Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant?

Nursing mothers are at risk for developing Candida infections on their breasts (this is called mastitis) and can be treated with the same medication that is used for infants. How are thrush and other yeast infections treated? Oral thrush and yeast infections, such as Candida diaper rash, are usually treated with the antifungal antibiotic called Nystatin, either by mouth or in a topical cream. Brand names for Nystatin preparations include: • Mycostatin, • Mycostatin Filmlok, • Mycostatin Pastilles, • Nystatin Ointment, • Nystat-Rx, • Nystop, and • Pedi-Dri. For children with diaper rash, diapers should be changed frequently and the child's skin gently cleansed with water and a mild soap, rinsed, and patted dry. Barrier creams or ointments such as Desitin or A&D are helpful. While cornstarch may be recommended for mild diaper rash, it should not be used for children with significantly inflamed skin. High-absorbency disposable diapers may help keep the skin dry. Plastic pants that do ...  more