White and Red patches Flashcards
What to do with a white patch?
try to scrape off
- scrapes off = typical debris or thrush
- does not = thickened keratin → severe conditions
ask a thorough history
investigations = biopsy, blood test, immunofloresence
What is candida albicans in the oral cavity under normal conditions?
A harmless commensal organism
Under what circumstances can candida albicans become pathogenic?
When there is a disturbance of the oral flora or a decrease in immune defenses
What local factors should be ruled out first when diagnosing oral candida?
- denture-related issues (friction, not removing at night, denture stomatitis)
- smoking
- xerostomia
- antibiotics use
- topical steroids therapy (e.g. steroid inhalers)
What systemic factors can predispose a person to oral candidiasis
- uncontrolled diabetes
- haematinic deficiencies (iron, folate, B12)
- immunosuppression
- certain drugs
- endocrinopathies (e.g. diabetes, thyroid issues)
- HIV
What are the clinical variants of oral candidiasis?
- acute pseudomembranous candidiasis - commonly known as thrush
- acute atrophic candidiasis - associated with inahaler use
- chronic atrophic hyperplastic candidiasis: white pathces that cannot be wiped away, often extending to angular cheilitis. Seen in smokers, AIDS patients, and those with immunosuppression. Required fluconazole treatment.
- chronic erythematous candidiasis (median rhomboid glossitis): associated with a kissing lesion, often seen in smokers and inhaler users
what is chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, and why is it significant?
It is a form of candidiasis where white patches cannot be wiped away and has an increased potential for malignant transformation. It is often seen in smokers, AIDS patients, and those with immunosuppression
what is the treatment of choice for chronic hyperplastic candidiasis?
fluconazole
what is chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis associated with?
angular cheilitis, especially in cases with dentures that are too large or in elderly patients with reduced OVD (occlusal vertical dimension)
what deficiency is commonly associated with angular cheilitis
vitamin B12 deficiency
what are the characteristic features of acute pseudomembranous candidiasis in the oral cavity?
white papules with a milky appearance on the surface of the oral mucosa, which can be wiped off to leave a red, raw base
What are the local causes of acute pseudomembranous candidiasis?
- antibiotic use
- steroid use
- xerostomia
what are the systemic causes of acute pseudomembranous cadidiasis?
- systemic disease
- malignancy
- immunosuppression
what is the first step in treating acute pseudomembranous candidiasis
Remove any contributing factors, such as stopping or reducing use of antibiotics, steroids, or addressing xerostomia
what topical antifungals are used to treat acute pseudomembranous candidiasis
- nyastatin oral suspension (4 times a day)
- miconazole gel 2% (can be applied to denture fit surfaces or the corners of the mouth for denture stomatitis)
What are the systemic antifungals used for acute pseudomembranous candidiasis?
- fluconazole
- itraconazole
- voriconazole
Which antifungals used for treating acute pseudomembranous candidiasis can interact with warfarin and simvastatin, and what are the possible effects?
Miconazole and fluconazole can interact with warfarin and simvastatin, leading to very painful muscle cramps and wasting