Oral Thrush

Question 1

Who is most likely to suffer from oral thrush?

Answer 1

The very young (neonates) and the very old.

A healthy adult with no identifiable risk factors generally requires referral to the doctor.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for oral thrush? (6)

Answer 2

1. Diabetes
2. Xerostomia (dry mouth)
3. Immunocompromised
4. Recent antibiotics
5. ICS
6. ill-fitting dentures.

Question 3

The classic presentation of oral thrush is

Answer 3

Mouth pain.
Soreness.
Creamy-white, soft elevated patches that can be wiped off, revealing underlying erythematous mucosa.

Question 4

What is lichens planus?

Answer 4

Skin condition that looks like plaque psoriasis and in about 50% of people can affect the oral mucous membranes.

The cheeks, gums or tongue develop white, slightly raised painless lesions that look a little like a spider’s web.

Question 5

What is leukoplakia?

Answer 5

Predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterised as any other definable lesion.

Patients present with a symptomless white patch on the tongue or cheek that develops over a period of weeks.

The lesion cannot be wiped off, unlike oral thrush.

Question 6

What product can be used for oral thrush?

Answer 6

Miconazole topical gel/daktarin oral gel.

Not to be used with warfarin.

Question 7

What is the age range for daktarin oral gel use?

Answer 7

> 4 months

Question 8

What side effects may accompany daktarin oral gel use?

Answer 8

Nausea and vomiting, approx 5% of patients.