Invasive fungal infections occur almost exclusively in premature infants after long-term intensive therapy with antibiotics.

Epidemiology of skin in children

Congenital fungal infections are caused mainly by Candida albicans → ascending infections from the vagina. Favorable conditions: premature rupture of amniotic fluid, amnioscopy, cerclage (a ring-shaped suture on the cervix to prolong pregnancy) and maternal antibacterial therapy.

Nosocomial fungal infections, on the contrary, are more common.

• Source of infection: personnel, equipment and care items.
• Predisposing factors are: severe immaturity, parenteral nutrition using fat emulsions, central venous catheter, mechanical ventilation, antibacterial therapy and the use of corticosteroids.
• In first place in terms of frequency of occurrence is Candida albicans; infections caused by other representatives of fungi of the genus Candida are less common.
• Aspergillus infections are rare and occur only in extremely immature newborns after prolonged intensive care, antibiotic treatment, and sometimes after surgery.

Skin symptoms and signs in children

Thrush: the most common infection of the skin and mucous membranes caused by fungi of the genus Candida, → a whitish coating over an area of ​​hyperemia, which can bleed on mechanical contact. In places where a diaper or diaper is in close contact with the baby’s skin, a vesiculopustular, sometimes only papular, rash may form, which can be confluent.

Congenital fungal infections: the skin may be completely covered with red small pustules, sometimes the size of a pinhead, on a red base. If an intrauterine infection exists for a sufficiently long period of time, then invasion of the pathogen into all organs is possible with the development of congenital candidal sepsis. This form can be fatal.

Candidal sepsis:

• The symptoms are consistent with those of a bacterial infection. The primary focus for further generalization may be the skin, mucous membranes, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
• Most often a slow start.
• Typically: lability of body temperature - often hypothermia, decreased blood pressure, centralization, hypotension, lethargy and thrombocytopenia.
• Lesions of various organs: meningitis, nephritis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pneumonic infiltration, endophthalmitis, etc.
• Symptoms are associated with the affected area. With meningitis, the number of mononuclear cells in the liquor will be increased, the concentration of glucose will be reduced, and the protein content will be increased.

Skin diagnostics in children

The diagnosis of candidiasis of the skin or mucous membranes is established clinically. Obtaining a culture of the pathogen only confirms the clinical diagnosis, and is not evidence in itself, since Candida belongs to the normal human flora.

Typical for candidal sepsis of a premature newborn is a prolonged course with thrombocytopenia, but without consumption coagulopathy.

Detection of the pathogen in the blood is a difficult task due to the intermittent nature of candidemia.

Obtaining a Candida culture in tracheal secretions is difficult to interpret (clinic?!).

Detection of Candida in a urinalysis obtained by suprapubic puncture strongly suggests the presence of an invasive infection. Sonographically confirm/exclude renal damage.

The test for determining Candida antigens has low sensitivity and specificity and is therefore considered obsolete.

Skin treatment in children

Treatment of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes: local suspensions, creams, gels or ointments with nystatin, miconazole or amphotericin B. For oral thrush, a gel (for example, Daktar-Gel), due to longer exposure on the mucous membrane, is more effective than a suspension .

Treatment of systemic infections: Amphotericin B in combination with 5-fluorocytosine (flucytosine):

Amphotericin B:

• Dose: initially 0.1 (in an emergency 0.3) mg/kg/day per administration titrated over 4-6 hours.
• The dose is increased daily.
• Side effects such as chills, fever, and hypotension in premature infants are usually rare.
• Monitoring of sodium, liver function tests and urea is necessary.
• An alternative is liposomal amphotericin B.

In combination with flucytosine at a dose of 60-80 mg/kg/day for 1-2 IV administrations. Flucytosine penetrates well into the cerebrospinal fluid.

Duration of treatment: depends on the clinical picture of the disease:

• For organ damage (pneumonia, osteomyelitis, meningitis, endophthalmitis) for at least 3 weeks.
• For catheter-associated candidemia, sometimes only 10 days are sufficient, provided that the infected catheter is removed.

