Do I have thrush?

[Calliope84]

Ok, so a few days ago I noticed a half ring of red, dry flaky skin under each nipple. It was worse under the right one. I thought at first maybe I just needed to put some Lanisoh on it, but it seemed a little itchy last night so now I am wondering if it is thrush. That is all I have to go on. I thought I felt a tiny bit of burniness inside my right boob while feeding, but I don't feel anything now. It just looks bad.

Is there anything else it could be? We've never had a problem, but both of us are a little sick right now. I have a cold sore, which I get when I think my immune system is down, and DD has been a little booger-y for about 2 weeks, on and off. So I could see thrush coming on, maybe...

On the other hand, DD is 6.5 months old, now. Does their saliva change when they are teething? I thought maybe that was somehow irritating my skin. My nipples are, like, calloused, from 6 months of use, so this is barely bothering me.

EDIT:: 

Also DD has a rash that we thought came from me using a new detergent in her cloth diapers.

I just took some of her Baby Bottom Balm, which has tea tree oil, and put it on her and then put it on my nipples, adding some extra tea tree oil. Does tea tree do anything? I've read it does but I am worried about the baby accidentally ingesting some if I don't wash my nipples really well before she eats? 

I got rid of ringworm a few years ago with a tea tree oil cream when no anti-fungal cream would work.

Ok, enough TMI. ;) Thoughts?

Thanks! 

Edited by Calliope84 - 6/19/11 at 7:19am

[Heba]

Not attempting a diagnosis, but you asked if there was anything else it could be.  It may be dermatitis - allergic skin reaction.  I see your little one is 6.5 months.  Has she started additional foods?  Food particles in  baby's mouth can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction; rinsing baby's mouth with water after food helps some mums avoid this.

Whatever it is, hope you get to the bottom of it soon!

xx

[Calliope84]

Originally Posted by Heba 

Not attempting a diagnosis, but you asked if there was anything else it could be.  It may be dermatitis - allergic skin reaction.  I see your little one is 6.5 months.  Has she started additional foods?  Food particles in  baby's mouth can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction; rinsing baby's mouth with water after food helps some mums avoid this.

Whatever it is, hope you get to the bottom of it soon!

xx

Thanks, I am really hoping it isn't thrush... but, we've only given her food 3 times so far so I don't think that is it unfortunately. My mom is sending me some medihoney, which is sterlized to get rid of botulism spores. It is supposed to help heal skin, but I am wondering if it will do anything for thrush,,, or make it worse.
 

[penstamon]

It doesn't sound like thrush to me, although I am no dr.  I had a similar rash while nursing DS1 starting at 9 mo.  He never had any symptoms, the dr. was stumped and I resorted to a steroid cream after trying many natural methods- including tea tree.  I would wash it off before nursing.  My dr prescribed APNO which helped before the steroid finally got rid of it.  Still have no idea what it was so I'm sorry I can't be more help.  Maybe try a hydrocortisone to see if it gives some relief?