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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What can I do for a persistent fungal infection on 4 year olds bottom?

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    Parenting Parenting Preschoolers (3-5)
    My 4 year old boy has had a fungal infection on his bottom (on external skin just next to anus) for over 2 months. I have been applying a once a day fungal cream twice a day, as a lower dose 3xday cream did not work, then the once a day cream used once a day did not work. However the infection is still there. The area is dry. What else can I do?
    • 2 answers
    • Lynette Lamb
    • Leah Marmulla
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    Lynette Lamb

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    For Medical Nutrition Chronic constipation and diarrhoea Gut/Bowel diseases & disorders Including Reflux Coeliac Disease and re Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), … View Profile

    If you have had topical medication from GP and it has been investigated by GP and strategies have not been successful it may be worth investigating diet.  There are a number of dietary considerations.  This depends on your sons  usual dietary intake and family history for food sensitivities.  Pawpaw ointment some mums report helpful topically.  Ensure plenty of fluid - not juices or ‘sugary’ drinks or foods.  I would be a little careful of the yoghurts -usual sugar content.  Possibly a probiotic powder.  Keep GP informed.  All the best.

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    Leah Marmulla

    Dietitian

    Leah's mission is quite simply to help others take steps to walk their life journey. We have four primary 'parts' creating our life experiences. The … View Profile

    Dear Mum,

    This can be distressing.  Considering fungal infections can easily live in areas that are warm, moist and dark, and in skin that is compromised by other conditions.  Has the GP done a swab?  Is the infection inside a dermatitis or psorisis lesion? 

    Being 4 years old, i am guessing he is toilet trained.  Is his cleaning method good - gentle wiping, and not leaving a residue?  What are his motions like are they soft and ‘slimy’ or are they firm/hard. 

    I also agree with Lynette, and there is a chance of a food intolerance that is compromising the skin and acting as an irritant.  Using a child dose of the Inner Health - Candex.  Call the company for the exact dose and their recommendation.  The Saccharmoyces cerevisiae probioitic has good research to support its use in yeast/fungal infections. 

    Be sure to include a wide variety of basic foods that are not brought in a packet, vegetables and grains.  Water and keeping the body clean is important.  Using olive oil, or even barrier creams can help to provide a barrier once the infection is under control. 

    Hope this helps, and keep asking such great questions.  you are not the only one who has had this or similar experience with their children. 

    To you and your boys health. 

    Leah 

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