Candidiasis in children

One of the diseases that can affect children is candidiasis. It is caused by fungi of the genus Candida (Candida). With this infection, the skin, mucous membranes, internal organs can be affected. The fungus resembles cottage cheese or curdled milk. Because of this similarity, often an ailment is called a milkmaid.

Causes of Candidiasis in Children

In a healthy person, the fungus can be located on the mucous membranes without causing any problems. Normal immunity does not give him the opportunity to develop. In order for the disease to begin to manifest itself, the organism must be affected by certain factors:

• unbalanced nutrition;
• lack of vitamins B, C, as well as folic acid;
• frequent viral infections;
• presence of blood diseases, diabetes, various infectious and chronic diseases;
• disorders in the thyroid gland;
• long-term antibiotic treatment;
• disorders in the work of the intestine;
• immunodeficiency.

The smallest can be infected with a fungus from the mother during childbirth. It is also possible to transfer Candida in case of non-compliance with hygiene in the care of newborns.

Types of Candidiasis

Several types of disease can be distinguished.

Often the infection develops on the mucous membranes. Candidiasis of the oral cavity in children is more common than other types of this ailment. For example, stomatitis is a manifestation of the reproduction of Candida fungus. Also girls can be diagnosed with vulvovaginitis (infection of the vagina), and in boys - balanoposthitis (lesion of the head of the penis, foreskin).

Candidiasis of the skin in children can also develop. In this case, red areas with outlined boundaries appear on the areas of the body. On these foci usually bubbles and papules rise.

Internal organs are also prone to this ailment. Most often, the digestive system is affected. Candidiasis of the intestine in children is quite common. Fungus is usually detected in an analysis of dysbiosis. Also, the urinary system (cystitis, urethritis), respiratory (up to bronchitis and pneumonia) can suffer.

Treatment of candidiasis in children

The doctor should prescribe the necessary therapy after the examination. When lesions of the skin are used such ointments as dekaminovym, levorinovuyu, or handle foci with alcohol solutions of dyes, for example, brilliant green. Similar preparations are used for mucous membranes. Help rinse with a decoction of chamomile.

The doctor may recommend the use of such drugs as ketoconazole, Diflucan. It is also necessary to take vitamin B and C.

The nutrition of the patient is of great importance. It is necessary to limit the use of sweet, baking, milk. But dairy products can be eaten. The child must eat a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish.