Our site uses cookies to make your experience on this site even better. We hope you think that is sweet.

Yes, I am okay. Know more
Planning for a baby?
Already Pregnant?
Have a Baby?
Have a Toddler?
Positive Parenting
Baby Names
Child Safety
Cord Blood
Life Skills
Premature Baby
Twins
Have a baby?
Baby Health

Fungal Skin Infection In Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

5 min read

Baby’s skin is very sensitive and is susceptible to infections, especially during the first year. So, if your baby’s skin appears scaly, or if the baby shows a tendency to scratch any part of the body like her head, face, hand, foot, or even the diaper area, and if red patches appear on the irritated area, you can suspect fungal infection. It can be a bothering condition for both mother and her baby. Read on to know about the different types and causes of fungal infections and ways to deal with it.
fungal skin infection in ba

  • What Are Fungal Infections In Babies?
  • What Are The Different Types Of Fungal Infections In Babies?
  • Causes Of Fungal Skin Infections In Babies
  • Symptoms Of Fungal Infection In Babies
  • How To Treat Fungal Infection In Babies?
  • Are Fungal Infections In Babies Dangerous?
  • How To Prevent Fungal Infections In Babies

What Are Fungal Infections In Babies?

Fungi are very small parasites that develop in areas such as dirt and on food. Likewise, they can also grow on the skin, mouth, hair and even on the nails of almost all living beings. Usually, these microbes are harmless, yet occasionally they can bring about problems called fungal infection.
Here we are talking about fungal skin infections in babies. In babies, the skin fungi live on the top layer of skin cells or soggy zones of the body, for example, between the toes or in the diaper area.

What Are The Different Types Of Fungal Infections In Babies?

There are several fungal infections affecting different parts of a baby’s body. As the fungus grows in moist, sweaty and warm areas, the folds of the skin of baby (like armpit, diaper area, and neck) are mostly affected by the fungal infection.
Tinea is the most commonly found fungal infections among the babies. This appears on hair, nail or skin. Tinea initially appears as small red spots and then eventually spread forming a red circle or ring. Hence, it is also called ringworm as it appears like small worms inside the skin. The fungal infection is differentiated according to the part in which it appears.

  • Scalp ringworm/ tinea capitis: This fungal infection affects the scalp of the baby. The hair follicle gets affected. It is characterized by patches of scaly, circular lesion that spreads to a significant area of the scalp. The part of the hair that get infected become fragile and easily break, and the affected area is extremely itchy
  • Body ringworm/tinea corporis: This fungal infection can affect any part of baby’s body, including the face (cheeks, chin, neck, and forehead). It is characterized by typical itchy, circular lesion with a red border
  • Fungal infection in diaper area: Usually, the fungal infection in the diaper area is easily mistaken for diaper rash. If the irritation and redness are symmetrical on the both sides of the area, where the skin stays in contact and if the redness and irritation persist even after applying the cream for nappy rash, you can consider it as fungal infection than just a nappy rash
  • Nail fungal infections/tinea unguium: Nail ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the finger or toe nail, characterized by a thickened, deformed yellow colored nail. Toenails are mostly affected than the fingernails

Causes Of Fungal Skin Infections In Babies

Both babies and older children can become infected with fungal infection, as it is very contagious. The baby can be infected through physical contact, or by sharing toys, towels, carpets, sheets, hair brushes, clothes, and hats. Pets can carry and transfer the fungus to the baby when you let your baby play with the infected pet. It can even present in soil (moist, sweaty, warm, and unclean skin supports the growth of fungi). Therefore, the chances of your baby getting infected when you take him to a garden or park are high. Swimming pools and other shared spaces are prime spots to pick up these infections.
Fungal skin infections in babies occur when fungi attack the outermost layer of their skin on the body or scalp. Excess sweating in babies only aggravates the infection.

Symptoms Of Fungal Infection In Babies

  • Circular patches with a scaly red outline with smooth center
  • The area of the circle and the number of patches increases with the increase in humidity, as the fungus thrives in moist conditions
  • When the fungus infection occurs on baby’s scalp, the baby develops itchy bald spots with the remnants of broken hairs
  • At times, the skin can get infected and can ooze out pus
  • Nails become thick and discolored
  • Sole of baby’s feet develops cracks

baby with infection

How To Treat Fungal Infection In Babies?

The treatment is based on baby’s age, baby’s health, the intensity of infection and the location of infection. It is very important to prevent the baby from scratching the affected area, as it can aggravate the infection and it can spread to other parts. Never let the baby’s nails to grow. Some of the most common treatment options for fungal skin infection in babies are:

  • Treatment options for fungal infection on the scalp
    • Antifungal shampoo is used in treating fungal infection on the scalp
    • Doctor will recommend some anti-fungal cream to be applied on the affected area
    • It is also recommended not to cover baby’s head with a cap or cloth. Expose the affected area to air as this will help the patches to dry up soon, and the recovery will be faster
  • Treatment options for fungal infection on the body
    • Doctor will recommend anti-fungal cream to treat fungal skin infection on baby’s body. The cream should be applied on the affected area as per the directions. Usually, four to eight weeks of treatment is prescribed. However, it is advisable to complete the course even if the external symptoms subside
    • Depending on the intensity of the infection, sometime doctor may also prescribe oral medication
    • Dress your baby in loose cotton clothes only
  • Treatment options for fungal infection in diaper area
    • Keeping the skin dry is the primary concern when it comes to fungal infection in the diaper area. Unlike other areas, diaper area is more subjected to dampness (which helps the thriving of fungus). To avoid this, sometimes doctors suggest using cornstarch in the diaper area
    • Diapers should be frequently changed
    • Use mild soap and water to clean the diaper area
    • Never let the infected area without applying the anti fungal cream as the cream also acts as a barrier in protecting the skin from dampness

Are Fungal Infections In Babies Dangerous?

