Oral candidiasis (adult)

Alternative names:

adult oral candidiasis; candidiasis - oral (adult)

Treatment:

There are two facets to treatment of adult oral candidiasis. The first is to improve the immune status of the individual. For example, in diabetics, good control of the diabetes may be enough to clear the infection without other treatment.

In people with AIDS it may not be possible to improve immune functioning. Then, powerful antifungal medications may be required.

The second facet is the direct treatment of the infection. Topical antifungal agents include:

• nystatin
• chlortrimazole (or other closely related agents)

These drugs are applied directly to the oral lesions or used as a liquid wash.

Resistant infections or infections in which dissemination has already taken place are treated with IV medications such as:

• Amphotericin B
• ketoconazole (or other closely related agents)

Expectations (prognosis):

Adult oral candidiasis can be cured. However, the long term outlook is dependent on the immune status of the individual and the cause of the immune deficit.

Complications:

• disseminated candidiasis
• esophagitis, candidal
• meningitis, candidal
• endocarditis, candidal
• endophthalmitis, candidal
• arthritis, candidal

Calling your health care provider:

You develop symptoms suggestive of oral candidiasis. If you have participated in high risk sexual activity at some time in the past, often as many as 5 to 10 years previously, and have developed any types of lesions in the mouth evaluation by a physician is indicated.