Algodoncillo in babies: what is it, symptoms and how to get rid of it

Algodoncillo in babies is an infection that occurs in the mouth caused by a called mushroom Candida albicans, It is more common in babies under 6 months, due to the fact that the immune system is not fully mature, causing small white spots or white plaques that can be confused with the remains of milk in the baby’s mouth.

A newborn baby can contract the sapito, scientifically known as oral candidiasis, at the time of childbirth, due to contact with the mother’s vaginal canal or by contact with poorly washed objects, such as bottles or suckers. The use of antibiotics can also be another cause of the development of this fungus, due to which it alters the microbiota of the mouth.

Whenever you look for cotton wool on the baby, it is important to consult a pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which generally consists of the use of a liquid antifungal agent.

Symptoms of cotton wool in babies

The main symptoms of cotton wool are:

• White spots or plates with the appearance of queso cuajado on the lips, tongue, palate, encroachments, tonsil or on the inner part of the mejillas;
• Crushed skin at the lip corner;
• swelling of the mouth;
• Bleeding in the affected region of the mouth to try to clean the white spot;
• Constant cry;
• Irritation or agitation;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Decreased appetite.

In addition, the baby may have difficulties to breastfeed or refuse to breastfeed, which may cause dehydration, which can be perceived through symptoms such as decreased urinary frequency, dryness of the skin, mouth or tongue, collapse of the mole or excessive sleepiness. See how to identify the symptoms of dehydration in the baby.

In some cases, the sapito can also cause the appearance of white points in the nails and folds of the skin, for example.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of cotton wool is carried out by the pediatrician through the evaluation of the baby’s mouth and, by the general, it is not necessary to carry out other complementary measures.

main causes

The algodoncillo is caused by the hongo Candida albicans that can be transmitted to the baby at birth and through the birth canal. However, the most common cause of candidiasis is the contact of the baby with the mushroom who can be present in the bottle or the chupón.

In addition, if the baby is being breastfed and the mother has a yeast infection in the foot, called mammary candidiasis, the yeast can also be transmitted to the baby and cause candidiasis. See how to identify mammary candidiasis.

In the case of treatment with antibiotics, on the part of the woman or the baby, there is also a greater risk that the game will develop and provoke the sapito in the baby.

How to remove cotton wool

The treatment for cotton wool in the baby should be indicated by the pediatrician, who can recommend the application of an antifungal in the form of liquid, cream or gel, such as nystatin or miconazole, in the affected region of the mouth.

In addition to this, the application of an antifungal cream on the feet of the mother who breastfeeds is also a form of treatment, preventing the retransmission of the fungus from the mother’s breast to the baby again. In these cases, the treatment must be guided by the gynecologist, who may indicate the use of antifungals in the form of ointments or tablets.

Care during treatment

During the treatment of the sapito in babies, it is important to take some precautions to avoid reinfection with the yeast, which include:

• Wash twice with a soft soap and dry with a clean and dry towel before handling the baby;
• Avoid kissing the baby;
• Sterilize the pacifiers, bottles or jugs that the baby takes to the mouth, leaving them in water for at least 20 minutes after each use;
• Wash the cloth pañales or clothes that have been in contact with the baby’s mouth, at a temperature of 60 degrees or in boiling water;
• Keep the milk extractor piezas fresh for 20 minutes after each use.

In addition, it is also important to keep the breast always dry and clean, using absorbent lactation pads, which must always be wet to prevent the proliferation of the fungus.

Natural remedy to treat cotton wool

During the treatment of cotton wool, you can also use a natural remedy to relieve the baby’s ailments, which consists of applying a soaked gas with garnet, which has antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the baby’s mouth.

It is important to note that it is made from garnet, as well as any other home remedy, it is used to complement the treatment indicated by the pediatrician but never to replace it.