Candidiasis
"The prognosis is good, with both topical and systemic treatments being curative. But if the predisposing factors of these mycoses are not corrected, another new infection is possible".
DR. LEYRE AGUADO GIL
SPECIALIST. DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Candidiasis is an infection caused by fungi of the genus Candida, Candida albicans being the most common species. These fungi are part of the normal flora of the skin, mouth, intestinal tract and vagina, and generally do not cause problems under normal conditions. However, they can cause infections when there is an imbalance or weakening of the immune system or changes in the body's natural environment that allow them to grow out of control.
Most Candida species are saprophytic and can form part of the skin flora, with the exception of Candida albicans, which when found on the skin is the etiologic agent of primary candidiasis.
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
The most common symptoms are:
- Whitish plates.
- Itching.
- Burning sensation.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
You may present a candidiasis
Cutaneous candidiasis
Onychomycosis candidiasis. With certain frequency it appears in children with thrush and in adults with intertrigo of small interdigital folds.
It can show up as a painful inflammation of the periungual border, accompanied by minimal purulent secretion or as a thickening of the nail plate with pointed depressions and transverse grooves.
Candidiasic intertrigos. It is the most frequent clinical form. It can affect large folds, such as armpits, groin, intergluteal fold, submammary region, lateral face of neck or small folds such as interdigital spaces of hands, feet and retroauricular region.
The skin is red, slightly edematous and there may be vesicle-pustular elements on the surface. It is very typical to observe how these areas are delimited by a fine scaly rim, appearing satellite lesions. The patient reports intense itching and burning.
Mucous Candidiasis
Affecting the mucosa is thrush. This manifests itself as creamy, whitish plaques, which can be located on the back of the tongue, veil of the palate, gingival and genital mucosa. When they come off, they leave a red and congested mucous membrane.
The genito-perianal mucosa is another common location of these infections and represents 20-30% of vaginal infections. It shows as a redness and edema of the labia minora that can extend to the labia majora, perineum, inguinal folds and intergluteum, accompanied by itching and "burning". The same affectation can appear in male external genitalia.
How is candidiasis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of candidiasis is mainly clinical, although sometimes it is necessary to rely on a direct examination of the scales or a mycological culture.
How are Candida infections treated?
Treatment is based on early and accurate diagnosis of the infection, correction of facilitating factors or underlying diseases, determination of the type of candidiasis infection and the use of appropriate antifungal drugs.
Depending on the extent of the infection and the general condition of the patient, a topical or systemic treatment is decided upon.
Topically, cotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, sertoconazole, terbinafine, or naftyline can be used.
The most frequently used systemic treatments are itraconazole or fluconazole.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Dermatology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Dermatology of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
We have extensive experience in highly precise surgical treatments, such as Mohs surgery. This procedure requires highly specialized personnel.
We have the latest technology for the dermo-aesthetic treatment of skin lesions, with the aim of achieving the best results for our patients.
Diseases we treat
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in Mohs Surgery for the treatment of skin cancer.
- We have the best technology for dermo-aesthetic treatments.
- Safety and quality assurance of the best private hospital in Spain.
Our team of professionals
