should not eat or drink for about 30 minutes after applying the gel/drops, and they should be given to babies after they have had a feed to prevent the medicine being washed out of the mouth.
Your doctor may also prescribe Fluconazole. This is an oral capsule and is often used if topical treatments are not effective or for patients with a lowered immune system e.g., undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of developing oral thrush:
If you wear dentures:
If you use steroid inhalers:
If you are breastfeeding any your baby has oral thrush, it’s possible for your baby to pass the infection to you. Your nipples can become cracked, sore and sometimes red and shiny, causing pain when feeding. You should continue to feed your baby as normal, however in addition to treating the baby you should also use an antifungal cream such as miconazole (Daktarin) on your nipples after every feed. Remove any that is left before the next feed.