Acute Pseudomembranous Candidiasis
Etiology- Candidiasis or candidosis is caused by species of Candida, usually albicans, which is a yeast-like fungus.
Mode of transmission- Not highly transmittable
Characteristics- Candidiasis can occur in any epithelial surface of the body but is especially common in areas that are consistently warm and moist, such as the feet and areas where skin overlaps, for example, in overweight persons where the rolls of skin and fat tissue overlap each other. manifests as multiple, raised, whitish, cordlike plaques with variable surrounding erythema. The plaques are always multiple, and it is not unusual for large areas of the oral mucosa to be affected. Because it represents an infection, patients are almost always symptomatic and complain of pain, discomfort, or burning.
Implications- Candidiasis is an infection that needs to be diagnosed and treated. The tendency for this infection to occur in immunocompromised patients should prompt the dental professional to carefully review the patient’s medical history for any sign of undiagnosed systemic problems
Treatment- Once the diagnosis is established, a variety of effective antifungal medications are used for treatment. Many clinicians treat the infection with topical medications such as nystatin oral suspension or clotrimazole troches. Effective systemic medication is also available, such as fluconazole.