In normal cases, the fungal infections in babies are not dangerous. However, if the baby has a weak immune system, the infection can get into the circulatory system, which is a dangerous condition. This usually happens if the baby is under some treatment for which IV’s or Catheters are induced into their skin for a prolonged period.

How To Prevent Fungal Infections In Babies

Here are some preventive measures to keep the fungal skin infections in babies at bay:

  • Make the baby wear flip flops when she goes to pool area or other sharing places
  • Never overdress the baby. Sweating encourages the fungus to thrive
  • Don’t share your baby’s hair brush, towels, pillows, etc,. with anyone even her older sibling
  • As fungal infections are contagious, never let your baby play with infected pets and people
  • Make sure you follow good hygiene measures and keep her clean and fresh always

Has your baby ever suffered any fungal infection? How did you deal with it and what measures did you take to prevent it? Don’t forget to share with us in the comments section below.

Responses (0)

Please check a captcha
Read this next

What to Feed the Baby in the First Year

The first year is always critical for the new baby. What will she eat, what will she wear, how to keep her safe, vaccinations… these are common questions all first-time parents ask. Food is, of course, very important because it is directly related to the development and the child’s growth. Babies breastfeeding will take between 8 and 12 feedings in a day. Those on formula foods will need between 6 and 10 feeds a day. Usually, solid foods will be introduced when the baby is around 6 months. Always remember, nutrition is key in the 1st year. Make sure to start a healthy eating habit quickly for your infant. But the feeding must always depend on the readiness of a child because every baby is different.     How Often an Infant Must Feed They are still very small, but they can know when feeling full or hungry. Feed her whenever she feels hungry. Each breastfeeding session is usually between 10-15 minutes. Formula and breastfeedings can be done deep into the night as well if the infant wakes up and cries because she is feeling hungry. Some parents add rice cereals to the bottle to make the baby sleep through the night. This is not recommended because it can easily....

5 min read

Importance Of Storytelling For Kids

The enchanting marvel of storytelling inspires kids and helps them relish a magical world. The importance of storytelling for kids is immense. Every captivating tale brings in new ideas to their imagination. Storytelling is no less than art. It is used to share wisdom across ages and communicate the essence of life. Do you believe that almost 60% of our conversations are based on storytelling? Are you spending time with your babies and kids sharing stories that hold the sight of magical moments?   What Is Story Time And What is the importance of Storytelling for Kids? Helps With Cognitive Development: Stories come in the disguise of cognitive development for your kids. Enhance The Imagination Power: Storytime helps to boost the imagination power of the child to a greater extent. Improves Language Development: They help to boost brain cells and help them with their language. Improves Bonding: Children understand emotions and reading together strengthens the parental bond. Helps To Teach Them Cultural Values: Tell them the stories of your culture and values. Every story brings them to experience new aspects of life. Soothes The Child: It is found that the....

5 min read

Foam Mats For Kids

As your baby starts to crawl, the first thing that will come to your mind will be about his or her safety. When your baby is crawling on a tough and harsh floor, the chances of his or her injuries increase a lot. That is where foam mats for kids come in. It is an excellent safety measure for your child. However, before you buy foam mats for your baby, you have to learn about it. So, in this article, let's discuss some important things about foam mats for kids.   Advantages Of Foam Mats Here are some advantages of using foam mats for your kids' playtime: Foam mats for kids usually come with bright colors to create a bright and playful ambiance in your house. It is safe for your baby to play in a foam mat, as it is unlikely that your baby might fall or slip. These foam mats create a separate section in your house as your child's playing area. Cleaning foam mats is very easy, as these mats are usually waterproof. Types Of Activity Mats For Kids Puzzle Mats: A basic mat for babies still exploring their environment. Ball Pits: This mat is ideal for infants and toddlers. Tummy Time Mats: This mat is excellent for the baby to lie on the tummy This mat is....

4 min read

Stroller For Kids

Finding the right stroller for your baby is very important. It will help you to go out with your baby conveniently. But, finding the ideal stroller for your child can be a tough job. You have to consider so many things before choosing the stroller for your kid. Also, you should know about the types of strollers to understand which one will be suitable for your child. So, in this article, let's discuss finding the right stroller for your kid.   What Age Is A Stroller Suitable For? You can use a stroller to transport your baby till the age of 3. After this age, you will not require a stroller to go out with your baby. The reason why you can use a stroller before the age of 3 is you will find it difficult to carry your growing baby wherever you go. So, using a stroller is a convenient option for the transportation of your child. Types Of Strollers Before you search for the ideal stroller for your kid, you have to understand the types of strollers available in the market. It will help you in finding the ideal one for your baby. Here are the 6 types of strollers you will find in the market: Double Strollers Perambulators Travel System Car Seat Strollers Jogging....

5 min read

Want personalized reading and shopping suggestions for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Come on, sell the idea of signing up with us in two lines so well that they HAVE to sign up.

Sign Up
image

Top 5 picks

  • 1

     Is It Safe to Take Alprazolam (Xanax) While Breastfeeding?

  • 2

    'Baby Talking' Or 'Parentese' - What's Your Pick?

  • 3

    10 Alarming Postnatal Symptoms That Need Medical Attention

  • 4

    10 Best Weaning Foods For Your Baby

  • 5

    10 Common Mistakes That New Parents Make

Want curated content sharply tailored for your exact stage of pregnancy?

Sign Up
Load More

165+ Services.

6+ Cities.

60K+ Parents Reviewed.

Explore Local Services.

Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.

Begin typing to search