Frequently Asked Questions #14

1. It has been three weeks and my baby’s diaper rash has not gone away. Why is that?

If your baby’s stubborn diaper rash hasn’t gone away after a few days despite all available treatment, you are most likely dealing with a yeast infection rash. A yeast infection diaper rash is actually a very common occurrence in newborn babies. Babies can get yeast infection on their bums for many reasons – the area is not being cleaned and dried properly, if you or the baby are on antibiotics, if baby has oral thrush, or if he or she is having frequent stools.

It is quite easy to find out if your baby has a candida overgrowth. You will want to check their tongue and the roof of the mouth for white spots. Having oral thrush can lead to having a diaper rash. OT looks the same in babies as it does in adults. Alternatively, a candida overgrowth in babies can also manifest itself through a diaper rash. Symptoms of this rash are the following: raised sore spots that look like blisters, concentrated mostly around the bum area, unresponsive to regular diaper rash medications, still there after 3 or 4 days, may bleed if one is rough.

Before heading to your baby’s doctor where you may be prescribe nystatin or a topical cream, you could try out natural at home remedies. Many parents swear on grapefruit seed extract for treating their baby’s rash. Because GSE can be potent and quite strong, it is advised to be added as drops into distilled water, which then can be sprayed on baby’s bum. Coconut oil, due to its anti-microbial/fungal properties, is a great natural ointment for diaper rashes with yeast infection as well. Change baby’s diaper frequently as to avoid wet and moisture sitting there for too long. Use water instead of baby wipes to clean baby’s bum. Always use a barrier cream on baby’s dry bum.

For more information on fighting diaper rashes, watch Dr. Bakker’s video where he gives other tips to help parents overcome yeast infection in babies:

2. I keep losing a lot hair when I shower. What could be the cause?

Hair loss happens to everyone. If you are losing between 80 to 100 hair strands a day, do not fret as it is normal. However, if you are losing hair in extreme amounts, it can be cause for alarm. Before jumping into major conclusions about the loss and going shopping for expensive shampoos or whatnot, rule out the main causes of hair loss. Causes can include hyperthyroidism, stress, post-pregnancy, anemia, chemotherapy, iron insufficiency, etc. If you suspect you may have thyroid issues or low iron count, it is never a bad idea to get your doctor to test your blood. A blood test can shed light into any deficiencies or thyroid malfunction. Once you have found the cause, you can get the appropriate treatment.

If none of the causes that are normally behind hair loss apply to you, you may be looking into fungal infection as one. A fungal infection of the scalp can lead to hair loss. It can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Symptoms of a fungal hair infection include severe dandruff, losing hair in patches, constant itchiness, and blisters on the scalp. To help treat a fungal infection, you can try some at-home remedies before getting help from a doctor. Apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds, coconut oil are some at-home staples that can be used in order to treat the infection. If the infection is constant and stubborn, contact your doctor if nothing works.

3. Is there a way to treat my ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition where the digestive tract is inflamed and ulcers are common, affecting the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. Many times, UC is confused with Crohn’s disease as they may share some of the symptoms. However, what differentiates them is that UC only occurs around the large intestines and colon, whereas Crohn’s disease can happen anywhere in the body, especially in the small intestines. Those who have UC complain about the condition being debilitating and very uncomfortable. Some of the main symptoms include diarrhea which has blood or pus in it, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding accompanied with pain, urgency to have a bowel movement. Exact causes of UC are not known, however, poor diet and lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on the affected person.

According to a study, those who have irritable bowel diseases like UC or Crohn’s are more susceptible to a candida overgrowth in their system. If you are unsure whether you have a yeast infection, you can ask your doctor to get your stool tested. The colonization of a candida overgrowth in the presence of UC can impact the treatment in a negative manner. Candida delays the healing process and may even further exacerbate your UC. The study stated that the treatment of the fungal overgrowth in such individuals will benefit the patients in treating their UC. Treating candida will help re-establish the gut flora and help decrease the inflammation in the digestive tract.

4. I have a bad fibromyalgia flare-up. What can I do about it?

Having fibromyalgia is no fun. This condition causes pain all over the body of the affected person. They may be dealing with brain fogginess, problem remembering or concentrating, insensitivity to pain, insomnia, IBS, migraines, muscle pain, and much more. Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, experts believe that it has to do with abnormal levels of chemical imbalance in the brain. As a result, the central nervous system is unable to process pain appropriately and send signals to the body. It has been noticed that people develop fibromyalgia soon after a physically or emotionally stressful period in one’s life (surgery, break up, accident, etc). Women are at a higher risk of developing it.

There is no exact test to identify this condition. However, once all ailments have been ruled out and your doctor confirms the diagnosis, you can go ahead with creating a good treatment plan. Treatment can include medication for depression or for pain management, lifestyle changes which include relaxation, exercises which help with reducing pain. Fibromyalgia is often seen in patients who have irritable bowel diseases or a candida overgrowth. Having fibromyalgia may cause a weak immune system which is unable to fight off a yeast infection. This can disturb the natural gut flora. If you suspect or are unsure if you have a candida overgrowth, it may be worth getting tested for it. Treating the candida overgrowth may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

5. My doctor said I have cutaneous candidiasis. I have never heard of it. What is it and how can I treat it?

Cutaneous candidiasis is the yeast infection of the skin. It is caused by a candida albican overgrowth in the body. As we know, this fungi loves to live on warm, moist and sometimes dark areas. Cutaneous candidiasis is usually found in the groin, folds of the body, underneath the breasts, etc. It looks red with satellite lesions distributed in patches. It can be quite uncomfortable due to the feeling of itchiness and/or burning. It happens on skin that is often moist and not exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include itching, burning, tingling.

Treating CC at home is possible. You will want to keep the affected area as dry as possible. If you have the environment, expose that area to sunlight. Avoid wearing tight clothing that may irritate the area. Do not use scented products. Do not scratch the area. Dietary changes are important as well. To get rid of a candida overgrowth, it is important to stir away from sugars and carbs. Stir clear from sodas, candies, refined foods that feed the yeast infection. You can use tea tree oil soap to wash the body. If you find that after a week or two, the infection is still there, you may want to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

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