A Guide to Clinical Differential Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Lesions
Mycotic Diseases-Candidosis (Candidiasis)

Candidosis (candidiasis) is caused by overgrowth of candidal organisms due to systemic and/or local factors.

Candidosis can occur in a variety of clinical forms:

• Pseudomembranous (thrush): White plaques which rub off leaving an erythematous base. Pain, burning, and taste alterations are common.

• Acute atrophic (erythematous): Red mucosa accompanied by burning or pain.
• Angular cheilitis: Cracks, crusts, pain in commissure area.
• Chronic atrophic candidosis: Erythematous mucosa confined to denture bearing mucosa. Variably painful.

• Chronic hyperplastic candidosis: White epithelial thickening similar to leukoplakia.

• Median rhomboid glossitis: Erythematous patch anterior to circumvallate papillae.

• Mucocutaneous candidosis: May involve skin and oral, vaginal mucosa and nails. May be familial.