I have had more people ask
questions about yeast in diapers. So I am writing a new post in hopes that this
can answer more questions about yeast. I will also be including information on
how to kill yeast with things you should have on hand. (Some people don't have
grapefruit seed extract or Tea Tree Oil.)
How to avoid yeast:
Diaper rashes that last longer than 3 days
contain yeast. Whether it turns into a full blown yeast infection may vary. (As
a per caution you may want to treat your diapers for yeast after your child has
a diaper rash to prevent it coming back.) diapers can carry what they call
yeast spores. Yeast spores will harbor in the diaper and wait for the right
moment to attack again; Hence, why some children in cloth diapers are more
prone to yeast infections. (Parents with babies prone to yeast you will want a
REALLY good wash routine 100% of the time.)
With the first sign of any
redness on a baby's bottom you will want to start treating immediately with
diaper rash creams. If it persists longer than 3 days with no improvement I
recommend attending the pediatrician for prescription cream for yeast. Nystatin
is a common prescription.
If mama or baby takes
antibiotics that can lead to diaper rash and than a yeast infection especially
if baby is nursing.
Treating baby for a yeast infection:
Yeast is best dealt with
right away. Yeast likes to multiply and feed in the right conditions.
Whoever changes the diapers
will want to take extra precautions at washing hands before and after a diaper
change.
When using per scripted
medication for the baby such as nystatin you will want to either switch to disposables
or use a liner in the diaper. These creams are not safe directly on the cloth
diaper. Make sure if you use a liner that the liner covers the WHOLE diaper.
You also want to use water
or cloth wipes. Disposable wipes have chemicals that feed the yeast. No good!
There are homeopathic
remedies to treating yeast at home as well. Such as coconut oil mixed with tea
tree oil.
Please note:
if not properly treated yeast infection can turn into thrust.
Treating your diapers:
You can find my wash routine for treating
yeast here: http://cupcakecovers.blogspot.com/2013/01/killing-yeast-cloth-diapers.html
There are other ways to kill
yeast. Most commonly used is the grapefruit seed extract (GSE) or Tea Tree Oil.
What if you don't have those items and are short on cash to purchase some.
Here are some alternative treatments.
Hot water: I mean HOT!
Temperatures over 122 degrees F will affective my kill yeast. You will want to
use a thermometer. Also double check with my manufacture of the diaper. You do
not want to ruin any PUL.
Chlorine Bleach (sodium hypochlorite): you may use bleach but you
need to make sure the bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. Some manufactures
don't recommend bleach so again please check with manufacturers.
Stabilizes hydrogen
peroxide:Hydrogen peroxide can work and is affective at
killing yeast.
I wish you the best of luck
at fighting and killing yeast!
Shannon
