Other types of Candidiasis

Onyxis and perionyxis candidiasis

It is Candida infection of the nail and its insertions, common in people who have wet hands due to their occupation (for example, laundresses). It begins with inflammation of the nail insertion with pain, redness and swelling. When you squeeze, you can see pus coming out of the insertion. Subsequently, the nail may be affected, causing loss of color and alterations in its shape.

Thrush in the mouth - oral thrush

Oral candidiasis is the most common Candida infection, it occurs most frequently in infants and people with some alteration of the immune system. Whitish plaques form that cover the oral mucosa like a membrane; When peeled they leave a red, bleeding surface. It may have no symptoms or cause itching and even pain that increases when eating.

Atrophic oral candidiasis

It is rare, it appears more in elderly people. It is characterized by areas of destruction of the oral mucosa that are reddish in color.

angular cheilitis

Inflammation of the corners of the mouth, almost always both at the same time. The corners fissure and around them a very red area appears with vesicles that break and itch. These types of lesions also appear in vitamin B deficiencies, poorly placed dental prostheses, and excess salivation.

Candida balanitis

In men, Candida can cause infection of the glans and foreskin of the penis. It begins with small vesicles and pustules that cause itching and burning; Little by little they rupture and more or less extensive irritative lesions appear (limited to the glans or even the groin and scrotum). Normally, Candida balanitis in a healthy man with good hygiene should last no more than three to five days; If it lasts longer, it is suspected that the patient has diabetes, immune system disorders, or is being treated with antibiotics. If episodes of candidal balanitis are repeated and brief, it is likely that the sexual partner is still infected, even if they do not have symptoms.

Esophageal candidiasis

Involvement of the esophagus causes inflammation of the esophagus, which causes difficulty swallowing, a burning sensation and pain in the chest, which can be confused with a heart attack. In children, the esophagus is usually affected by the spread of oral candidiasis, and in adults we can find this infection in cases of AIDS, antibiotic treatment, diabetes, cancer, chronic treatment with omeprazole, etc.

Candida gastritis

Stomach involvement is rare, it only occurs in very advanced cases of blood-disseminated infections, although it is true that it is more common in patients with gastric ulcer. It is possible that the use of omeprazole and other acid secretion inhibitors promote Candida colonization.

Candida enteritis

Intestinal infection is often associated with antibiotic treatment in young children, but occurs very rarely. Abdominal pain appears, frequent and liquid stools of light brown or yellow color, sometimes with threads of blood. Its main complication is dehydration due to diarrhea, and its early diagnosis is not easy.

Anal candidiasis.

The anus becomes irritated and itchy, its outer surface erodes causing itching and the infection often spreads and causes cutaneous intertrigo.

Candidiasis laryngitis

It is usually secondary to oral candidiasis and causes hoarseness. In an ENT examination, such as fibroscopy, the typical whitish plaques of candidiasis can be seen. Sometimes there may be involvement of the bronchi, causing frequent cough, fever and bloody expectoration.

Candidiasis in the excretory system

The presence of Candida in urine usually occurs in patients hospitalized with a catheter, diabetics and treated with antibiotics. There may be no symptoms or cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, with fever and itching when urinating may appear. A Candida urine test definitely does not indicate infection, as it occurs in many healthy people.

Candida endocarditis

When Candida reaches the blood, it reaches the heart valves and can invade them, forming large vegetations. This type of infection (Candida endocarditis) is more common in patients with infected catheters, and also in users of heroin or other parenteral drugs, especially if the drug is adulterated or if it is diluted in lemon juice, since Candida nests in that citrus. Candida vegetations on heart valves can dislodge infected emboli, which travel through large arteries until they occlude smaller arteries, causing heart attacks.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

This disease has been related to different endocrinological diseases (hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypocorticoadrenalism...) and immunological diseases (agammaglobulinemias, Di George syndrome). It usually begins in childhood with an oral candidiasis that persists after adequate treatment; Subsequently, the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes are usually affected. The disease evolves over time towards the formation of deforming granulomas, with true "balls" appearing on the fingers, for example. Permanent hair loss and narrowing of the esophagus are also common. Patients live many years and often die from secondary bacterial infections.

Invasive candidiasis

This defines the way in which the fungus reaches the bloodstream, causing a generalized infection and being able to settle in different organs of the body. This situation is called candidemia, and it is the most serious manifestation of the infection, causing high mortality.

It usually has its origin in the infection of catheters that are inserted in hospitalized people with some type of alteration of their immune system, which can cause infections of vital organs.