Mucocutaneous candidiasis is a rare condition occurring in childhood in which candida infection is persistent and widespread
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a hereditary immunodeficiency disorder in which T lymphocytes malfunction. Mucocutaneous candidiasis affects males and females alike and usually develops in childhood. MC usually manifests in infancy or early childhood (60-80% of cases), with a mean age of onset of 3 years. Delayed or adult onset of the disease is reported and can be associated with thymoma, myasthenia gravis, and bone marrow abnormalities. Mucocutaneous candidiasis is also known as Candida related complex. It affects males and females equally. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis occur in childhood, there are a number of cases that first appear in adulthood, sometimes as late as 50 years of age.CausesCMC occurs in a heterogeneous group of patients with a wide spectrum of immune dysregulation, ranging from Candida-specific decreased immunity to a broader immune defect.Symptoms # Oral Thrush -- mouth, tongue, and throat are covered with a cream/white-colored, curdlike film (plaques or lesions) or even ulcers (open areas)# Thrush lesions may also be seen in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), causing pain and difficulty swallowing.# Candida can also form lesions on the larynx (vocal cord), causing hoarse voice. DiagnosisThe diagnosis of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, is made on clinical grounds. Microscopy and culture of skin swabs and scrapings confirm the presence of organisms. Mucocutaneous Candidiasis TreatmentMost patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis are treated with chronic antibiotics that are specific for fungal infections. Patients should be evaluated periodically for endocrine disorders and those endocrine disorders should be treated as necessary.# The standard treatment consists of anti-fungal medication (prescription).# Before starting medication, it is good idea for women to make sure that they are not pregnant.# Clotrimazole troches (candy) or Nystatin solution is helpful in oral Thrush.Summary of Mucocutaneous CandidiasisThis condition mainly attacks young children although it has been recorded in a few adults patients. Almost any part of your body can be attacked by this skin disease and you have to be aware at all times.
