Thrush is a yeast infection in a nursing mother and baby, while a yeast infection refers to overproduction of yeast in the genitals. Both present with white curd-like substance, and require medical attention. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and steroids increase the risk of thrush.
The difference between thrush and a yeast infection is the infected area. Thrush typically refers to a yeast infection in a nursing mother and her baby. In most cases, the baby gets infected from the mother. A yeast infection usually refers to the overproduction of yeast in the genitals.
Yeasts and bacteria are part of the microscopic food chain of the human body. Bacteria eat the yeast, and when there aren’t enough bacteria, the yeast grows too much. The result is a yeast infection.
The symptoms of both thrush and a yeast infection present in much the same way. The telltale sign is a white curd-like substance on the infected area. Any hot, humid area is susceptible. Thrush is typically found in the mother’s breast, on the nipple, in the baby’s mouth and on the baby’s bottom.
When a baby’s bottom is infected, thrush resembles severe diaper rash. The difference between thrush and a common diaper rash is that thrush is persistent despite treatment. Ointments might even make the rash worse. A breast infected with thrush will be very painful, and the nipple area will be red, flaky, or have a rash. Left untreated, a yeast infection in the breast can lead to blocked ducts and mastitis.
The mouth of a child with thrush will have white curds on the inside of the lips and cheeks. There may also be a white coating on the tongue. The curds may look like they can be scraped off, but doing so will cause redness and bleeding.
Mothers who took antibiotics during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing thrush, and taking oral contraceptives or steroids also increases the chances of developing a thrush infection. These drugs affect the immune system and impair the body’s ability to maintain its chemical balance.
Both men and women can develop genital yeast infections, and in either case, a white curd or discharge will likely be visible. In women, the vagina might also have a white coating and a foul odor. A vaginal yeast infection is usually itchy and uncomfortable. Yeast infections in men normally occur in the penis and there is often irritation around the penis and discharge. The tip of the penis is typically red and sore.
Both thrush and yeast infection require a doctor’s attention. Prescription drugs are needed to restore normal levels of bacteria. There are some home and natural remedies, but they probably shouldn’t be used in place of professional medical care.
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