An alternative is fluconazole:

• Reliably effective against damage to mucous membranes, possibly also against systemic infections (not confirmed).
• Fluconazole is not registered for use in children< 16 лет.
• C. krusei has primary resistance. Secondary resistance (and thus contamination during treatment) often occurs in C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. For this reason, fluconazole should only be used in exceptional cases.

Skin prevention in children

It is crucial to observe general hygiene rules to prevent the spread of fungi. Cases of fungal infections of newborn children through the hands of staff have been described.

To suppress the growth of fungi during antibiotic therapy, nystatin or amphotericin B can be used orally. However, the effectiveness of such prevention has not been proven.

Alternatively in preterm infants< 1000 г рассматривается введение флуконазола 3 мг/кг каждые 3 суток в течение первых 2 недель жизни (НЖ), каждые 2 суток на протяжении 3 и 4 НЖ, а затем ежедневно 5 и 6 НЖ. Применение флуконазола не разрешено у детей < 16 лет. Информировать родителей.

Often, a child under one year of age develops a disease such as thrush in the oral cavity. It is caused by fungal microorganisms of the genus Candida. They live everywhere: on objects, on food. They also live in small quantities in the human body, making up the normal microflora. Under unfavorable conditions, the immune system weakens and the number of fungi begins to grow, causing undesirable consequences.

In infants, fungal pathogens mainly affect the oral cavity. The main symptom is a white coating with lumps. Hence the popular name - thrush; in medicine it is called candidiasis.

The first degree of the disease is characterized by the formation of red areas on the tongue, cheeks and gums. Gradually the area becomes covered with a white coating. Body temperature does not increase. The child's behavior changes slightly. He becomes moody and restless.

If treatment is started at this stage, the disease goes away quickly.

Second (moderate) degree of severity. The affected areas enlarge and unite with each other. The pain increases and becomes the reason for refusing to eat. Sleep is disturbed, the baby becomes capricious, whiny, refuses to communicate and play. It becomes more difficult to get rid of plaque; the affected area may bleed. Sometimes your body temperature may rise.

The third (severe) degree of severity of the disease is characterized by a high rise in temperature. The fungus spreads to the mucous membrane of the larynx and extends to the lips. The oral cavity is completely covered with a cheesy coating. Treatment is most often carried out in a hospital.

Causes of the development of the disease in young children

A newborn may get thrush if the immune system is weakened. Children born into the world are at risk ahead of schedule, babies born with low birth weight, as well as those who are fed formula.

Many factors can provoke a decrease in the body's defenses.

1. Taking antibiotics negatively affects microflora. Not only pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed, but also beneficial bacteria.
2. Dry mouth leads to the growth of fungus. Saliva contains substances that keep the balance of normal fungal growth under control. If the child is on breastfeeding, then you need to breastfeed as often as possible. If the baby is on formula, then you need to give additional water.
3. Lack of hygiene leads to the fact that dirty pacifiers, bottles, spoons and other personal hygiene items become a source of infection. You also need to pay attention to the cleanliness of the mammary glands.
4. Improper nutrition of a nursing mother or early introduction of complementary foods. The presence of sweet, fatty, spicy foods in the mother’s diet.
5. Colds.
6. Abrasions and wounds in the oral cavity. Especially during teething.

Infection can occur in utero. Microorganisms can enter the baby’s body through amniotic fluid or when passing through the birth canal.

Affected area

A fungal disease can also affect the skin of a newborn. In this case, red spots appear on certain areas of the skin. The number of leukocytes in the blood increases sharply, which indicates the presence of inflammation. Then bubbles appear on the reddened areas and become covered with a white coating.

Diaper dermatitis is a type of thrush. Affects the groin area, perineum, and area between the buttocks. The reason for the development of pathogenic microorganisms is the constant wearing of diapers made of low-quality material.

There are rare cases of nail plate fungus in children. A special feature is thickening or, conversely, thinning of the nail surface. Its color becomes yellowish. The nail becomes lumpy. If the area around the nail is affected, it becomes red and swollen.

