treating nipple thrush

[LeggyBlondeNE]

I have suspected mild nipple thrush - one nipple was itchy after two days of a polyester bra, so I was concerned especially as I'm on antibiotics; both nipples later became unusually sensitive.

I had canesten (2% stuff) which I started using immediately, and baby now has nyacin (or something!) suspension, but I'm finding that a. baby just swallows solution and then wants feeding again if I give it after feeds; b. she feeds so often and so erratically, cream on me is often wiped off soon after being put on, and juggling it all is just a nightmare.

I've now got 50mg of fluonazole per day on prescription, but wonder...

1. will tablets kill it on their own or do I still need something topical?
2. what can I use on me that is safe for baby to be sucking off? (Canesten makes me a bit 'greasy' too which she doesn't like). Any well proven traditional remedies?

All clothes etc being hot washed, although as baby often has hands to mouth we're probably getting the damn spores everywhere (if it IS thrush!).

p.s. - if people have used yogurt, how did you apply it and go about your business fully clothed?!

Argh, just lost a big long post!!

You need full attack to get rid - so yes, topical for you and baby as well as oral

Stop using gel or slatic backed pads if you do (use cloth for now - hot wash them)

Cotton bra/tops

air to your nipples as much as pos - sleep no bra/cups down, towel under you if necessary, cups down under your top around the house

Acidophilis from health shop, one mornign one night

Actimel twice a day

Reduce refined sugars, yeast (bread) and mushrooms in diet

Meticulous hand cleaning after nappy changes

Clean toys etc with vinegar (kills spores)

Put vinegar in machine instead of fabric conditioner for your hot washes. Have heard of wiping nipples with diluted vinegar on cotton wool.

Daktarin cream for you (less greasy and gentler), daktarin gel in babies mouth. Then oral treatment

Get hold of the breastfeeding network leaflet - la leche league or health visitor/breastfeeding support group. Great advice on strength of your oral dose, as well as baby oral treatment too if necessary. Push the doctor if you need to, they're not keen on giving the higher dose. But you WILL end up stopping if you don't get rid as it gets sorer and sorer

Good luck - it's horrid isn't it?

Great post from Imregular I had it for MONTHS with dd1 (still have the scars to show for it)

The medication didn't work for me (no loading dose, long story), but what DID work was adapting my diet - basically going on an anti-candida diet (like a detox).

You might not need to do anything so severe, but I would second at least cutting out sugar, yeast and mushrooms (I also cut out dairyand a few other things) as it means the thrush just can't thrive.

Good Luck!

I have to say that I really don't recommend Actimel - they don't have very high strength probiotics in them and that kind of drink is usually full of sugars too, which you want to reduce with any thrush as the PP says.

A broad spectrum probiotic in capsule/powder form is far better.

With the nystatin, don't use the dropper. Put the dose on a spoon, dip your (clean) finger into it and wipe your finger around the baby's mouth, esp on the affected areas. Repeat until the dose is used.

I believe you can put daktarin oral gel on your nips, but if the baby is on nystatin I probably wouldn't want to double up. The breastfeeding network leaflet I believe suggests that a little bit of canasten in the baby's mouth is not going to matter, just wipe off any obvious excess before feeding.

Good point japh

Agree with Haliborange... we had it here when DS was smaller, took 3 doses to shift it (although part of the trouble was down to a useless inexperienced GP)

Rubbing Nystatin round his mouth coupled with Fluconazole for me and some Canesten on my nipples and his bottom finally worked for us.

Good luck, it really is horrid; I feel for you.

\thanks ladies.

It's not too bad atm, the itching was brief, the sensitivity is mostly gone and although one boobs feels generally tender, that might be due to not wearing a bra today!

Have picked up vinegar and probiotics so will start washing all her toys etc. She does like to stick her hands in her mouth and then touch everything...