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.

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.

Don’t worry. Baby yeast infections on the neck are common and treatable. In most cases, they go away on their own once your baby is able to lift up their head more often (hello, tummy time!).

Here’s what to know and when you should see a pediatrician about baby’s neck yeast infection.

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!

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.

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!

In fact, another kind of yeast infection that babies can have on their chin and other areas is called a drool rash. A thrush infection in a baby’s mouth or throat can sometimes spread to the neck through drool, spit-up, and vomit.

Yeast loves to grow in places that have wetness and less oxygen. Clothing or blankets can also cause friction, irritating a baby’s delicate neck skin. A sore or irritated area on the neck is more likely to get a yeast infection because it might ooze liquid.

Your doctor may check to see if your baby has a neck yeast infection by looking at the area carefully or gently wiping it with a cotton swab to test.

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.

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.

A bacterial infection on the neck may look more like a red, flat sore that’s only on one area of a skin fold. Baby eczema and dermatitis can also happen on the neck.

These kinds of infections may cause more itching than a yeast neck infection, so your baby might appear more uncomfortable.

You may not always be able to prevent a yeast infection on your baby’s neck. Tips to reduce the risk of a yeast neck infection or prevent it from worsening are similar to how to prevent a diaper rash or infection on other parts of the body. They include:

• Lay your baby flat on their back when sleeping to help straighten the neck. (This is necessary for safe sleeping, anyway.)
• Avoid letting your baby sleep in their car seat or any kind of seat where their head slouches over. (This is also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).)
• Avoid clothing or blankets around the neck when baby is indoors.
• Avoid dressing your baby in rough fabrics or tight clothing.
• Remove clothing and let your baby’s neck and chest air out in a warm, dry area after being bundled up.
• Wash your baby’s neck with a sterile washcloth and warm, soapy water.
• Clean and dry baby’s neck regularly — especially after feeding, drooling, spitting up, or vomiting (so basically whenever possible!).
• Check and sterilize baby’s pacifiers, bottle nipples, and teething toys with boiled or very hot water. Running them through the dishwasher on a high temperature is an easy way to do this.
• Avoid using antibacterial soap or cleanser anywhere on your baby’s skin. This may remove healthy skin bacteria and trigger a yeast infection.
• Similarly, avoid using antibacterial ointment or cream on your baby’s neck.
• Avoid using harsh or chemical soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents. These may irritate baby’s skin, leading to skin infections.
• Avoid using moisturizer or lotion on your baby’s neck.
• Avoid touching or kissing your baby’s neck area.

Always let your baby’s doctor know about any kind of rash your baby has. A doctor can confirm whether it’s a yeast infection or another kind of rash. They can also determine whether your baby needs medical treatment.

An untreated yeast infection on a baby’s neck can worsen and spread to others areas of the skin and even inside to the blood.

Baby neck yeast infections are a kind of skin rash that can happen to babies of any age. They’re most common in babies under 4 months old because they have more neck skin folds. Yeast or fungi are a normal healthy part of our bodies, but they can sometimes overgrow, leading to an infection.

Yeast like to grow in warm and moist areas. Most babies outgrow yeast neck infections. In more serious cases, your pediatrician may prescribe antifungal treatment.

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.

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.

Don’t worry. Baby yeast infections on the neck are common and treatable. In most cases, they go away on their own once your baby is able to lift up their head more often (hello, tummy time!).

Here’s what to know and when you should see a pediatrician about baby’s neck yeast infection.

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!

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.

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!

In fact, another kind of yeast infection that babies can have on their chin and other areas is called a drool rash. A thrush infection in a baby’s mouth or throat can sometimes spread to the neck through drool, spit-up, and vomit.

Yeast loves to grow in places that have wetness and less oxygen. Clothing or blankets can also cause friction, irritating a baby’s delicate neck skin. A sore or irritated area on the neck is more likely to get a yeast infection because it might ooze liquid.

Your doctor may check to see if your baby has a neck yeast infection by looking at the area carefully or gently wiping it with a cotton swab to test.

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.

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.

A bacterial infection on the neck may look more like a red, flat sore that’s only on one area of a skin fold. Baby eczema and dermatitis can also happen on the neck.

These kinds of infections may cause more itching than a yeast neck infection, so your baby might appear more uncomfortable.

