Fluconazole for postpartum candidal mastitis and infant thrush

Ellen M Chetwynd1, Timothy J Ives, Patricia M Payne

  • 1Maternal and Child Health Program, Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Box 7595, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7595, USA.

This case report illustrates the difficulties inherent in treating candidal mastitis in lactating women and concurrent thrush in the breastfeeding baby. This mother's candidiasis vacillated from topical to ductal, depending on which medications were being used over the course of several months. Her baby's oral thrush was unique in that there were never any white plaques visible on his oral mucosa. Ultimately, both mother and child were treated simultaneously with oral fluconazole, with a relief of symptoms in both individuals.

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