Candidiasis is the second common fungal infection of the skin is candidiasis. The causal organism is called Candida of which there are several types, but Candidaalbicans is responsible for most of the candidial infections. If you are looking forward to Under eye filler near me raleigh nc
This is a yeast-like organism and can infect not only the skin but also some of the internal systems, especially the gastro-intestinal tract (foodpipe), the respiratory system (lungs), and the genital tract (private parts). At all these sites the organism may live as a saprophyte/ commensal without producing any disease. Under favourable conditions however, it grows profusely and produces the signs and symptoms of a variety of disease manifestations.
The conditions which promote the growth of Candida include improper hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, prolonged treatment with certain drugs, especially corticosteroids, anti-cancer /immuno-suppressive drugs, broadspectrum antibiotics and oral contraceptive pills. Infection is also common during pregnancy or if the patient is being treated with female hormones. Individuals, who harbour the organism in their skin, the gastro-intestinal tract, or the private parts, are more likely to develop recurrent episodes of candidiasis.
In the skin, candidiasis has a tendency to localise to the folds of the skin where-the optimum conditions of heat and humidity are available for its growth. Thus, the’ groins, interdigital clefts of toes and fingers (web spaces), the area under the breasts in the female, the axillae and less commonly other skin folds are the favourite sites of involvement. At all these sites, the inv9lvement is characterised by burning sensation, redness, and maceration with a whitish soddening of the skin. When the involvement is severe, the skin at the depth of the skin-fold may develop a fissure (a crack), producing severe pain in the region, especially when an attempt is made to separate the skin fold for examination. A similar involvement may also occur at the angle of the mouth (angular stomatitis).
Another common manifestation of candidiasis is a chronic swelling of the nail-folds (skin around the nails) of the fingers. This is called’ chronic paronychia’ and leads to disfigurement of the nails. This manifestation is particularly common in patients having uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and has often led to the discovery of diabetes mellitus in the patients. In patients with a severe deficiency of the immune system, the candidial infection can become generalised not only on the skin and the mucous membranes, but also in the internal organs. This may even lead to a fatal termination.
The presence of Candida can be confirmed by demonstrating the organism in the discharge/pus/ scrapings taken from these areas. The organism is cultured for identification of the type of the organism involved. The organism grows as fast as the bacteria and thus, a positive culture can be obtained within 24 hours.