You may not always be able to prevent a yeast infection on your baby’s neck. Tips to reduce the risk of a yeast neck infection or prevent it from worsening are similar to how to prevent a diaper rash or infection on other parts of the body. They include:

• Lay your baby flat on their back when sleeping to help straighten the neck. (This is necessary for safe sleeping, anyway.)
• Avoid letting your baby sleep in their car seat or any kind of seat where their head slouches over. (This is also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).)
• Avoid clothing or blankets around the neck when baby is indoors.
• Avoid dressing your baby in rough fabrics or tight clothing.
• Remove clothing and let your baby’s neck and chest air out in a warm, dry area after being bundled up.
• Wash your baby’s neck with a sterile washcloth and warm, soapy water.
• Clean and dry baby’s neck regularly — especially after feeding, drooling, spitting up, or vomiting (so basically whenever possible!).
• Check and sterilize baby’s pacifiers, bottle nipples, and teething toys with boiled or very hot water. Running them through the dishwasher on a high temperature is an easy way to do this.
• Avoid using antibacterial soap or cleanser anywhere on your baby’s skin. This may remove healthy skin bacteria and trigger a yeast infection.
• Similarly, avoid using antibacterial ointment or cream on your baby’s neck.
• Avoid using harsh or chemical soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents. These may irritate baby’s skin, leading to skin infections.
• Avoid using moisturizer or lotion on your baby’s neck.
• Avoid touching or kissing your baby’s neck area.

Always let your baby’s doctor know about any kind of rash your baby has. A doctor can confirm whether it’s a yeast infection or another kind of rash. They can also determine whether your baby needs medical treatment.

An untreated yeast infection on a baby’s neck can worsen and spread to others areas of the skin and even inside to the blood.

Baby neck yeast infections are a kind of skin rash that can happen to babies of any age. They’re most common in babies under 4 months old because they have more neck skin folds. Yeast or fungi are a normal healthy part of our bodies, but they can sometimes overgrow, leading to an infection.

Yeast like to grow in warm and moist areas. Most babies outgrow yeast neck infections. In more serious cases, your pediatrician may prescribe antifungal treatment.

90,000 symptoms and treatment, how to get rid of the pathology forever? Find out on the website of the MEDSI Clinic

Dermatomycosis (fungal diseases) – infectious lesions of the skin and its appendages. Allocate pathological changes in smooth surfaces, folds, hands, feet and scalp. These lesions occur in 20-30% of the world’s population. The frequency of diseases increases with age. Recently, not only adults, but also children suffer from them.

Causes of ringworm

The causative agents of lesions are dermatophyte fungi.

The main reasons for the development of diseases include a number of factors, including:

• Dermatoses. Often, fungal skin diseases are diagnosed in people with psoriasis, eczema, and neurodermatitis. The development of pathology is facilitated by permanent injuries of the skin, as well as the use of corticosteroids for therapy and impaired local immunity. High risks of infection are when corns and diaper rash occur, as well as with excessive sweating
• Occupational factors. Fungal skin diseases are often found in athletes, miners and military personnel. This is due to the fact that the wearing of special shoes and clothing, closed areas and the presence of a large number of common areas contribute to lesions
• Non-observance of hygiene rules. Dermatomycosis is usually diagnosed with improper cleansing of the skin, neglect of the usual hand washing, violation of the rules for washing common areas

The risks of fungal diseases also increase with some chronic pathologies. Among them: chronic leg ischemia, diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency. Against the background of a decrease in general immunity, an exacerbation of the infection occurs.

Classification of fungal diseases of the skin

In dermatology, there are several approaches to the systematization of pathologies. Basically, the following main forms of dermatomycosis are distinguished:

• Scalp
• Large skin folds
• Hands and feet
• Nail
• Smooth leather

The treatment of each fungal skin disease in this classification requires an individual and comprehensive approach.

Important! You should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Otherwise, serious complications may develop, which may complicate therapy. Self-medication is strictly prohibited! It can lead to deterioration not only of the skin, but of the whole organism.

Symptoms of fungal skin diseases in which you should consult a doctor

Clinical manifestations of the pathology largely depend on the location of the lesion.

Mycosis of the scalp, for example, is characterized by the appearance of bright red plaques, covered with gray scales on top. In some cases, deep foci of inflammation are formed. The pathology is characterized by breaking off of the hairs at the root, at a height of about 5–8 mm. Patients usually complain of severe itching and rapid hair contamination.

Mycoses of skin folds are characterized by edematous pink rounded spots with a smooth surface and clear contours. If timely therapy is not carried out, individual foci merge into a single one with the formation of vesicles and crusts. Patients complain of excruciating itching.

With mycosis of the feet, peeling is noticeable on their surfaces. Usually cracks do not become inflamed and do not bleed. In some cases, plaques and calluses form on the feet.

