Oral thrush in newborn's

[tarryl6384]

Hi all,

This is my first post on mums net so please bare with me, it's all new.

I'm a nurse by profession and generally do not support alternative medicine, however, my 5 week old baby boy has been suffering with oral thrush now for 3 weeks. He has had 2 courses if Nyastatin and completed both courses fully.

My concern is, despite these courses of Nyastatin, he continues to have very small patches on the inside of his cheeks. Without treatment, this then very quickly spreads to his tongue, throat, palate and lips.

I'm reluctant to give him a 3rd course, simply because he suffers with unpleasant side effects from it. He gets chronic abdominal pains and this affects his feeding and sleep.

I have researched alternative ways to treat oral thrush and found articles on Gentian Violet.

My questions are:

1: is this safe for newborns?
2: have any of you used this? If so, how successful was it and were there any side effects?
3: would you recommend any other treatments for oral thrush which is safe for newborns?

Sorry to waffle on, just needing some guidance. Yes I'm a nurse and should probably know the answers but I don't and need support.

Thanks in advance,

Laura

Hi Laura, I'm assuming that you're not breastfeeding as you didn't mention treating yourself too? I can't answer your question about gentian violet (in some countries it's been withdrawn due to safety problems), but your GP may prescribe miconazole oral gel (off-licence) for you son as the thrush reoccurs inside his cheeks (less risk of choking), read the patient UK online leaflet oral thrush in babies

Thank you so much. I will speak with the GP this morning.

Nyastatin is rubbish. Baby really needs Daktarin although it's only for 3 months. There is literature about a baby chocking on the gel but as a nurse I'm sure you can apply it in a small sensible amount.

Treat your own nipples, soak your bra in vinegar and wash. If your breasts are painful consider asking the doctor for a tablet to treat your thrush. You need to sort you both out.

Stop using nipple pads if you are using them, let your nipples air dry

Thank you for that advice. I only managed to breast feed for a week and he has been bottle fed since.

Nyastatin did nothing on the first course and only really started to do something towards the end of the second course. He really struggles with the side effects from nyastatin and I strongly do not want him having this again.

He has 2 tiny patches on his cheeks but within 2 days of no treatment, his mouth is full again. So frustrating as his mouth and throat must be so uncomfortable.

The internet recommend using a sponge or cotton bud, are people really putting stuff like that in an infant's mouth, I mean, come on, that in itself is a choking hazard. I would apply it to my finger and rub it in just like I did with the nyastatin.

I've contacted the GP and awaiting a call back. The practice know I'm a nurse and are sensible that I'm competent so he shouldn't even need assessing at the surgery, especially with the current situation of Covid-19.

Thank you both for your advice. It is really appreciated x