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Infection of the mucosa of the mouth produced by a fungus called Candida albicans.
The most common causes of fungal growth include: antibiotic treatment that destroys bacterial flora, alteration of the immune system and/or ill-fitting dentures.
It manifests as a thick whitish coating that covers the tongue, and sometimes also the palate and inner cheeks. It has a cottony, compact appearance, like yoghurt or cut milk.
Diagnosis is usually made on clinical suspicion and by inspection of the mouth.
Treatment is based on antifungal drugs in gel, oral cream and/or tablet form.
It is usually a banal condition that improves rapidly with appropriate treatment.
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- Vazquez JA, Patton LL, Epstein JB, et al. Randomized, comparative, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter trial of miconazole buccal tablet and clotrimazole troches for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis: study of miconazole Lauriad® efficacy and safety (SMiLES). HIV Clin Trials 2010; 11:186.
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Dr. Maria Trabazo
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