candidiasis of skin,What are the causes of candidiasis?
What is it
Candidiasis (candidosis, moniliasis) is an infection caused by several varieties of candida(‘fungi’), especially candida albicans. Infection of mucous membranes, such as occurs in the mouth or vagina , is common among individuals with a normal immune system. However, these conditions are more frequent or persistent in people with diabetes or AIDS patients and in pregnant women.
They are part of the group of the most frequent diseases that affect man and it can even be said that practically all men throughout their life will ever suffer. There are three types of human mycosis : superficial, intermediate like candidiasis and deep. The usual ones in Spain are superficial ones and candidiasis. In this section we will discuss mucocutaneous candidiasis , whose causative agent is Candida albicans.
Causes
The majority of Candida species are saprophytic and can be part of the cutaneous florawith the exception of Candida albicans, which when found on the skin is the etiological agent of a primary candidiasis. There are multiple factors predisposing to candida infection: some depend on the host and others on environmental conditions.
Among the first are the physiological , genetic and acquired . Thus newborns, women in the premenstrual period or pregnant women, patients with Down syndrome , diabetes, lymphoma , leukemia , who take antibiotics or corticosteroids or immunosuppressants or have debilitating diseases, are more likely to suffer from this dermatosis. Among the environmental factors humidity, heat, chronic maceration, for example, of the commissures in the elderly, dental prostheses poorly adjusted, friction between two skin surfaces favor infestation.
symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the location. From the dermatological point of view, mucosal and cutaneous candidiasis are of interest. Among the first and affecting the mucous is the thrush . This manifests as creamy, whitish plaques that converge on the back of the tongue, soft palate, gingival and genital mucosa. When they come off, they reveal a red, congested mucosa. The infection can also be manifested as a red, smooth, shiny and painful tongue or as an affectation of the mouth commissures in the form of triangular plates, with scales and fissures in the center or affecting the lips, mainly the lower one with adherent scales of color grayish and erosions.
The genito-perianal mucosa is another common site of these infections, accounting for 20-30 percent of vaginal infections. It presents as a reddening and edema of the labia minora that can extend to the labia majora, perineum, inguinal folds and interglute, accompanied by itching and “burning”. The same affectation can affect male external genitalia. Within cutaneous candidiasis, we are going to refer to two pictures: candidiasis of candidiasis folds or intertrigos and onychomycosis .
Prevention
Maintaining good hygiene usually prevents episodes of candidiasis. It is important to thoroughly dry skin folds once you get out of the shower, as well as brushing your teeth and using oral fluoride mouthwash. The tobacco should be avoided.
To prevent candidiasis in the genital area , condoms can be used to prevent contact. In the case of pregnant women it is also recommended to take bioactive yoghurts to favor the acidity of the vaginal flora.
Types
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-pustule elements on the surface. It is very typical to observe how these areas are delimited by a thin scaly edge, with satellite lesions appearing. The patient reports intense itching and burning.
Candidiasic Onychomycosis
Candidásica onychomycosis occurs with some frequency in children with thrush and in adults with intertrigo of small interdigital folds . It can be shown as a painful inflammation of the periungual ridge, accompanied by minimal purulent discharge or as a thickening of the nail plate with punctate depressions and transverse grooves.
Candidiasis in the digestive system
- Esophageal: An inflammation appears that causes problems swallowing, burning and pain in the thorax.
- Candidiásica gastritis: It appears especially in those patients who suffer from gastric ulcer.
- Candidate enteritis: Causes abdominal pain and stool more often than can contain blood threads, which causes dehydration from diarrhea . It is difficult to diagnose.
- Candidiasic Anitis: Itching with itching, stinging and irritation of the anus.
Candidiasis in the respiratory system
Candidiasis laryngitis can occur, which usually occurs because of an oral thrush. The muguet plates move to the respiratory system, affecting the bronchi and causing frequent cough, fever and sputum with blood.
Candidiasis in the reproductive system
- Candidiasic vulvovaginitis: It appears due to a vaginal pH alteration, especially in pregnant women. It causes irritation and itching in the vagina.
- Candidásica Balanitis: Causes infection in the glans and foreskin of the penis , which gives rise to some pustules that generate itching.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is fundamentally clinical , although sometimes it is necessary to rely on a direct examination of the scales or on a mycological culture.
Treatments
Depending on the extent of the infection and the general condition of the patient, a topical or systemic treatment is decided . So, topically, 1% cotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, sertoconazole, terbinafine or naphtyline can be used. The most frequently used systemic treatments are itraconazole or fluconazole. 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.
Other data
The candida fungal family was discovered by the Dutch mycologist Christine Marie Berkhout in 1923, and since then all studies related to it have been expanded, as well as its way of affecting the human being.
Forecast
Candidiasis can be cured in most cases , although it is also common for the patient to become infected again after some time.
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