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My Child Has:
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Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
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Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is a infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Although yeast is normally a harmless inhabitant of the digestive system and vaginal area, it may cause an infection when the skin is damaged or when conditions are warm and humid, or when a child has a depressed immune system. Antibiotics can also cause yeast to grow, because the normal bacteria in tissues are killed, letting the yeast grow unhampered.
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The symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the location of the infection. The following are the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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The symptoms of candidiasis may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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In addition to a medical history and physical examination of your child, your child's physician may scrape off a skin sample to confirm the diagnosis with a microscope or a culture.
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Candidiasis is highly treatable with medicated ointments. Yeast infections in the vagina or anus can be treated with medicated suppositories. Thrush may be treated with a medicated mouthwash or lozenges that dissolve in the mouth. Severe infection or infections in an immunocompromised child may be treated with oral anti-yeast medications.
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