In children, you can encounter thrush of the genital organs. This is most often caused by taking antibiotics, allergies or poor hygiene. Both boys and girls experience a cheesy discharge from the genitals.

The genitals look swollen and red. The child feels a burning sensation, itching, which leads to changes in behavior. The baby becomes capricious and whiny.

Fight against microorganisms

When the first signs of fungus appear in infants, you should consult a doctor to prevent a severe stage. At home, it is allowed to lubricate the affected areas with a soda solution. The product creates an environment unfavorable for fungal growth. Add a little baking soda to boiled cooled water.

Wrap gauze around your finger, dip it in a soda solution and treat the affected areas. You can treat the surface up to 6 times per day.

An infusion of chamomile and calendula has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. The resulting solution can be used to wash the child or use gauze to treat the oral cavity.

There are many pharmaceutical drugs that can only be prescribed by a doctor. Among the well-known remedies is Miramistin. It is available in the form of an odorless, tasteless liquid solution and ointment. Antifungal medications may be prescribed: Fluconazole, Nystatin, Clotrimazole.

Proper, balanced nutrition, daily walks in the fresh air, and adherence to hygiene rules will help prevent the appearance of unpleasant symptoms associated with thrush. If warning signs appear, you should contact a specialist. Self-medication can lead to the spread of the disease.

The disease can occur in a newborn baby. Infection can occur for various reasons.

Mycosis in a newborn can occur when passing through the birth canal during childbirth. There is a risk of infection of the baby during breastfeeding. In case of close contact of the baby with an infected person. Including when using someone else's personal hygiene items, bedding or clothing. Mycosis in a newborn can occur due to a disruption of the normal microflora of the body. This may occur due to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. If the skin of a newborn is damaged, there is a risk of infection with a fungus. A decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system in a newborn can provoke the development of mycosis.

Symptoms

The disease in a baby can be recognized by certain signs.

Itching and burning of the skin occurs. The newborn experiences discomfort and often cries. Cracks appear on the skin, which may subsequently peel off. In areas affected by the fungus, the skin becomes dry and scales appear. The spots that appear on the skin and surface of the head may be red or gray in color. Wet, red spots with small blisters inside may occur. They can be painful, especially on the feet. Irritation may occur in the folds between the fingers on the lower and upper extremities. When nails are affected, they become uneven and the color may change. Thrush of the genitals and other mucous membranes causes painful ulcers. A white coating appears. If mycosis affects internal organs, symptoms may vary. A newborn baby feels internal pain, and the body temperature may rise.

Diagnosis of mycosis in a newborn

A mycologist or dermatovenerologist can diagnose the disease. An initial examination of a newborn baby will help identify signs of mycosis. But to make an accurate diagnosis, various examination methods are used. Using a Wood's lamp, you can notice the presence of fungal infections. This method also helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment. But using a Wood's lamp it is impossible to determine the type of mycosis pathogen in a newborn. Scraping from the affected area and further examination using a microscope. A special coloring agent may be used. Bacteriological culture is one of the accurate methods for diagnosing mycosis in a newborn. Using this study, you can determine the type of fungus and prescribe effective treatment. But bacteriological culture is a long-term diagnostic method. You can get the result 2-3 weeks after taking the sample. One of the more accurate and faster methods for diagnosing mycosis in a newborn is PCR diagnostics. But this method involves taking several tests, which requires additional costs.

Complications

How dangerous is mycosis for a baby? Experts believe that the disease is not easy, and it is very difficult to completely eliminate the pathogen.

Mycosis in a newborn can lead to allergic reactions. Dermatitis may develop. Skin eczema is also a complication of mycosis. The occurrence of ulcerative lesions of the skin. There is a high probability of their development with weakened immunity. A rare complication of mycosis is mycosis fungoides of the skin. This cancer occurs due to the degeneration of affected cells.

Treatment

What can you do

You cannot treat the disease in an infant on your own. Once signs of athlete's foot appear, parents should consult a doctor to receive proper treatment. When treatment is prescribed, parents should adhere to it and not use traditional medicine methods. To prevent re-infection, it is necessary to wash all clothes and bedding of the newborn at high temperature.

