My baby has a yeast infection in the folds of her neck. How do I clean it without hurting her?

Question

Her neck looks raw and bright red. We've been to the doctor and we have an antifungal to use to clear it up, but we can't get it clean without her screaming bloody murder.

Answer 1

It is going to be painful for her no matter what, unfortunately. Just be as gentle as you can. Use the softest cloth you can find (maybe flannel or suedecloth) and wet it with warm water. WIpe the folds of her neck gently to clean and dry with a soft, dry cloth. Use the cream as directed.

Play soft music and have someone sing or talk quietly to her while you do it to help her relax. Also someone else could gently rub her feet or legs to make her feel better and to distract her. When you are done cleaning and drying her neck immediately cuddle her and calm her down.

I know sometimes things like this are more painful for mamas than for babies. It sucks to see your baby in pain. Fwiw, babies have very very short attention spans, so almost immediately after the pain she will forget it. If you keep her neck clean and dry and use the cream, it should clear up.

Yeast infections in the neck are very common.  

Answer 2

One of the best things you can do is purchase some Liquid Acidopholus Culture at the Health Food store and clean the Yeast infection with it (instead of water)...Acidopholus has Enzymes that naturally counter-act yeast...it is cooling as well and won't burn since it is Ph balanced, it is soothing...use it before you apply the Antifungal Ointment

Answer 3

My daughter gets this every now and then and we use Boudreaux Butt Paste (or anything you would use for diaper rash would work).  Just rub a bit on the tip of your finger and wipe it in the folds of her neck.  The redness clears up within a day!  I wouldn't worry about scrubbing it too much in the bath.

Answer 4

put desitine on it, i had the same problem with my son and thats what the pediatrician told me. cleared it up in like 2 days but it keeps comming back you just gotta keep up wioth it

Answer 5

my baby too had it before ,DON'T USE WIPES  OR COLOGNE OR ANY CHEMICAL PRODUCT.

just clean it with a warm water and baby wash ( # 1 choice of hospitals johnson's head-to-be baby wash)  ,keep it  dry and soft always.use baby cream just a little bit .

Answer 6

If you lay her across your knees on her back with her head leaning back (off the side of your knees) you'll be able to get into the folds of her neck better, and thus you'll be able to do so more gently.

Keep the antifungal cream in the fridge, that way when you put it on it will be nice and cool which will help to make it less uncomfortable for her.

You could also try giving her a bottle or something to hold which will distract her as you do it.

Best of luck, hope it clears up quickly for her :)

Answer 7

The most important thing you can do is air it out.  my daughter had a fungus so bad it was oozy.  One day each time she napped I held her folds up.  she was better before I even applied the cream. If you really need to put the cream ob just lie her in her back and lift up her chin--she'll cry but there's no way around it.  If she's holding her head up lie down on your back and put her face down on top of your chest.  you'll get really good access to her neck without bothering her too much.  Also, have an infant carrier she might fall asleep with her head back a little so you can get in there.