Thrush is characterized by a thick, white coating on the tongue, inner cheeks, inner lip area, or gums. This coating can be distinguished from the very common grayish discoloration of the tongue associated with the comminuted tablets of breast milk or infant formula in several ways: (1) oral candidiasis is very bright white - milky flakes are off-white; (2) oral Candida infections may also involve buccal surfaces, inner lip areas, and gums, while the crumbs are limited to the tongue; (3) Oral Candida is quite adherent to the involved skin surface, and milk chips may be easier to wipe off with a damp rag. Throat or milk crumbs are restricted to the mouth without causing discomfort or other symptoms.
Maternal nipple / canary candidiasis usually causes signs and symptoms such as redness and tenderness in the affected area. The rash associated with Candida diaper dermatitis is generally not associated with irritation as the more common diaper rash is due to excessive stool and urine over-contact with the baby's skin.
