Present in the skin even without symptoms, the microorganism Candida albicans But did you know that there is a variation of it called candidiasis of the breast?

As the name suggests, it affects the breast region, and usually affects mainly women who are in the post-pregnancy period, because of breastfeeding babies.

Symptoms of Breast Candida

When the body is in a state of low immunity, the fungus can end up spreading and, consequently, causing the mammary candidiasis. From this, it is possible to notice symptoms such as pain, redness, tightened skin, wounds with difficulty in healing, itching, among others.

In mothers who are breastfeeding, you may also notice a small discoloration in the areola and nipple area and flaking. Thus, the skin becomes more sensitive, and sometimes shiny.

And the disease can also end up affecting babies. In these cases, newborns who are breastfed can get the popular "little frogs," which are white spots that make the tongue and gums more sensitive, and which do not always have a visual presentation, being asymptomatic.

Causes

There are two main factors related to what causes breast thrush. The first is when immunity is lower, which can be due to a skin wound or infection, for example.

The second case is when the fungus é transmitted by the baby itself, orally, through breastfeeding.

Treatment for candidiasis of the breast

Through clinical diagnosis, the health professional will know how to identify and treat breast candidiasis in the most appropriate way. According to the patient's condition, she should follow the gynecologist's guidelines, but there are more serious cases that need intervention from a mastologist or dermatologist in parallel.

Thus, antifungal medications such as nystatin-type ointments and miconazole nitrate are used over two weeks, applied after each breastfeeding moment.

When ointments do not resolve the problem, oral treatment is recommended, with drugs such as fluconazole over a period of fifteen days, with medical supervision and guidance.

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Prevention

But, it is also necessary to pay attention to hygiene details and not use products that make the breasts too moist or stuffy, such as halo moisturizers that are prone to cause cracks.

Finally, hand hygiene should also be prioritized. In addition, it is suggested not to breastfeed with the use of artificial nipples, which facilitate the proliferation of fungus. Finally, the use of pacifiers in babies is contraindicated.

Source : Dr. Rogério Tabet, gynecologist/obstetrician at the Public Health System. CRM:97801.