Children Get Candida Yeast Infections Too
Many parents are surprised to learn that children, even babies, can develop yeast infections. While Candida albicans is a natural part of the body’s microbiome, an imbalance can lead to overgrowth, causing infections that affect the skin, mouth, digestive tract, and even deeper tissues. Just like adults, children can experience fungal infections ranging from mild to more persistent cases.
Research shows that Candida albicans and Aspergillus species are the most common fungal culprits in children, though non-albicans Candida species are becoming increasingly recognised (Jain 2010). Understanding how these infections develop and what treatment options are available is key to helping children recover quickly and preventing recurrence.
Children’s Yeast Infections Are Easy To Treat
Fortunately, most childhood yeast infections are superficial and easy to treat, with common conditions such as oral thrush, diaper rash, and tinea (ringworm) typically responding well to both natural and conventional approaches.
However, in some cases, fungal infections can extend beyond the skin’s surface, leading to subcutaneous (under-the-skin) infections that affect deeper tissues or, in rare instances, systemic infections that require more intensive care.
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Children Most At Risk Of Candida or Fungal Infection
Children, teenagers and young adults can be particularly prone to tinea fungal infections, something we’ll discuss in detail shortly. The good news is that children in most all cases recover from Candida yeast more quickly than adults do.
Some factors increasing a child’s risk of developing a yeast infection:
Causes of Fungal Infection In Children
Dr. William Crook, a renowned paediatrician and author of The Yeast Connection, was among the first to highlight how children, despite their physiological differences from adults, can develop Candida overgrowth due to many of the same underlying factors.
His clinical observations in the 1980s revealed that yeast-related illnesses should be strongly suspected in children whose parents have struggled with recurrent or chronic fungal infections, suggesting a familial susceptibility.
Additionally, children and teenagers who had persistent diaper rash or oral thrush as infants may be more prone to developing yeast infections later in life. This can be due to an imbalance in their microbiome from an early age, making them more vulnerable to fungal overgrowth when exposed to certain triggers.
The two primary causes of yeast infections in children are:
Understanding these risk factors can help parents take preventive steps to support their child’s microbiome and overall immune health.
Serious Yeast Infections Are Rare in Children
Overall, most serious or life-threatening fungal infections are rare in children, but they do happen from time to time. Paediatric fungal infections are most commonly found among children with weak immune systems. This can be due to a child’s increased susceptibility to an illness (like IBS, SIBO, etc.), or it can be caused by certain pharmaceutical drugs (Ankrah et al., 2016).
Children with certain health conditions may need to take certain pharmaceutical medications with side-effects that can weaken their immune system and put them at risk for fungal infections. There are many potential causes of a child’s fungal infection however, let’s look at the top causes.
3 Common Causes of Children’s Yeast Infections
There are three common groups of causes of children’s yeast infections we have found in our clinic:
1. Antibiotics and Children
Nearly one-third of the 47 million prescriptions for antibiotics written each year at outpatient facilities, such as doctor’s offices, emergency rooms, and hospital-based outpatient clinics, are unnecessary, according to recent research (Hyun 2017).
Research has found that regular use of antibiotics, corticosteroid, or TNF drugs can result in a Candida yeast imbalance in a child’s digestive system (Ezeonu et al., 2017).
Pharmaceutical medicines like antibiotics can also cause the Candida yeast to overgrow. This is because medicines like antibiotics kill normal and beneficial bacteria that usually prevent too much yeast to grow, while corticosteroids suppress the body’s immune response, allowing Candida yeasts to multiply and thrive more easily.
Antibiotics and Children: A Cautionary Overview
Antibiotics have long been linked to both beneficial and detrimental effects on children’s health. Studies dating back to the 1950s noted increased Candida albicans colonisation during antibiotic treatment, but it wasn’t until Dr. William Crook’s work in the 1980s that the connection between antibiotics and Candida overgrowth gained recognition.
