What causes baby yeast infection on the neck? How is it treated? Get the facts on this common condition in newborns.

Baby Yeast Infection on the Neck: Causes and Treatment

One of the cutest — and most fragile — things about very young babies is how they’re like real-life bobblehead dolls. Most newborns can’t hold their head upright and still until they’re about 4 to 6 months old. This is because it takes time for a baby’s neck muscles to develop.

What Causes Baby Yeast Infections on the Neck?

Before they reach this important muscle milestone, babies are prone to rashes on the neck because their drooping heads cause skin folds. Sometimes a baby’s neck rash may be caused or worsened by a yeast infection. This happens when normal yeasts that live in and on our bodies grow a bit more than they should.

Yeasts are a type of fungus. A common kind of yeast called Candida is found on the skin and in the mouth, gut, and genital area. When this kind of yeast overgrows, the infection is called candidiasis. Yes, this is the same kind of yeast that can cause a vaginal infection in adults!

How Do Yeast Infections Affect Babies’ Necks?

At healthy levels, Candida and other yeast live harmoniously with bacteria and other friendly organisms in our body. But sometimes, an imbalance happens and the yeast starts growing more than it should. This may happen in babies because their immune systems are still new and growing. Babies may also not yet have enough friendly gut bacteria to help keep yeast growth at bay.

Candida can cause yeast infections called thrush in skin folds in the neck, armpits, groin, bottom, vagina, and legs. Babies can also have oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth and throat, and on the tongue. Some diaper rashes are also caused by a yeast infection.

What Does a Baby Yeast Infection on the Neck Look Like?

A yeast infection on a baby’s neck might begin in the skin folds and spread to nearby neck skin. It may look like:

• Redness in the skin folds
• Pink, moist patches
• Red or pink scaly or rough patches
• Redness with raised edges
• Redness with tiny bumps
• Skin discoloration patches
• Gray or white powdery patches on the skin
• Redness with swelling
• A red sore in the skin folds with satellite spots or rashes around it

The soft folds of skin on a baby’s neck create the perfect warm, moist environment for a yeast infection to blossom. All that drooling and spit-up doesn’t help, either!

How Are Baby Neck Yeast Infections Treated?

Some mild baby yeast infections on the neck go away on their own once your baby starts lifting their head more and has fewer skin folds. Other yeast infections may need to be treated with antifungal skin (topical) medications. One kind of skin treatment for yeast infections is a combination of the antifungal medication miconazole and zinc oxide.

This antifungal treatment is available in ointment and spray form. Antifungal ointment shouldn’t be used on a baby younger than 4 weeks old. Ask your baby’s pediatrician before using antifungal ointment or spray on your baby’s skin. Apply the antifungal ointment or spray with a cotton swab to help get it only where it’s needed on baby’s delicate skin.

When Should You See a Pediatrician?

If your baby has yeast infections on other parts of the body or in the mouth, your pediatrician may prescribe an oral antifungal medication such as fluconazole. This medication comes in liquid form and can be given by mouth with a dropper or syringe. Babies typically get a low dose of fluconazole once every 2 to 3 days.

Most neck yeast infections in babies go away within 2 weeks after treatment begins. But they can happen again in the same areas. Babies can get bacterial infections on the neck similar to how yeast neck infections happen. Yeast infections will likely look slightly different than other kinds of rashes, and they won’t get better with typical rash creams.

How Can You Prevent Baby Neck Yeast Infections?

You may not always be able to prevent a yeast infection on your baby’s neck. Tips to reduce the risk include keeping the area clean and dry, using antifungal medications as directed, and drying your baby’s neck thoroughly after baths or spit-up.