What does a doctor do

After making a diagnosis and identifying the type of pathogen, the doctor determines how to treat mycosis in a newborn. The affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes are treated with an aqueous solution of brilliant green. A soda solution can be used. Your doctor may prescribe topical nystatin-based medications. Treatment usually lasts at least two weeks. If the above remedies do not bring the desired result, the use of antifungal agents may be prescribed.

Prevention

To prevent infection of the baby, parents must be careful while caring for the baby.

To prevent infection during labor, doctors may prescribe a cesarean section if the mother is diagnosed with mycosis. Breastfeeding by an infected mother may be prohibited. In this case, consultation with a specialist is necessary. Personal hygiene items should only be used for the baby. The use of other people's personal belongings is not allowed. Before and after trimming a newborn’s nails, manicure scissors should be treated with an antiseptic. Sometimes infection with certain types of mycotic fungi can occur through contact with pets. Therefore, you should not allow your pet into the room where the newborn is.

When thrush appears, it causes many uncomfortable symptoms in the child. Frequent exacerbations of the disease indicate that the child’s body contains signs of severe distress, which is signaled by manifestations of candidiasis.

What it is?

Candidiasis is a disease caused by fungi. In everyday life, the name “thrush” was assigned to them. This is due to the presence of specific symptoms that occur with candidiasis. The disease usually progresses differently in young children. In most cases, the course of the disease is mild. In newborns, candidiasis develops more severely and is accompanied by the appearance of numerous uncomfortable symptoms that greatly worsen the baby’s well-being.

The culprit of the disease is considered to be a special type of fungus - Candida. They may be present in small quantities in a healthy child. When exposed to various provoking exogenous and endogenous factors, the amount of candida in the body increases many times over. Enlarged fungal colonies are able to settle on various mucous membranes. This causes numerous clinical variants of the disease with different localizations.

The disease can occur in both girls and boys. According to statistics, cases of candidiasis are more often registered in babies. This feature is due to the peculiarity of the structure and physiology of the female body. In early childhood, both boys and girls get candidiasis equally often. To eliminate the adverse symptoms of the disease, special treatment is required.

Causes

Currently, there are a huge number of provoking factors leading to increased growth and reproduction of fungal flora. Each age has its own leading causes contributing to the disease. Activation of fungal growth is possible in any physiological condition accompanied by a decrease in immunity.

The most common causes of the disease include:

• Infection during childbirth. In this case, the child becomes infected at the moment when he passes through the birth canal. If the mother is sick with candidiasis, the baby often shows signs of this infection immediately after birth. In this situation, unfavorable symptoms of the disease can already be detected in infants.
• Direct contact with mother. This form of the disease usually occurs in the first days after the baby is born. If a mother has signs of an acute form of candidiasis, then she can infect her newborn baby with this disease. Premature babies are most susceptible to this type of infection.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. You can become infected with candidiasis by using someone else's towels. There are also confirmed cases of illness after bathing in a bathtub that has not been pre-treated with disinfectant solutions. The risk of infection in young children is higher than in older children.
• Prematurity. Babies born prematurely often have reduced performance indicators immune system. Any infection, including fungal infections, can easily cause them to become infected and develop unfavorable symptoms.

• Z diseases or clinical conditions that occur with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Type 2 diabetes mellitus or nutritional obesity contribute to the development of thrush in children. Glycemia or increased glucose levels in the blood provokes active growth and rapid reproduction of fungal flora. Chronic metabolic disorders often contribute to the development of childhood candidiasis.
• Taking a series for too long medicines. These include: antibacterial agents, cytostatics and steroid hormones. When taken for a long time, the functioning of the immune system is disrupted. Subsequently, this leads to the development in the child of signs of immunodeficiency conditions, which contribute to the appearance of thrush.
• Frequent respiratory infections. Weakened children have lower immunity. After severe and frequent colds, the child’s body weakens sharply. In such children, as a rule, the growth of fungal flora increases, which leads to the appearance of signs of candidiasis.
• Immunodeficiency states. They can be congenital or acquired as a result of various diseases. Insufficiently effective functioning of the immune system often contributes to the rapid growth of various opportunistic microorganisms, including Candida fungi. A long-term decrease in immunity leads to the appearance of unfavorable symptoms of thrush in the child.
• Chronic diseases of internal organs. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract often contribute to the appearance of fungal infections in the body. Impaired digestion provokes the rapid development of fungi in children. If the treatment of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is not carried out fully or is not chosen correctly, this can cause the appearance of persistent thrush.