Overuse of antibiotics, particularly for non-bacterial infections, can harm the body’s microbiome, leading to fungal overgrowth and potential long-term issues like obesity and allergies, as revealed in recent research from the Mayo Clinic.
Antibiotic Risks in Children
Responsible Use of Antibiotics
Take-Away
In conclusion, while antibiotics have their place, overuse can lead to serious complications in children. Always consult a healthcare professional before administering antibiotics, and prioritise gut health by incorporating probiotics post-treatment. This approach ensures a balanced, healthy recovery for your child.
2. Corticosteroids and Children
Corticosteroids, often prescribed for conditions like asthma or hay fever, are medications that reduce inflammation. Unlike anabolic steroids used by athletes, corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune response to reduce swelling and irritation.
These drugs can be taken internally via oral or intravenous routes or applied externally to treat skin conditions.
However, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to oral colonisation by Candida species, resulting in issues like antibiotic sore mouth, especially when combined with antibiotics (Arya 2022).
Careful use and monitoring are crucial, especially for children. Consult your doctor if your child is on these medications to discuss the best approach.
Key points
Types of Corticosteroid Drugs
Corticosteroids can also be inhaled, used intra-nasally, or applied to the skin, to reach the site of the inflammation. Topical corticosteroids are potent drugs, and may cause the skin to break down, especially a child’s delicate skin. Although early skin thinning can disappear if the topical corticosteroid is discontinued, prolonged use can cause permanent stretch marks called striae.
It is important to remember that systemically-prescribed corticosteroids may contain 10 to 100 times more medication than inhaled or intranasal delivery.
Steroid Drugs and Children: The Hidden Risks
The Dangers of Steroid Medications
Corticosteroids, classified by the CDC as immune-suppressing drugs, increase susceptibility to fungal infections. Research has found that children receiving corticosteroids had higher rates of Candida albicans resistance due to drug-induced genetic changes within the fungus.
Recent studies also link steroid use in children to a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood clots. A large Rutgers study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, examined over 933,000 U.S. children, both with and without autoimmune conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile arthritis, and psoriasis, confirming these risks (Verbanas 2020).
While corticosteroids are highly effective, they come with significant health costs. Inhaled or intranasal steroids pose fewer risks than systemic steroids, but they can still cause side effects like sore throat, mouth irritation, and withdrawal symptoms. Alarmingly, a recent study found that corticosteroid use was linked to Candida strains resistant to both itraconazole and fluconazole (Xiao 2020).
Common Conditions Treated with Corticosteroids in Children
TNF Inhibitors: Another Risk Factor
A third category of drugs increasing fungal infection risk in children are TNF inhibitors, used for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Due to their severe side effects, these drugs should be reserved only for cases where other treatments have failed.
While steroids and TNF inhibitors can be life-changing for some children, their risks must be carefully weighed against their benefits. Parents and healthcare providers should stay informed and explore safer alternatives when possible.
3. Children’s Diet and Yeast Infections
A child’s diet plays a critical role in controlling Candida yeast infections.
Foods high in sugar, such as sweets and ice cream, can promote yeast overgrowth. While it may feel natural to indulge kids in these treats, especially at family gatherings, frequent consumption of sugary or yeast-promoting foods can set the stage for Candida-related issues, particularly in children with weakened immune systems or picky eaters.
Ultra-Processed Foods
Many children consume ultra-processed foods, which contain ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated oils, and flavour enhancers. Two-thirds of all calories consumed by children and adolescents in the United States in 2018 came from ultra-processed foods, an increase of 60 percent from 1999, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the medical journal JAMA. (Wang 2021)
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are made to be extremely tasty, appealing, and high in calories. They use a mix of ingredients like sugar, salt, and fat including many additives to make the food more rewarding and satisfying. This combination stimulates the brain’s reward system, making you want to eat more and making it easier to over-consume (Calcaterra et al., 2023).
These foods, linked to childhood obesity and other health issues, make up a significant portion of children’s diets today. Examples include packaged snacks, sugary sodas, breakfast cereals, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meats.
