Thrush how do you catch it

While oral thrush in adults is not considered contagious, thrush can be passed back and forth from mother to infant during breast-feeding. Mothers can have yeast on the nipple that is spread to the infant, or the infant passes thrush to the nipples during breast-feeding. Both may need to be treated. Even though oral thrush in adults is not considered contagious, the yeast fungus can be spread through kissing.

However, a yeast infection in itself may or may not occur. Whether the uninfected person develops a yeast infection will depend on their current health status, medication use and other risk factors, which would place the person at risk for developing thrush. Some infants may also have a simultaneous yeast diaper rash.

Nursing mothers may show symptoms of a breast yeast infection with symptoms like:. Thrush is typically treated with an oral antifungal medication, which is either applied directly to the affected area or swished in the mouth. In some cases, oral tablets, or, rarely, intravenous antifungals may be required in more severe cases of thrush. Breast-feeding mothers may require treatment for a fungal infection to decrease repeated transmission of Candida during feedings.

Nursing mothers should consider cleaning nipples, wearing nursing pads, wearing a clean bra each day and appropriately cleaning breast pump parts. After nursing, letting the skin around the nipples dry completely before putting a bra back on can help minimize risk.

It is recommended that a person sees a doctor if there are symptoms present for evaluation and possible treatment. Typically speaking, thrush is not a concerning infection but can recur often.

At times, the infection can spread into the esophagus or bloodstream of certain people including those with weakened immune systems. However, if it is persistent or recurs outside of infancy it may be a sign of another underlying medical problem. Oral thrush is typically caused by a fungal infection that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Some uncircumcised men have Candida under the foreskin, but have no symptoms. Thrush can be diagnosed by examination of the affected area.

A swab can also be taken and tested in a laboratory to confirm a diagnosis of thrush. You can buy pessaries dissolving tablets you put into the vagina and cream over-the-counter from your pharmacy. Complete the treatment even if you are having a period.

Men should apply the cream to the genital area, penis and under the foreskin, if uncircumcised. Your doctor may also test for sexually transmissible infections, which can cause similar symptoms. Your sex partners may need treatment at the same time to stop you getting it again. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only.

It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

Skip to navigation Skip to main content Site map Accessibility Contact us. Search this site Search all sites Search. Babies are susceptible to thrush, as are those with AIDS and denture-wearers. The CDC estimates that between 5 and 7 per cent of babies younger than one month old, between 9 and 31 per cent of AIDS patients, and 20 per cent of cancer patients will develop thrush. The District of Columbia Department of Health warns that thrush can be transmitted through the secretions of an infected person.

Symptoms include: White patches on the tongue or oral mucous membranes Redness and soreness in the mouth Cracking at the corners of the mouth Difficulty and pain when swallowing Your doctor can diagnose thrush by taking a culture of your mouth and then comparing the results to your symptoms.