Breast Yeast Infection
Breast yeast infection is a frequent condition in women who are lactating.
Since yeast thrives in a warm moist environment - a breast that is currently being used for feeding is a common place for the candida fungus to present itself.
The scientific name given to a yeast fungal infection is candida albicans - another name is monilia.
This article will review some causes, treatments and remedies for yeast infection of the breast.
Symptoms of a fungal infection of the breast include burning, itching sore nipples as well as painful feelings when trying to scratch the itch (which never goes away).
In addition - yeast discharge mixes with the breast milk in the breast ducts.
In severe yeast infections of the breasts - sores and blisters can develop - sometimes with periodic bleeding.
Since yeast is usually found in moist warm environments - it makes sense that a breast that is currently being used for frequent baby feedings is a good breeding ground for candida fungus.
Another reason could be that the infant has thrush in his or her mouth which is then passed to the mother's breast during feeding.
Treatment can be a bit tricky as whatever treatment is given to either the mother or baby - care must be taken to ensure that both infections are gone before resuming feeding (or the infection will continue to pass from the breast to the baby's mouth and vice-versa).
Another cause for a breast yeast infection is the use of drugs or antibiotics.
Drugs used to kill a virus or infection are quite effective at their prescribed job, however they also tend to kill the 'good bacteria' that are necessary to keep yeast levels at an optimal balance in the body.
When there is insufficient 'good bacteria' in the body, yeast can multiply to levels which create an outbreak.
Other drugs that can cause excessive yeast include birth control pills - which can cause hormonal shifts, which then result in candida infections.
A low immune system is another factor in causing a breast yeast infection as this also creates an imbalance in the body which cause yeast multiplication.
Since yeast thrives in a warm moist environment - a breast that is currently being used for feeding is a common place for the candida fungus to present itself.
The scientific name given to a yeast fungal infection is candida albicans - another name is monilia.
This article will review some causes, treatments and remedies for yeast infection of the breast.
Symptoms of a fungal infection of the breast include burning, itching sore nipples as well as painful feelings when trying to scratch the itch (which never goes away).
In addition - yeast discharge mixes with the breast milk in the breast ducts.
In severe yeast infections of the breasts - sores and blisters can develop - sometimes with periodic bleeding.
Since yeast is usually found in moist warm environments - it makes sense that a breast that is currently being used for frequent baby feedings is a good breeding ground for candida fungus.
Another reason could be that the infant has thrush in his or her mouth which is then passed to the mother's breast during feeding.
Treatment can be a bit tricky as whatever treatment is given to either the mother or baby - care must be taken to ensure that both infections are gone before resuming feeding (or the infection will continue to pass from the breast to the baby's mouth and vice-versa).
Another cause for a breast yeast infection is the use of drugs or antibiotics.
Drugs used to kill a virus or infection are quite effective at their prescribed job, however they also tend to kill the 'good bacteria' that are necessary to keep yeast levels at an optimal balance in the body.
When there is insufficient 'good bacteria' in the body, yeast can multiply to levels which create an outbreak.
Other drugs that can cause excessive yeast include birth control pills - which can cause hormonal shifts, which then result in candida infections.
A low immune system is another factor in causing a breast yeast infection as this also creates an imbalance in the body which cause yeast multiplication.
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