Clearing up yeast rash

[artpen]

Hi,
My 3-month DD has what appears to be a yeast diaper rash (not going away with typical creams, raised, some patches appearing near the rash). Two days ago I started her on a combo of mother love and a coconut oil/tea tree oil blend (alternating between the two). I'm also airing her out. I have a few questions:
1. How easily does the yeast transfer? The rash is on her labia so it is easily within reach of her hands, which then go into her mouth. I am watching her very carefully, but I'm so nervous about thrush.
2. How can I tell it's healing? She is pretty much going diaper-free today (I'm honing my EC skills) and the red patch looks like it is drying out a bit. I just want to be able to know that the natural remedies are working. Otherwise I am going to get an anti-fungal cream for her.
3. Does anyone have any other ideas for natural healing?

It doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. I am just very scared that it will transfer to her mouth and/or my nipples.

Thank you in advance!

[honeybunmom]

My little Cora had yeast infections as an infant. Two or 3 if I recall. First was thrush. After that she had maybe two in the diaper area. for the diaper area we used gentian violet on her. With thrush, I applied the GV to my nipples prior to nursing in order for her to get it as well. With thrush, I also took acidopholus (sp?). I also used silk liners in her diapers as silk has natural healing properties and to also protect the diapers from the purple staining that accompanies GV application.

Hope it's all cleared up soon!

I bought my GV at a local (not chain) pharmacy for about $5.00.

[sunnygir1]

If it is yeast, it is already in your baby's system and could transfer to you. If you or your baby is exhibiting yeast symptoms, here's what works for me:

1. Clean your breasts with a vinegar and water solution after each time your breastfeed (or even as often as you can helps a lot). I use a 1:5 vinegar to water solution, but if it stings at all you can dilute it more.

2. Let the rash dry and air out as much as possible, whether it is on you or your baby. --Sounds like you are already doing this.

3. Limit sugars and refined carbohydrates in your diet.

4. Baking soda baths help a lot, with a 3 month old, you can just swish her around in a sink or tub of warm water with baking soda dissolved in it.

5. Probiotics for both you and baby. Babies should take different probiotics than adults, because they only ingest milk and their bacteria are different. Acidophilus and the like for you; bifidus and the like for the baby.

Best of luck.

[MissRubyandKen]

I used Grapefruit Seed Extract, about 15-20 drops in 2-3 ounces of water. Every diaper change dipped two cottonballs in the solution (I swished the jar beforehand) and swabbed her thoroughly. Let her air dry, then used a cotton receiving blanket to be sure she was 100% dry before diapering her. I also used sposies with Pinxav diaper ointment at night or anytime it may be a longer period she would be wearing a diaper. Pinxav is not natural, some of the ingredients are yucky. I'm sure there is a better alternative, but it worked well for us. The Motherlove I bet would be better. Pinxav has clove oil and menthol in it, which seemed to be really effective at helping her rash. Also lots of air time and frequent baths. I wouldn't worry too much about transferring it. Lots of babies have yeast rashes without transferring it. I do think if you have ongoing problems you should look into changing your diet or taking steps to try to eliminate yeast as a problem for you.

[Catherine12]

I can't promise it will be the same for you, but all three of my kids have had lots of yeast rashes (and I've had lots of yeast infections) but we've never had thrush.

My advice is: if you're using cloth diapers, add bleach to the diaper wash or boil your diapers. Even if your washer has a "sanitize" cycle, it probably doesn't get hot enough to kill yeast. That, plus a barrier cream at bedtime and naptime, and nystatin if it becomes intractable, are what works for us (I've finally solved all my rash problems. This probably means dd is about to potty-train...)

[artpen]

thank you!

i've given up my daily bagel and started on some probiotics. Hopefully that will help in the future. I didn't think about her CDs, but I'll probably boil them before she starts wearing them again. I guess I should boil the cloth wipes, too, huh?

[sunnygir1]

Originally Posted by artpen

thank you!

i've given up my daily bagel and started on some probiotics. Hopefully that will help in the future. I didn't think about her CDs, but I'll probably boil them before she starts wearing them again. I guess I should boil the cloth wipes, too, huh?

It's probably a good idea to boil; but I never did it. I do put white vinegar in the final rinse every time I wash diapers, and I think that helps kill stuff. Sun-drying when weather permits is also a plus.

[kismetbaby]

Originally Posted by sunnygir1

It's probably a good idea to boil; but I never did it. I do put white vinegar in the final rinse every time I wash diapers, and I think that helps kill stuff. Sun-drying when weather permits is also a plus.

I second this! When we were battling thrush I put 1/2 cup vinegar in our rinse (you can use the fabric softener balls that open during the rinse cycle for this!). . .for all our laundry (since the yeast can so easily transfer). Also used a vinegar solution on my nipples and I've heard you can use that for diaper rashes too (we didn't ever have thrush in the diaper area). I also added vinegar when I boiled anything plastic that was in his mouth (since we had oral thrush).

I used grapefruit seed extract too and thought it did wonders! You can take it internally as well as using externally. I was putting 8 or so drops in a bit of water and "shooting" that down.. . its crazy bitter, but great for killing yeast.

[mamazee]

Both my kids have had yeast rashes, maybe twice with the first, and once with the second, but I've only had thrush once, and briefly. I never gave up sugar or flour. The Nystatin worked well for us, and making sure diapers were cleaned in very hot water and a couple of drops of tea tree oil.