Oral thrush is common in newborn babies and may appear about two weeks to a month after birth, or any time in the first six months. In infants, its appearance is often mistaken for milk or formula on the tongue or inner cheeks. Infants may also experience cracked skin in the corners of the mouth, and creamy, white, curd-like lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks. Oral thrush can also affect the gums, tonsils, palate and lips.

Initially, thrush may be painless. However, if the condition progresses, many individuals experience discomfort, especially if the thrush has spread from the mouth to the palate or throat. Signs and symptoms of oral thrush can develop suddenly, and may become chronic. In severe cases, lesions may spread into the esophagus (which connects the mouth to the stomach), causing a serious condition called Candida esophagitis.

Babies with thrush may also experience diaper rash as the infection spreads through the digestive tract. This rash tends to be very red and well-defined, and may be raised. Sores in the rash may contain pus, and additional lesions may appear on the stomach, thighs and a boy’s scrotum.

Irritability is also common and is most prevalent during feeding due to the mouth pain caused by thrush. Babies who suddenly refuse to nurse may have thrush.

Nursing babies can pass thrush on to their mothers by infecting the nipple during breastfeeding. An infected nipple is likely to be red, cracked and sore, and the skin of the areola may be taut and shiny. The mother may feel an intense burning pain in the nipples during and after nursing, or stabbing pains deep within the breast. This pain can be very intense.

Other symptoms associated with thrush include:

• Redness and/or bleeding of skin when lesions are rubbed or scraped
• A burning sensation in the mouth and throat
• Constant bad taste in the mouth
• Difficulty tasting foods
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Presence of other illnesses
• General feeling of sickness