From the Research
Yeast infections are generally considered abnormal in diaper-wearing pediatric patients when they persist beyond 2 years of age. While candidal diaper dermatitis is common in infants and toddlers due to the warm, moist environment created by diapers, persistent or recurrent yeast infections in older children should prompt further evaluation. Treatment typically involves topical antifungal creams containing nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days, as these have been shown to have similar efficacy with complete cure rates of 73%-100% 1. For more severe cases, oral fluconazole may be considered at 3-6 mg/kg once daily for 7-14 days. Prevention strategies include:
- Frequent diaper changes
- Gentle cleansing
- Allowing diaper-free time
- Applying barrier creams Persistent yeast infections beyond age 2 may indicate underlying issues such as immunodeficiency, diabetes, or antibiotic overuse that warrant further investigation 2. Caregivers should also be advised that cloth diapers should be washed in hot water and thoroughly dried to prevent fungal persistence. It's also important to note that nystatin has been found to be effective in treating oral candidiasis without interfering with warfarin metabolism, making it a safe alternative for patients using warfarin 3.