Thrush...again

[Rose-Roget]

I'm afraid the thrush is back. Last time (2 weeks ago), it resulted in a nursing strike. I'm really hoping to catch rid of it quicker this time.

I washed all my bras, nursing pads, sheets, robes, towels, burp cloths, and blankets in hot water with a vinegar rinse. I sterilized all of her bottle nipples and pacifiers in boiling water (which I have a question about, because it left a powdery film on them, which the Avent sterilizer does not do).

Last time, the ped treated with Gentian Violet, which didn't do the trick, so she gave a prescription for oral Nystatin (I was also using topical Nystatin), which I think was upsetting dd's stomach more. I finally dabbed a bit of powder probiotic on her tongue and my nipples, and I think that may have finally done the trick, but I'm not sure how safe that is to use topically.

Any other suggestions before I call the ped again? I don't want to get stuck with the oral Nystatin again. Blech.

[Mulvah]

I'm using GSE and Acidophilus to treat thrush and I'm also changing my diet. It's not gone, by any stretch, but it's much better than it was. Also, in my case, there are no signs in Baby.


Here are a couple of links about it:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T080400.asp

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...thrush.html#06

ETA - I only included the links because you asked about safety.

Edited by Mulvah - 10/16/11 at 11:04am

[Rose-Roget]

Thanks! What's GSE? Also, what are you cutting out of your diet? Dairy and sugars? My probiotics are not pure acidophilus - they have other bacteria in them. I may keep up with them until I can get the straight acidophilus ones. So the Lansinoh doesn't create a barrier to the bacteria? I will be trying these things. Thank you!

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by Rose-Roget

Thanks! What's GSE? Also, what are you cutting out of your diet? Dairy and sugars? My probiotics are not pure acidophilus - they have other bacteria in them. I may keep up with them until I can get the straight acidophilus ones. So the Lansinoh doesn't create a barrier to the bacteria? I will be trying these things. Thank you!

GSE = Grapefruit seed extract.

Here is what I do right now:

I use grapefruit seed extract (mixed with water) on my nipples and then apply the Lansinoh. When DS is going to nurse, I'll cover my nipples in Acidophilus so he gets it. The Acidophilus sticks because of the Lansinoh, but the GSE is under the Lansinoh. You're supposed to do GSE in the baby's mouth, but I don't do that because my son has no signs of thrush and right now, the Acidophilus feels like enough for him.

As for my diet, I'm avoiding refined sugars and white carbs - bread, pasta, etc. I should be following a candida diet, but I'm not shying away from all sugars (i.e. I'm still eating fruit). I'm eating dairy.

Here is some more info on things to try. I hope you can find something that works for you.

[Rose-Roget]

Great - I'll try those things. Going to Whole Foods tomorrow anyway.

I've been needing to cut refined sugars anyway. I got bad over the holidays and, while I've slowed down, still eat more than I should.

Thanks again!

[ewe+lamb]

I'm so sorry that you've got the thrush back again - i posted on your thread the last time and just wanted to give you a - have you tried oregano capsules - 3x3 per day for 3 weeks - it seems to do the trick for some.

[Rose-Roget]

Thanks for the support, Ewe+LAmb. I have not tried Oregano capsules yet, but can do that.

I bought GSE today. In my haste, I forgot to dilute it and applied it directly. A couple of hours later, dd nursed, and this evening, I noticed a bright red patch on the inside of her elbow. Is it possible that she reacted to the undiluted GSE? Anything I should do just in case. As far as I can tell, there are no major side effects to it, but I worry anyway. I'd been wearing a bra, so most of it had probably rubbed off, which would make it not so strong. I X-posted this in Health and Healing.