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Oral candidiasis
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Thrush
is an infection of the mouth caused by a yeast like fungus known as candida albicans. Usually, it appears as white, painful, patches in the mouth, and is treated successfully with various medicines.
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- The infection usually causes thick, white patches to develop in the mouth. These white patches can be easily scraped off. Underneath, there is usually a red rash.
- The infection is usually painful. It may cause pain in the mouth, and may eventually cause pain while swallowing.
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- Thrush is due to a yeast infection.
- It is seen most often in people with diabetes, HIV, those taking steroids or antibiotics, and in people who wear dentures. It is also common in people receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
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- Examination of the rash by a doctor is usually enough to make the diagnosis. Occasionally, a sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- Rarely is a biopsy (in which a sample of the tissue is cut out and sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope) needed.
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- There are multiple treatment options:
- Nystatin troches (tablets made to dissolve in the mouth) 5 times a day.
- Mouth rinses with Nystatin (the medicine is swished around the mouth and then swallowed) 3 times a day for 7-14 days.
- Clotrimazole troches 5 times a day for 7-14 days
- Ketoconazole -- 200 mg once a day for 7-14 days
- Fluconazole -- 100 mg once a day for 7-14 days
- Hydrogen peroxide (diluted to half strength) can be used to rinse the mouth. This often provides relief from the pain associated with this disease.
- People with dentures who develop this problem can use Nystatin powder 3-4 times a day. They usually have to keep doing this for several weeks.
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