If your physician’s application instructions are different than the ones on the label, prioritize the orders given by your doctor. Do not cover the area with a bandage or any kind of wrap, as this can increase the chances of skin irritation. However, you can wear your normal clothing, including a bra. In most cases, you’ll need to apply the cream to your nipples 4 to 8 times daily after breastfeeding for 14 days. Some strains of candida may be resistant to topical antifungal medications. If your symptoms don’t ease during the course of treatment, ask your doctor to recommend another medication.
These may be labeled as a yeast infection cream like Monistat (miconazole) or an antifungal like Lotrimin (clotrimazole). If you started out with the prescription cream, finish your entire prescription before you switch to an over-the-counter option, unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Ketoconazole is another option if fluconazole does not help.
Your symptoms may improve after about 2-3 days, but it can take a week or more for the infection to clear up fully.
Try taking Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets as directed on the package, for instance. The beneficial bacteria in this probiotic are already naturally found in your body, and they may be able to help your body correct a yeast imbalance. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You might also try taking 250 mg of grapefruit seed extract a day, as this may help inhibit the yeast from growing. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Do not give any medications to your baby without talking to your pediatrician first. Since thrush is so contagious, it’s important to treat your baby’s thrush at the same time as your own. If anyone else in your family has a yeast infection, including a diaper rash, vaginal yeast infection, or foot fungus, treat that at the same time as well. [10] X Research source
For instance, if you normally feed your baby for 20 minutes every 2 hours, try feeding them for 10 minutes every hour, instead.
Discard the bag or paper towels after you use them on your nipples; otherwise, they could spread the infection. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin, and don’t leave it on for longer than 5-10 minutes, as doing so can damage your skin.
Avoid freezing this expressed milk to use later. The yeast will not be killed by freezing it, so it may be possible to reinfect your baby with this milk. If even pumping is too painful, you can supplement your baby’s diet with formula.
Avoid freezing this expressed milk to use later. The yeast will not be killed by freezing it, so it may be possible to reinfect your baby with this milk. If even pumping is too painful, you can supplement your baby’s diet with formula.
Do not take aspirin while you’re breastfeeding. Aspirin can cause a rare but dangerous disorder called Reye’s syndrome in infants and young children, and it’s unknown how aspirin in your breastmilk may affect your baby. [15] X Research source
Dry your hands with a paper towel and discard it to prevent spreading the infection to a towel.
If you use cloth diapers, you should do the same thing with them, especially if your baby has a diaper rash. However, it may be best to switch to disposable diapers until the infection is cleared up.
If you do wear pads to control leaks, wear disposable pads and change them often.
If you’re not sure how to clean an object, pour some drinking alcohol, such as high-proof vodka, into a spray bottle, and liberally spritz your child’s toys. The alcohol will evaporate, but first, it will sanitize the surface. Allow the alcohol to completely dry before you give the item back to your child.
Also, since candida is a fungus, the antibacterial soaps won’t be effective at healing your yeast infection.
Although a poor latch can often lead to pain during breastfeeding, pain due to thrush will not be relieved if you change your nursing position or your baby’s latch improves. [24] X Research source
If your nipples look flattened, misshapen, or white after you breastfeed, the pain is likely due to a poor latch. [27] X Research source If you only experience pain in one breast, if you have a fever, or if you notice a warm, red patch on your breast, you may have mastitis, a painful infection of your breast tissue. If you think you have mastitis, see your doctor right away.
In addition, any cracks or other damage may be especially slow to heal. [29] X Research source
You may also notice that your baby seems fussy during or between feedings, and they may make a clicking sound as they nurse. [31] X Research source