Kinds

Doctors distinguish several variants of the disease based on localization:

• In the oral cavity. Settling in the mouth, fungi cause various numerous damages. These include: cheilitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, glassitis. According to statistics, oral candidiasis most often occurs in infants and schoolchildren. Newborn babies can become infected from their mother during breastfeeding.
• In the throat. A rather rare form of candidiasis. Often given clinical appearance thrush disguises itself as various childhood infections. To establish the correct diagnosis in this case, differential diagnosis is required. This type of candidiasis usually impairs breathing and can be quite severe.
• On the face and in the eye area. This type of candidiasis occurs with the appearance of lacrimation and severe swelling of the eyelids. In some cases, a white cloudy discharge flows from the eyes, which contains a large amount of fungi. This form of candidiasis is dangerous due to the appearance of complications - various visual impairments.

• In the intestines. The provoking cause in this case is often dysbiosis or chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term constipation also contributes to the development of anal forms of candidiasis in the baby. A pediatric gastroenterologist treats these forms of thrush.
• In the esophagus. Causes dyspepsia and provokes heartburn. To identify candidiasis of the esophagus, it is necessary to perform fibrogastroscopy with the collection of biological material for research. Such differential diagnosis is carried out in order to exclude various neoplasms in the esophagus.
• In the brain. A rather rare clinical form, however, very dangerous. The course of the disease is extremely severe. The symptoms of the disease resemble meningitis. To eliminate adverse symptoms, including severe headache and constant nausea, large doses of antifungal drugs are used.

• Vaginal. Is the most common form. Localization - in the groin. In girls with this form of candidiasis, a cheesy vaginal discharge appears. Many acute forms of thrush can become chronic.
• In the respiratory organs. Fungal flora contributes to the occurrence of candidal bronchitis. This disease causes coughing and breathing problems in the child. The cough is most often dry, but when bacterial flora is attached, sputum may appear. In some cases, hoarseness or hoarseness of the voice appears, as well as an increase in body temperature and increased intoxication.
• On hands. Most often, candidiasis infection affects the nails. They become brittle and dull, and also break and crumble quite easily. Numerous transverse white grooves appear on the upper surface of the nails.

Candida fungi love to settle on various mucous membranes, less often on the skin. This selective feature is caused by the peculiarity of their anatomical and physiological structure. This also causes a variety of different clinical variants of the disease.

Symptoms

Thrush occurs with numerous clinical manifestations. They are quite difficult to tolerate and bring severe discomfort to the baby. The severity of symptoms may vary and depend on the initial condition of the child before the illness.

The presence of a large number of chronic diseases in a child or severe immunodeficiency significantly worsens the course of the disease and contributes to its transition to a chronic form.

The most common symptoms include:

• The appearance of a white cheesy coating. It can cover the damaged areas in small amounts or significantly. When you touch the plaque, it begins to crumble and break. When you try to remove it, eroded areas remain on the mucous membranes that can bleed. The color of the plaque is often white or with a grayish tint.
• Swelling. As fungi multiply, they cause severe inflammation. The inflammatory process provokes the appearance of tissue swelling. Inflamed mucous membranes become dense and bright red. Swelling of the tongue leads to pain when swallowing and also reduces appetite.
• Sucking disorder. Oral forms of candidiasis cause feeding problems in infants. They are hardly able to suck mother's milk. During feeding, the child becomes capricious and cries. Severe soreness in the oral cavity, as well as a burning sensation, lead to the fact that the baby attaches less and less to the mother’s breast.

