dermatologic disorders
Candidiasis (Mucocutaneous)
Key Points
Candidaare normal skin flora that can become infective under certain conditions (eg, excessive moisture, alteration of normal flora, host immunosuppression). Consider candidiasis with erythematous, scaling, pruritic patches in intertriginous areas and with lesions in the mucous membranes, around the nails, or at the corners of the mouth. If clinical appearance is not diagnostic, try to identify yeast and pseudohyphae in potassium hydroxide wet mounts of scrapings from a lesion. Treat most intertriginous candidiasis with a drying agent and a topical antifungal. Treat most diaper rash with frequent changes of absorbent disposable diapers and an imidazole cream. Treat oral candidiasis withclotrimazoletroches,nystatinoral suspension, or an oral antifungal. 