Healthier Choices
Despite efforts to maintain a balanced diet at home, children are often exposed to junk foods at events or social settings. While occasional indulgence is okay, it’s important to minimise exposure to these unhealthy options to support proper growth, immune health, and to reduce the risk of Candida infections. Let’s protect our kinds from junk food marketing.
Encourage children to develop a balanced relationship with food by offering a variety of nutrient-dense meals and limiting sugary and ultra-processed options. Following a wholesome diet can go a long way in preventing Candida overgrowth and maintaining overall health.
Nutritional Deficiencies And Poor Immune Function
Children with Candida often develop the infection due to primary triggers such as antibiotics or steroidal medications, but fungal, bacterial, or viral infections can persist due to poor diet and stress. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial for immune health, especially in children, and so is a life free from continued stress we’ll discuss later.
Researchers have demonstrated how appropriate blood concentrations of vitamin D boosts the ability of immune cells to defend against bacterial and viral infections. (Walker 2009) More recent studies have found that Candida yeast infection individuals had significantly lower blood vitamin D concentrations. (Lim 2015)
Key Nutrients to Support Immune Function:
Vitamin D is particularly important, as deficiencies are linked to increased susceptibility to infections, including Candida. Proper nutrition strengthens the immune system, whereas poor diets and stress can worsen infections, making it crucial to address diet before turning to medications.
Why Diet Matters
A child’s diet should include fresh, whole foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats to fight off infections and improve immune function.
Lead By Example
The best way to encourage your child to eat healthily is to lead by example. Children naturally imitate their parents, so if you’re consistently choosing fresh, whole foods, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
If you’re snacking on unhealthy take-out, they’ll follow suit.
By eliminating ultra-processed, sugary foods and introducing nutrient-rich meals, you help their body regain balance, especially in preventing Candida overgrowth. This shift takes effort but is achievable with consistency.
My children, now adults, have adopted these habits, preparing fresh meals and even growing their own produce.
What About Sugar Substitutes?
There are many alternatives to sweets that your child can enjoy, but sugar is best obtained from natural food such as fruit or raw vegetables (like bell pepper).
Read: Sweetener
Here are a few examples of different forms of sugars as well as their benefits and disadvantages:
High Fructose Corn Syrup
From early clinical experience, it’s clear that diets high in refined carbs and ultra-processed foods, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), worsen Candida issues in children. Both glucose and fructose feed Candida, but HFCS, found in 40% of processed foods and especially sodas, poses a significant risk.
Excessive consumption leads to rapid Candida growth and increases the risk of yeast overgrowth. To prevent this, opt for natural sugars like raw honey or stevia, and limit sugary, processed foods.
What About Raw Honey?
Raw honey is unpasteurised (not heat-treated) and retains its antifungal properties. Studies have shown most raw floral honeys can combat Candida, thanks to its hydrogen peroxide production and antifungal activity (Guttentag 2021). Raw honey has been found to have antifungal properties that suggest it could be used internally as well (Irish 2006).
Another study found raw honey from Portugal (like Manuka honey) to have potent anti-fungal activity against several Candida species, in addition to staphylococcus aureus, and pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cultures. The researchers also found the honey could also act as a Candida biofilm reducer. (Fernandez 2021)
It’s a healthier sugar substitute, but moderation is key. Children may find raw honey so satisfying that they won’t crave other sugary treats like candy or ice cream. Always ensure the honey is raw to retain these benefits.
The Immune-Compromised Child
A child’s immune system can weaken for various reasons, making them more susceptible to fungal infections like Candida and Aspergillus. Below are common scenarios where children might become immune-compromised:
Addressing fungal infections in immune-compromised children requires a careful balance of treatment and infection prevention.
Genetic Susceptibility To Fungal Infections In Some Children
According to one researcher, the absence of drug-induced risk factors should raise suspicion of genetic defects in children and young adults with recurrent or severe fungal diseases. (Ochoa 2020)
When Stress Becomes Harmful
Toxic Stress and Its Effects
Toxic stress occurs when the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is over-activated, resulting in elevated cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol can lead to long-term changes in inflammation and immune function, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases (Dhabhar 2014).