• Cracks in the corners of the mouth. Occurs with candidal cheilitis. This symptom can also be noticed at home. Deep grooves appear in the outer corners of the child's mouth. When eating, they can become injured and bleed.
• Tearing and soreness of the eyelids. This symptom is characteristic of candidal conjunctivitis. Usually the process is two-way. The duration of the disease in this case varies. On average, it is about 2-3 weeks.
• Itching and burning on the genitals. Occurs with candidiasis of the intimate area. They bring severe discomfort to the child and worsen his well-being.

• Frequent urination. Occurs with vaginal candidiasis, as well as with fungal infection urinary tract. The portions of urine do not change, as does the total amount per day. Only the frequency and number of urges to urinate increases.
• Nausea and vomiting. Occurs with candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract. Making a diagnosis in this case is a very difficult task. Nausea may be persistent and difficult to treat with conventional medications.
• Changes in the skin and nails. By appearance may resemble dermatitis. In young children, it usually appears first in the area of ​​skin folds. In appearance, it may resemble small swollen lumps with cloudy contents inside.
• Violation of general health. Severe forms of candidiasis are accompanied by an increase in body temperature and an increase in intoxication symptoms. Thrush can also be quite severe in babies in their first year of life. The severity of the condition affects the child's behavior. He becomes more lethargic and moody, daytime sleepiness and some passivity increase, and nervousness increases.

Diagnostics

Any mother can suspect the first signs of candidiasis. They are usually quite pronounced and can be very specific. However, if clinical signs of candidiasis are detected, you should definitely show the baby to a doctor. The doctor will conduct a clinical examination, and in some cases also additional studies for differential diagnosis.

This is necessary in order to exclude all diseases that candidiasis can be disguised as.

Typically, for candidiasis infection, the following is prescribed:

• General blood analysis. Gives a descriptive picture of the presence of infection in the child’s body. It also helps to establish the severity of functional disorders. This method is indicative and does not form the basis for making a diagnosis.
• PCR. This method allows you to accurately detect the presence of fungus in various biological materials. To carry out this test, preliminary plaque sampling will be required.
• Microscoping. A high-resolution microscope can detect fungus in any environment. In some cases, for a more accurate result, doctors use preliminary staining of the material. This helps to identify the fungus even in difficult diagnostic cases.
• Serology. Using RSC and the agglutination reaction, candida fungi can be detected in urine, blood, eye discharge, vaginal plaque and other secretions. In some cases, this method is used to identify visceral forms of candidiasis or after a spinal puncture.

Treatment

Candida infection should be treated as quickly as possible, immediately after diagnosis. Delayed therapy can contribute to the progression of the disease and its transition to a chronic form. For treatment, various medications are used that have a detrimental effect on the fungus, as well as improve immunity. To eliminate the symptoms of candida infection in babies, various antifungal drugs are used.

They can be systemic and local.

The choice of medication, its dosage and frequency of treatment are chosen by the attending physician based on the initial severity of the child’s condition and the presence of concomitant diseases of the internal organs. Local treatment is carried out with various ointments that have a detrimental effect on candida fungi. These include: clotrimazole, pimafucin (natamycin), isoconazole (travogen), ketoconazole, triderm (effective for the treatment of candidiasis of the feet) and others. It usually takes about two weeks for the adverse symptoms of the disease to resolve. Longer use of medicinal ointments is discussed with your doctor. If the disease proceeds in a more protracted form, then the prescription of antifungal drugs that have a systemic effect is required. To enhance the therapeutic effect to local therapy

fluconazole is added.

It can be in various forms of release: suspensions and capsules, as well as tablets. Typically a dose of 6-8 mg/kg is used per day. The duration of treatment is determined depending on the severity of the disease. Common forms of cutaneous candidiasis are treated with fluconazole at a dosage of 8-10 mg/kg per day. Usually the entire dose medicine taken once during the day. Treatment for skin candidiasis also includes the administration of local forms of antifungal drugs.