With onychomycosis (nail lesions), grayish-yellow stripes appear on the plates. In this case, the nails become brittle and prone to deformation. If the pathology is running, itching and discomfort occur. In some cases, the transparency of the nails is reduced, and their edges are thickened, may be bent.

Mycosis of smooth skin is characterized by the formation of scaly flat pink and red spots. Inflamed areas may appear along their borders. Due to increased pigmentation, the central parts of the spots turn brown. Patients complain of pain, itching and burning of the affected areas.

Diagnostics

The examination is organized by a dermatologist. It begins with a skin examination, for which a dermatoscope and a Wood’s lamp are used. The doctor also collects an anamnesis. Thanks to him, the specialist can identify the causes of fungal skin lesions.

Comprehensive diagnostics includes:

• Scrapings. They are performed from the affected areas. The microscopic method allows you to quickly detect fungal spores or mycelium. To clarify the pathogen, a mycological study is carried out
• Complete blood count. It allows to identify concomitant diseases of internal organs
• Biochemical blood test. It also allows you to assess the general condition of the patient

If necessary, the patient is referred for consultations with narrow specialists. Such consultations are relevant, since dermatomycosis often develops against the background of chronic diseases of internal organs.

Possible complications

Cracks and erosions that appear on the skin with fungal infections are the entrance gate for bacteria. Therefore, this pathology can provoke:

• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Plantar warts, etc.

When patients self-medicate, the risk of more serious complications increases. Therefore, it is not worth delaying a trip to the doctor. Only he can timely prescribe the necessary therapy and prevent the deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Methods for the treatment of fungal skin diseases

Conservative therapy

Always carried out in a complex and individual way. Means are selected taking into account a number of factors, including not only the type of pathology, but also the personal characteristics of the patient, his secondary diseases.

The treatment of any fungal skin disease is impossible without the elimination of the pathogenic fungus. For this purpose, antimycotics are prescribed. When selecting them, the dermatologist takes into account the general condition of the patient, the depth of the lesion and other factors.

The patient may be advised:

• Special antifungal ointments. They are applied directly to the affected areas several times a day. Ointments are used in courses until the symptoms of the disease are eliminated
• Antifungal varnishes. They are convenient for damage to the nail plates. Such products are distinguished not only by ease of use, but also by a pronounced therapeutic effect
• Fungicidal solutions. They are used for the purpose of antiseptic treatment of affected areas
• Systemic preparations. Such remedies are especially effective in moderate and severe cases of the disease. Usually these drugs are combined with topical

Antihistamine therapy is given to reduce swelling and itching. In case of circulatory disorders, the doctor may recommend drugs that improve microcirculation processes.

Also used in complex therapy:

• Vitamin and mineral preparations
• Herbal remedies
• Adaptogens

In some cases, for lesions of the nail plates, hands and feet, procedures such as medical manicure and pedicure are relevant. They involve the treatment of nails and skin with an antiseptic, the removal of dead areas with cutters, the application of special preparations to saturate tissues with valuable nutrients.

The patient may also be advised to undergo a course of physiotherapy. Treatment of fungal diseases of the skin is carried out using the methods of ultraviolet radiation, amplipulse, diathermy.

Surgical interventions

Usually they are carried out for lesions of the nail plates. In this case, the nail is simply removed with a laser, radio frequency or standard scalpel. Surgical treatment is also relevant for abscesses and phlegmon. It allows you to open and drain the bacterial focus.

Prevention

The basis for preventing the development of pathology is the observance of personal hygiene rules. It is important to accustom yourself to the use of personal towels, combs and other items. You should also wash your hands regularly and refrain from walking barefoot in public places.

Important measures to prevent fungal skin diseases include:

• Elimination of excessive dryness of the skin
• Correction of excessive sweating
• Timely removal of diaper rash

If irritation and cracks or other damage appear on the skin, you should immediately contact a dermatologist and not start the problem.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Modern expert class equipment. It allows you to quickly identify the problem, its cause, stage of development and other features
• Multidisciplinary approach. It allows you to provide complex therapy. Our specialists understand that dermatomycosis is often provoked not only by external, but also by internal factors, and they are able to successfully eliminate them. Each patient is guaranteed to receive an individual set of funds
• Treatment according to the latest recommendations (including international ones). The therapy is carried out with high efficiency and in the shortest possible time. This allows you to return to a full life, forgetting about itching and other unpleasant symptoms of pathology
• Minimally invasive techniques. Thanks to them, the risk of complications is reduced and the rehabilitation period is shortened

To clarify the conditions for the treatment of fungal skin diseases or make an appointment with a dermatologist, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Dermatologist appointment
• Treatment of nail diseases, care and restoration
• Pediatric dermatologist consultation

Yeast Throat Infection: What You Need to Know

Commonly referred to as a yeast throat infection in everyday life, the scientific name is oral candidiasis. The disease is caused by microorganisms – fungi of the genus Candida. They are very common: according to WHO, up to 20% of the world’s population at least once in their lives suffered various forms of candidal infection ^[1] . And the form in which the fungus is localized in the mouth is one of the most common.

