Fungal infection caused by a related group of yeasts. Manifestations may be localized to the skin or rarely systemic and life-threatening. Predisposing factors include diabetes mellitus, cellular immune deficiencies, and HIV (Chap. 105. HIV Infection and AIDS). Frequent sites include the oral cavity, chronically wet macerated areas, around nails, intertriginous areas. Diagnosed by clinical pattern and demonstration of yeast on KOH preparation or culture.
Treatment: Candidiasis (See Also Chap. 106. Fungal Infections) Removal of predisposing factors; topical nystatin or azoles; systemic therapy reserved for immunosuppressed pts, unresponsive chronic or recurrent disease; vulvovaginal candidiasis may respond to a single dose of fluconazole, 150 mg. |