Nipple thrush
There are usually no obvious signs of thrush on your nipples. Some signs may include:
your nipples may appear bright pink; the areola may be reddened, dry or flaky. Very rarely a fine white rash may be seen.
nipple damage (e.g., a crack) that is slow to heal.
signs of thrush may be present in your baby's mouth or on your baby's bottom, or both. Thrush in the mouth appears as a thick white coating on the tongue or white spots on the inside of the cheeks, or both. Thrush on a baby's bottom appears as a bright red rash with spots around it which does not clear without antifungal cream.
If you or your baby have been diagnosed with thrush you will be both need to be treated.
Management and treatment
Breast or nipple thrush is treated with antifungal tablets and creams. You also need to treat thrush in your baby and any other fungal infection in you or your family members.
Thrush in your baby’s mouth is treated using an oral gel or drops available at your Pharmacy.
Breast and nipple thrush is treated with antifungal medicine and antifungal nipple gel/creams.
Treat any other site of fungal infection in the whole family, i.e. vagina, nappy rash, feet.
Keep your nipples dry by frequently changing breast pads as thrush grows well in a moist and warm environment.
Clean teats and dummies thoroughly after use and boil for five minutes. Replace weekly if possible.
To prevent the spread of thrush, wash your hands thoroughly after nappy changes and before and after applying any creams/lotions.
Wash towels, bras, cloth nursing pads etc. in hot soapy water and air dry outside.