Description of fungi of the genus Candida

Candida are yeast-like unicellular fungi. In the external environment, they are found in soil and water, on food products (raw meat, fruits, juices, cottage cheese, milk), on household items. They are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms – this means that they can live on the human body for a long time without causing concern, and manifest themselves only with a decrease in immunity. In people without immune system disorders, the fungus is found in the mouth and nose, on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, in the vagina ^[1] . In a depressed state, it even benefits by participating in the formation of the body’s immunobiological reactivity ^[2] .

Two decades ago, fungi of the genus Candida were found as opportunistic microorganisms in the oral cavity only in 5.7% of healthy individuals. This figure has increased and is now around 50%, which can also be explained by improved diagnostic methods aimed at detecting fungi.

Sakharuk N. A., Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, VSMU ^[1]

Yeast fungi are resistant to external factors, able to adapt to conditions of limited nutrition and oxygen access ^[2] .

Stages of development of infection

The fungus can enter the oral cavity in three ways: by air, with food and by contact with an infected surface (for example, cutlery) ^[2] . Then the microorganisms go through the following stages:

• attachment to the surface of the mucous membrane;

• emergence of a colony;

• violation of the barrier properties of the mucous membrane;

• penetration into underlying tissues.

This process is easiest of all with mucous membranes, the epithelium of which is not prone to keratinization – these are the ones that cover the oral cavity ^{[1, 2]} .

Why Candida fungi are dangerous

The fungus contains several substances that are harmful to our body:

• endotoxins – poisons released during the decay of a microorganism after its death;

• aspartyl proteinases and phospholipases – enzymes that cause tissue necrosis;

• cell wall oligosaccharides that suppress immune responses ^[1] .

In addition, the fungus is able to transform into a filamentous form (the so-called pseudomycelium), which penetrates into the intercellular spaces and destroys tissues.

When the fungus becomes pathogenic

Candida fungi provoke the disease only in the presence of factors that contribute to their increased reproduction and penetration from the surface of the tissues into the deeper layers. These factors are exogenous and endogenous – that is, caused by external causes or internal problems of the body, respectively.

Exogenous factors

• Occupational hazard: work with acids, alkalis, cements, solvents. It can be dangerous work in confectionery and canning shops, where an increased content of fungal spores is recorded.

• Damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth caused by ill-fitting and badly worn dentures, sharp edges of fillings, poor oral hygiene.

• Chemical burns with resorcinol, formalin, electric shock burns during electrophoresis, radiation therapy in the head and neck.

• Local inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (recurrent aphthae, lichen planus, leukoplakia).

• Irrational and too long course of antibiotics, treatment with corticosteroids, simultaneous administration of drugs from these two groups.

• Smoking and alcohol abuse.

• Stressful situations.

• Unfavorable ecological situation.

Endogenous factors

• Acquired or congenital immune deficiency.

• Metabolic disorders: protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin, mineral.

• Endocrine diseases: diabetes mellitus, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, hypothyroidism.

• Chronic diseases of the digestive tract – especially those in which the acidity of gastric juice decreases.

• Iron deficiency.

• Serious diseases: tuberculosis, blood diseases, oncology ^{[1, 2, 3]} .

Classification of oral candidiasis

Infection can occur in several forms with different symptoms. All of them are collected in a pivot table.

Treatment of candidiasis

The most effective is an integrated approach with an impact on both the fungus and the cause of its activity:

• search for the factors that caused the pathogenic process, with the elimination or mitigation of their influence;

• general strengthening treatment with agents that stimulate resistance to microorganisms and strengthen the immune system;

• taking antifungal drugs ^{[1, 3]} .

Prevention of candidiasis

A few simple rules significantly reduce the risk of infection:

• use of antibiotics strictly according to indications;

• regular sanitization of baby’s nipples, toys, household items;

• twice daily brushing with quality toothpaste, eg Colgate Total 12;

• sanitation of the oral cavity: timely treatment of caries and periodontal diseases, removal of the roots of decayed teeth;

• dental care: rational prosthetics, correction of malocclusion;

• meticulous care of removable dentures ^[1] .