Thrush, yucko! « Back to Group Discussions

[esp831]

So my 13 month old and I both have thrush.  My nipple are really sore when we nurse.  She's on diflucan because nothing else works for her.  Before pregnancy, I used Nystatin cream, but that is not safe now.  I've upped my pre/probiotics but I can't shake it.  Anyone else been through this?  What works?  

[tropicana74]

It is a really messy option but have you tried Gentian Violet? That stuff was a serious miracle cure for my son and I. I applied it to my nipples once in the morning, once at night for two days. I would also take a q-tip soaked in the GV and swish it in DS mouth at night, just for those 2 nights and we kicked it!! (Though since you are already treating DD with a RX you wouldn't have to treat her I suppose).

If you talk to a lactation consultant a lot of them may say that it is an old remedy and not really used anymore and will recommend a prescription. However, if you talk to Le Leche League leader or any of the amish they will tell you to use the Gentian Violet. None of the pharmacies I called carried it but they ordered it and it came in the next day. It was like a 4 oz. bottle for $6. Well worth the money! I kind of doubted that some natural remedy like this would really kick it as I was in EXTREME pain but it was just amazing! I did have some residual tenderness for a couple weeks while everything healed up but it kicked the thrush so quickly!

Here is some info on it:

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/6pdf.pdf

[Mamabeakley]

I second the Gentian Violet - miraculous stuff.  When I have thrush it is also very important for me to STOP eating anything with refined sugar in it.  Sometimes I have to eliminate fruit for a while, too.  Some people eliminate all grain and/or breads, but I've never found that to be necessary.

Why is Nystatin not supposed to be safe?  I was under the impression that it was one of the lower-toxicity approaches.

[esp831]

Thank you, thank you!!  I will try the gentian violet.  It sounds like it will be good to have on hand for any potential future issues as well.  I really appreciate all of the helpful information.

Nystatin is still considered a "Class C" drug during pregnancy.  Now, I couldn't tell if that was for the suspension and the topical cream or just the suspension, but I figured I wouldn't take the risk. 

Thanks again!  I'm off to go find some gentian violet!

[darkblue0729]

Another bump for gentian violet...that stuff is AAMAZING! Prepare to look like the bride of the purple people eater but it is so worth it! Also you might want to try taking probiotics-I found that taking them really just helps keep my yeastiness in check everywhere. Good luck mama!!