The average duration of treatment is usually 14-21 days. To treat mucous membranes of the oral cavity inflamed and damaged by candida infection, you can use hexoral or 2% sodium bigluconate solution. administration of fluconazole (Diflucan, Mycosyst, Medoflucon) orally.

In a hospital setting, treatment regimens that include therapeutic dosages of nystatin can be used for newborn babies.

For genital candidiasis, you can use antifungal ointments. Suitable for this 1% clotrimazole and 1% travogen. The duration of drug administration depends on the severity of the disease and the severity of clinical symptoms. If local treatment is ineffective, as well as if the condition worsens, the prescription of systemic antifungal agents is required. Visceral candidiasis is a difficult problem to treat. Usually, complex therapy is required to eliminate unfavorable symptoms. For candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract, treatment regimens are used that include the combined administration of fluconazole and nystatin simultaneously. Fluconazole is prescribed in a dosage of 9-10 mg/kg body weight, and nystatin 70,000-100,000 units/day up to 3-4 times a day.

The duration of use of drugs depends on the clinical form of candidiasis, as well as its location. On average, 1.5-2 weeks are enough to eliminate unfavorable symptoms. However, in some cases, longer treatment is required. Treatment must be chosen correctly in order to maximally prevent possible relapses of the disease in the future. During the course of therapy, the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment must be monitored. Doctors may also prescribe general blood tests for your baby. These tests are necessary to determine adverse adverse reactions from the child's body with long-term use of antifungal drugs.

At the end of the course of treatment, a full laboratory control is required to determine the residual presence of fungi.

In the treatment of fungal infections, great attention should be paid to the baby’s nutrition. For the entire acute period of the disease, the child is prescribed a special diet. She completely excludes any sweet foods, as this promotes the growth of fungal flora. Also, all pickled and canned foods, spicy or spicy foods are removed from the diet. Meals should be fractional, at least 4-5 times a day.

To prepare dishes, it is better to use a slow cooker or a double boiler; stewing and steaming are allowed.

Prevention

Preventative measures play a role important role in the prevention of candidiasis in children. Regular adherence to simple rules will help keep the child’s body healthy and protect against thrush. It is important to remember that they should be observed every day. Any violation can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms of candidiasis.

In order to avoid getting thrush, you should:

• Strengthen immunity. This is facilitated by proper nutrition, healthy sleep, and optimally selected physical activity. Severe stress significantly weakens the functioning of the immune system. It is better to exclude excessive psycho-emotional stress. Regular hardening also improves immunity.
• Favorable indoor microclimate. Many doctors believe that excessive dryness in the children's room, as well as incorrect temperature, can lead to the development of candidiasis. For supporting good health child, try to monitor the humidity in the room. Special devices that humidify the air will help with this.
• Take walks in the fresh air. It has been scientifically proven that oxygen has a detrimental effect on various microorganisms. Regular walks outside will help better job immune system and improve the baby's endurance.
• Observe personal hygiene rules. Regular hand washing, nipple treatment before and after breastfeeding, use of personal towels and washcloths for showering - simple ways prevent contact infection with candidiasis. All family members should follow the rules of personal hygiene. Children should be taught this from the earliest years of life.

To learn how to treat oral candidiasis in children, see the following video.

Cutaneous candidiasis is a lesion of the skin and mucous membranes by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. It is noteworthy that these microorganisms are present in the body of every person in small quantities and do not manifest themselves in any way. However, under the influence of certain factors they begin to multiply, which leads to the development of candidiasis. The latter has pronounced symptoms and causes extreme discomfort to the patient. There are two forms of candidal dermatitis: damage to smooth skin and natural folds. In children, cutaneous candidiasis is quite common.

Causes

A newborn can acquire opportunistic fungi while still in the womb or while passing through the birth canal. This is possible if a pregnant woman had thrush and did not cure the disease in a timely manner.

During the postnatal period, the baby can also become infected from the mother (especially if she has a fungal infection of the breast). Absolutely all people are carriers of Candida; with any contact they can transmit their fungi to a newborn. And under certain conditions, the pathological process of development of infant candidiasis begins.

