Thrush (Age 2 months up to 5 years)

Teach the Caregiver to Treat Local Infections

• Explain how the treatment is given
• Watch her as she does the first treatment in the clinic
• She should return to the clinic if the infection worsens

For Thrush

• If there are thick plaques the caregiver should:
  - Wash hands with soap and water
  - Wet a clean soft cloth with chlorhexidine 0.2% or salt water, wrap this around the little finger, then gentle wipe away the plaques
  - Wash hands again
• Give nystatin 1 ml 4 times a day (after feeds) for 7 days
• If infant is breastfed,
  - Check mother’s breasts for thrush. If present treat mother’s breasts with nystatin
  - Advise mother to wash nipples and areolae after feeds
• If bottle fed, change to cup and make sure that the caregiver knows how to clean utensils used to prepare and give the milk

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Integrated Management of Childhood Illness 2022; Child (Age 2 months up to 5 years); Treat for Local Infections; Thrush

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Last checked for updates: June 2023