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Guidelines
Candidiasis

Candidiasis

Background

Fungal infection usually confined to the mucous membranes and external layers of skin. Severe forms are usually associated with immunosuppressive conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, pregnancy, cancer, prolonged antibiotic use, and steroids.

It may present as:

  • Oral thrush
  • Intertrigo (between skin folds)
  • Vulvo vaginitis and abnormal vaginal discharge (vaginal candida is not a sexually transmitted disease)
  • Chronic paronychia (inflammation involving the proximal and lateral fingernail folds)
  • Gastrointestinal candidiasis may present with pain on swallowing, vomiting, diarrhoea, epigastric and retrosternal pain
  • Diagnosis is mainly clinical
  • Smear examination with potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Causes

Candida albicans
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Transmitted by direct contact

Management