The physiological characteristics of infants also contribute to the development of acquired skin candidiasis:

• A very thin layer of epidermis and dermis,
• A small number of layers of protective cells on the skin,
• Looseness of mucous membranes,
• Low level of bactericidal activity,
• High pH value of the skin.

A baby can also get skin thrush when treated with antibiotic and antibacterial drugs.

The development of infection is also caused by the dirty hands of parents and clinic staff.

In newborns, a type of candidiasis called diaper dermatitis is also isolated. It develops in the groin area, on the buttocks and folds of the legs for the following reasons:

• Constantly wearing diapers
• Rare diaper changes
• Strong swaddling of the baby,
• Using airtight diapers
• Constant moisture of baby skin.

Symptoms

With cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is primarily affected. The location of thrush can be anywhere. Most often, candidiasis begins on the butt, genitals, legs, lips and skin around the mouth.

Parents may see a rash appear on the baby's body. The elements may come in different shapes, but they will all be red. The periphery of the affected area will be covered with microscopic bubbles.

Very often, cutaneous candidiasis is accompanied by oral thrush in infants. In this case, a whitish coating will appear on the lips, tongue and inside of the cheeks.

An increase in temperature and other symptoms of infection appear as the disease develops and large areas of the skin, mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and intestines are affected.

A candidiasis rash causes significant discomfort to the baby; for this reason, accompanying symptoms are added to the main signs of the disease:

• moodiness,
• loss of appetite,
• breast refusal,
• bad dream,
• regurgitation.

Diagnosis of skin candidiasis in a newborn

A doctor can use a visual examination to determine the presence of an infection. However, to understand the etiology of the disease and identify possible underlying and concomitant diseases, additional diagnostics will be required:

• scraping from the affected area of ​​skin,
• general blood and urine analysis,
• tests for the presence of antibodies.

Complications

With timely detection of the disease and its treatment, the prognosis for skin candidiasis in a newborn is favorable.

However, advanced candidiasis can cause a number of serious complications:

• progression of the disease into an intractable chronic form,
• weakening of the immune system,
• respiratory tract damage
• damage to the digestive organs,
• infection with other viral diseases.

Treatment

What can you do

Young parents should never self-medicate. ethnoscience can only worsen the baby's condition. When the first signs of candidiasis appear, you should contact your pediatrician. Only he can make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment regimen.

Treatment takes place at home, so parents must strictly follow all medical recommendations. In case of unclear questions, consult a specialist.

If there is an infection in the baby, parents should take tests to identify this disease in themselves and treat it if necessary.

Treatment with medications should be accompanied by the following measures:

• regular hygiene of the baby’s oral cavity and entire body,
• refusal to breastfeed until the mother is completely cured,
• taking air baths,
• frequent diaper changes,
• refusal to constantly swaddle the baby.

What does a doctor do

It is important for the doctor to identify the etiology of the disease. The development of a treatment regimen will depend on the presence of an underlying disease and the severity of the infection.

Most often, cutaneous candidiasis is treated with local preparations - gels, ointments and creams containing antimycotics.

In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications containing antibiotics are prescribed.

If this treatment does not show effectiveness, then intravenous injection is prescribed until the manifestations of infection completely disappear.

The pediatrician should also refer parents and other close relatives of the newborn for examination to identify (and, if necessary, treat) infection in their body.

Prevention

Prevention of cutaneous candidiasis in a newborn primarily depends on the health of the young mother.

The expectant mother should start taking care of her planned baby in advance. Before conception, all existing infections should be identified and treated; during pregnancy and after, carefully monitor your health. It is also important to strengthen children's immunity and limit the impact of negative factors on the newborn's skin.

• feed the baby breast milk(in the absence of infection in the mother),
• regularly carry out a thorough toileting of the baby, stop constantly wearing diapers,
• take air baths regularly,
• go out into the fresh air for walks every day,
• maintain an optimal microclimate in an apartment or children's room (temperature about 18C, humidity about 50%),
• minimize contact with relatives who have obvious signs of thrush.