There are two main types of treatments for treating oral thrush - traditional medical methods and homeopathy. Traditional medicines can be applied topically (such as nystatin, 1% gentian violet) or in liquid form (such as fluconazole [Diflucan]). Nystatin is usually applied four times a day for about five to seven days. One study (patients with HIV/AIDS treatment) showed a cure rate of 52% (compared to 87% when using fluconazole; the immunocompromised state of the study population may affect the outcome). In the treatment of infants and young children, the use of gauze or Q-point application is more effective than merely drinking the formulation. Most pediatricians will choose topical nystatin instead of oral medications to facilitate the use and prevent the use of fluconazole for treatment failure; 1% of gentian violet is rarely used because it produces a lasting bright purple in the mouth or on clothes/sheets. .
Fluconazole is a once-a-day preparation that is used for 14 days. Primary side effects are rare (5% or less), usually intestinal disorders (gastrointestinal upset, vomiting and/or diarrhea). This side effect rarely requires stopping the drug. Compared with nystatin, the relapse rate of fluconazole (symptom recovery after apparently successful treatment) is less.
Whichever method is used, by reducing the possibility of reintroducing Candida into infants, it is believed that applying the drug to the nipple of a baby's nipple, or the nipple of a nursing mother or nursing mother can increase the success rate of treatment.
