Mucocutaneous Candidiasis - Symptoms and Treatment

Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (MC) refers to a condition caused by a fungus from the candida family (lives on the surface of skin) that develops a diffuse and persistent type of infection of the mouth, nails, skin, and at times other organs. It may be secondary to one of the immunodeficiency syndromes, inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Candida is a fungus of the yeast category. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is a form of candidiasis that usually develops during the first year of life but occasionally occurs as late as the 20s. Affecting males and females, it's characterized by repeated infection with Candida albicans that may result from an inherited defect in cell-mediated (T-cell) immunity. In some patients, an autoimmune response affecting the endocrine system may induce various endocrinopathies. Despite chronic candidiasis, these patients seldom die of systemic infection. Instead, they usually die of hepatic or endocrine failure. The prognosis for chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis depends on the severity of the associated endocrinopathy. Patients with associated endocrinopathy seldom live beyond their 30s. Usually, the infections can be treated with an antifungal drug nystatin or clotrimazole applied to the skin. Severe infections, which are rare, require a stronger antifungal drug, such as itraconazole given by mouth. Usually, this disorder is chronic but does not affect lifespan.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis is a superficial fungal infection that may involve almost any cutaneous or mucous surface of the body. It is particularly likely to occur in diabetics, during pregnancy, and in obese persons who perspire freely. Antibiotics and oral contraceptive agents may be contributory. Oral candidiasis may be the first sign of HIV infection. The name Candidi refers to the white color of the infection. It is a heterogeneous disorder of the immune system characterized by persistent yeast infections of the mucous membranes and scalp.

Causes of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis

Common Causes of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis :

• The fungal infection is also the main cause of mucocutaneous candidiasis.
• The immune system failure is the main cause of mucocutaneous candidiasis. An immunosuppressed patient, is more prone to get affected by mucocutaneous candidiasis.
• A patient, who ha s AIDS , get easily affected by it.

Symptoms of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis

Some common Symptoms of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis :

• Yeast infection.
• Small blisters.
• Red rashes.
• Cornea and eyelids.
• Itchy skin rash.
• Armpit skin rash.

Treatment of Mucocutaneous Candidiasis

• Fluconazole as amphotericin B is an effective for treating mucocutaneous candidiasis.
• The oral anti-fungal antibiotics such as fluconazole and itraconazole are found very effective in the treatment of mucocutaneous candidiasis.
• The gene replacement therapy is also very suitable for the treatment.
• Rest, limiting your sugar intake, and drink plenty of fluids.
• Topical creams (Nystatin) or preparations (Trimazole) can be helpful if the rash is mild.  If there is pain or itching, topical creams such as corticosteroid or antihistamine creams can help.
• For severe MC, Fluconazole, Ketocoazole, and Azole may be used daily (pills or liquid) and often, for long periods of time.
• Ask your doctor for supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, zinc, thymus extract, and bioflavinoids that strengthen the immune system.
• Usually, the infections may be treated with an antifungal drug- nystatin ( mycostatin, nilstat ) or clotrimazole ( lotrimi, mycelex )-applied to the skin. The primary contributing factor is the use of oral antibiotics (esp. tetracycline).

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