Cracked or damaged nipples – often caused by breastfeeding – make the nipples more likely to get infected. Nipple thrush happens when a yeast-like fungus called Candida (also the culprit behind
) enters the skin of the damaged nipple.Cracked or damaged nipples – often caused by breastfeeding – make the nipples more likely to get infected. Nipple thrush happens when a yeast-like fungus called Candida (also the culprit behind
) enters the skin of the damaged nipple.Often, nipple thrush develops when a breastfeeding baby already has
. Vigorous breastfeeding can cause a break in the nipple surface, allowing Candida from the baby’s mouth to pass into the nipple.Look out for these signs and symptoms of nipple thrush:
It’s also worth checking if your baby has symptoms that may suggest oral thrush, such as:
If you or your breastfeeding baby have any symptoms of thrush, you’ll need to see your doctor or health practitioner to get treatment. They can review your symptoms and arrange tests like swabs from you and the baby if needed. While it is possible for thrush to get better itself, it’s highly contagious and sometimes the only way to break the cycle of infection is to get proper treatment.
If you are experiencing any kind of unusual
or symptoms, with or without other nipple thrush symptoms, speak to your doctor.If you’re breastfeeding, you’re more likely to develop nipple thrush. You may also be more likely to get it if you:
Nipple thrush is often treated with an antifungal cream that is applied around the area of infection after breastfeeding. It’s important to wash your hands after applying any cream, to prevent the spread of the infection. Your doctor may also prescribe antifungal tablets.
You should see an improvement within 2 to 3 days, but the infection will take a while to clear completely so be sure to follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist.
While nipple thrush is contagious, it doesn’t mean you need to stop breastfeeding. Babies with oral thrush will be treated with an antifungal gel that needs to be applied to the affected area, or with an oral rinse in older children.
Because of the highly contagious nature of thrush, it’s easy for a nipple thrush infection to return. You can avoid this by:
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.