However, if the stress is short-term and balanced by supportive, positive relationships with adults, the child’s brain and body can often recover from the stress.
Children exposed to intense, frequent, or prolonged stress, such as abuse, neglect, caregiver substance abuse, exposure to violence, or family economic hardship, may exhibit symptoms of toxic stress. This can affect their mood, cognition, energy levels, sleep patterns, and immune function.
Elevated cortisol levels from acute stress can lead to immune suppression by reducing the production of white blood cells (Thau 2022). Chronic stress can also alter brain chemistry, anatomy, and gene expression, potentially weakening the developing brain and causing lifelong issues in learning, behavior, and physical and mental health (McEwen 2011).
Stress and Immune Function
Research indicates that women experiencing chronic stress often have lower-than-normal morning salivary cortisol levels, which can be a marker of chronic stress. This chronic stress is associated with poor immune function and a higher incidence of vulvovaginal yeast infections (Ehrstom 2005). It is reasonable to infer that children in similar stressful environments may also exhibit low morning cortisol levels and compromised immune function, making them more susceptible to infections—whether bacterial, fungal, or viral.
Take-Away
- Stress Response: Beneficial in immediate danger; harmful when chronic or non-life-threatening.
- Toxic Stress: Over-activation of HPA axis; leads to elevated cortisol and long-term health issues.
- Effects of Chronic Stress: Impacts mood, cognition, energy, sleep, and immune function.
- Immune Function: Chronic stress may lead to immune suppression and increased susceptibility to infections.
Understanding and addressing the sources of stress in a child’s life, while providing supportive and positive environments, can help mitigate these adverse effects and promote better health outcomes.
Stress And Your Child
Prolonged or recurring stress can significantly impact a child’s emotional and physical well-being, influencing their health and longevity well into adulthood. While stress is a natural survival mechanism, designed to help the body respond to immediate threats, chronic stress can have lasting negative effects.
When Stress Becomes Harmful
Stress triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which enhance physical performance in dangerous situations. However, when stress stems from ongoing challenges—such as an abusive home environment or cyberbullying—the body’s response becomes less effective and more harmful.
Chronic exposure to stress, such as living with a caregiver struggling with addiction, can lead to toxic stress, which profoundly disrupts a child’s health.
Toxic Stress and Its Effects
Toxic stress occurs when the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is over-activated, leading to persistently high cortisol levels. This can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases (Dhabhar 2014).
Short-term stress, when balanced by supportive relationships, is often recoverable, but prolonged stress can have lasting consequences.
Children exposed to abuse, neglect, caregiver substance abuse, violence, or financial hardship may show signs of toxic stress, affecting their mood, cognition, energy levels, sleep, and immune function. Elevated cortisol from acute stress suppresses white blood cell production (Thau 2022), while chronic stress can alter brain chemistry, gene expression, and even brain structure, leading to lifelong issues in learning, behavior, and overall health (McEwen 2011).
Stress and Immune Function
Studies show that women under chronic stress often have abnormally low morning cortisol levels, which are linked to weakened immune function and higher susceptibility to infections, including vaginal yeast infections (Ehrstom 2005).
It is reasonable to infer that children in stressful environments may also experience immune suppression, increasing their risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Key Takeaways
- Stress Response: Essential for survival but harmful when prolonged.
- Toxic Stress: Over-activates the HPA axis, leading to high cortisol and long-term health effects.
- Chronic Stress Effects: Impacts mood, cognition, sleep, energy, and immune function.
- Immune Suppression: Chronic stress weakens immune defenses, increasing infection risk.
Identifying and addressing childhood stressors while fostering supportive environments can help mitigate these risks and promote long-term well-being.
Thank you for reading this page. Please feel free to leave a comment with your views or experiences.
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Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
