Little Girl with Yeast Infection

[Guest guest]

My own daughter (3 and a half) has unfortunately inherited my vulvar issues and had trouble with chronic yeast for almost a year before we found a good dermatologist. I'm afraid that we had to resort to pharmaceuticals but I do have some tips that helped that have nothing to do with medication.

First, I used a hairdryer on no heat low setting to dry her area after baths, I only used free and clear wipes or a damp cloth to clean and only if there was a bowel movement. I still bathe her in warm water with about an eighth of a cup of sea salt in it. I avoid any fragranced soaps and no bubble baths. I use desitin as a barrier to prevent irritation even when she does not have a rash. And of course I only dress her in loose fitting clothing and when I need to have her in tights I use the kind that are a heavier knit material and not the kind that are thin like hose. I did try a peri bottle with her but it freaked her out too much so we just went with the sea salt baths.

I hope some of this helps.

Also, I know you are not interested in treating with meds, but what worked for us was to treat the underlying condition. I spent about 2 months strait treating with antifungles on and off before I told her Pediatrician that I had seen this pattern before and was not going to continue the cycle that would have eventually destroyed the skin like it did for me. When I went to the dermatologist they were very interested in my history of Lichen Sclerosis and they are just treating her as if she has it. I use a medium strength steroid cream on her once a week, mixed with some Anal Pram (1% hydrocortizone and lidocane). And once a week I use a little bit of protopic, just a tiny bit less then a pea size amount (same with the steroid cream) mixed again with the analpram. Since I started doing that and using the desitin daily as a barrier, she has not had another yeast infection and she no longer complains daily of "owies on her bottom".

Another thought is that I know kids usually swim a lot in the summer and that usually means a clorinated pool. I find that clorine is an irritant for me and that it can make me more likely to get a yeast infection from the damp, or can actually damage the skin enough to set me up for an infection latter. I have been keeping an eye on my daughter to see if I notice a difference in symptoms with swimming. It might be something to think about. "Without rabbits a rabbits foot would be nothing but a disembodied hand full of unidentified toes." -PogoRecharge--play some free games. Win cool prizes too! Play It!

[Guest guest]

Thanks all SO much for all your suggestions for my friend's little girl

with the yeast issues. Basically, this child has systemic yeast

problems, she probably doesn't have a vaginal yeast infection but

rather a yeasty rash all over her bum. SO I have lots of great ideas to

think about and pass on. You guys are the best!

Melinda