thrush diagnosis?

[sungirl]

Is there a way to positively diagnose thrush, with few symptoms? I am presently being treated for it b/c I had a sore that wouldn't heal, and last week I had a few "shooting" pains, nipples are pink. Areola immediately surrounding nipple is lighter in color. (Is this normal?) Nipples continue to be sensitive, "prickly" feeling sometimes.

So now I'm wondering if I even have thrush. No extreme pain, no signs in dd's mouth (5 wks old). I did have a course of antibiotics for mastitis at week 2. I would hate to be going through all the motions (Nystatin, Diflucan, sterilizing, dumping pumped milk, extreme handwashing-- my hands are getting all dried out!) for no reason. Is it possible to have a mild case of thrush, with little pain?

Any opinions and insights greatly appreciated. My drs don't seem to know a lot about nipple health/symptoms.

Thanks!
Katie

[guitarmama]

Hi. Have you been to Kellymom.com? There are a lot of great resources there. Join us on the battling thrush thread, too.

[tulsidas]

it does sound like thrush to me.
your babe does not have to show signs. i have had thrush for 3 months and my DD has not shown signs.

it is much better to treat it than to let it go.

there seems to be a sure way to knwo if it is thrush or not.

use gentian violet. and if after a few days the pain, redness goes away, you have thrush b/c gentian violet will only help that problem.

and if it does help you, stay with the gentian violet till its gone.
ive heard up to 7-10 days.

good luck!