Oral candidiasis - Oral thrush (Pediatrics - PEDS)

It is an infection of the mucosa of the mouth produced by a fungus called Candida albicans. It is a very common pathology in a nursing infant, although it may be contracted throughout childhood. The typical symptom is a thick, white layer covering the tongue, and sometimes, the palate and the inner surface of the cheeks. The thrush has a cottony, compact aspect as if it were yogurt or curdled milk. In nursing infants, it may be similar to the remains of digested or regurgitated milk, which does not yield when trying to remove it with a water-soaked gauze. It does not usually produce fever, itch or pain. The diagnosis is usually reached through clinical suspicion due to the symptoms and the examination of the child's mouth. It seldom is necessary to take cultures or smears of the mucosa of the mouth to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is based on antifungal treatments in the form of gel or oral cream. It generally is a benign situation that quickly improves with appropriate treatment.