Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
Candida can normally be found on the skin and in the mouth, throat, intestinal tract, and vagina of healthy people. In children, yeast infections are commonly found in the mouth or throat (thrush) or the diaper area.
Cause
Candida albicans, a fungus
Symptoms
Thrush - White, slightly raised patches on the tongue or inside the cheek. Smooth, shiny "fire engine" red rash with a raised border.
Diaper Rash - Children who suck their thumbs or fingers may occasionally develop Candida infections around their fingernails
Under certain conditions, such as during antibiotic use or when skin is damaged and exposed to excessive moisture, the balance of the normal, healthy skin bacteria is upset. Therefore, yeast that normally lives on the skin can overgrow and cause yeast infections. Most of the time these infections heal quickly, but sometimes illness can occur in infants, persons with weakened immune systems, or those taking certain antibiotics.
Spread
Rarely, by contact with skin lesions and mouth secretions of infected persons or asymptomatic carriers. Most infants who have Candida got it from their mother during childbirth.
Incubation
Variable. For thrush in infants, it usually takes 2 to 5 days. For others, yeast infections may occur while taking antibiotics or shortly after stopping the antibiotics.
Contagious Period
Contagious while lesions are present. Most infections occur from yeast in the person’s own body.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider to identify the fungus.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: None.
Treatment
Anti-fungal medication may be prescribed.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with secretions from the mouth or nose or the skin in the diaper area.
- Minimize contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of infected persons.
- Dispose of used tissues.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
- Clean and sanitize bottle nipples and pacifiers daily.
- Recommend parents/guardians replace bottle nipples and pacifiers after treatment.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Yeast Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Yeast
Yeast is a fungus that can cause infection. It is common to have yeast infections of the mouth or throat (thrush) or the diaper area (diaper rash).
If you think your child has a Yeast Infection:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
No.
- Child Care and School:
Symptoms
Thrush - White, slightly raised patches on the tongue or inside the cheek. Sucking on fingers or thumbs may cause children to develop the infection around the fingernails.
Diaper Rash - Smooth, shiny, red rash with a raised border.
Spread
- Rarely, by touching skin lesions or secretions from the mouth.
Contagious Period
The illness can spread as long as sores are present.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms of thrush or diaper rash.
Prevention
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the nose or mouth and after changing diapers. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect objects that come in contact with secretions from the mouth or nose and diaper area. Use a product that kills fungus.
- Replace bottle nipples and pacifiers after treatment.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.