What are the clinical manifestations of systemic candidiasis?

Many infectious diseases are caused by poor hygiene, such as systemic candidiasis. Although systemic candidiasis is not fatal, it can cause various discomforts and problems in our daily lives. So how do we determine systemic candidiasis? What are the clinical manifestations of systemic candidiasis?

1. Mucocutaneous candidiasis

(1) Oropharyngeal candidiasis

The most common is Candida albicans oropharyngeal inflammation, also known as acute pseudomembranous candidiasis and thrush. Candida albicans stomatitis is common in the tongue, soft palate, buccal mucosa, gums, pharynx, etc. The patient felt pain, difficulty swallowing, and loss of appetite. It is most common in children and the elderly; it appears in newborns one week after birth; Candida albicans stomatitis is rare in adults.

For patients who have been using broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants for a long time, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or have inducing factors such as leukemia and malignant tumors, if candidal stomatitis occurs, they should be highly vigilant to see whether it is accompanied by respiratory tract, digestive tract or even disseminated candidal infection. Further fungal examination should be carried out promptly.

(2) Esophageal candidiasis

Candida esophagitis is mainly seen in patients with malignant tumors and AIDS, and is manifested by esophageal spasm, dysphagia, burning pain behind the sternum, and occasionally massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagoscopy revealed pigmented plaques and extensive inflammation on the mucosa.

(3) Vaginal candidiasis

It is the second most common vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis. It is characterized by congestion and edema of the vaginal wall, and the vaginal mucosa is covered with grayish white pseudomembranes, which are similar to Candida albicans stomatitis. The vaginal discharge increases, is white and sticky, or can be thin. Typical cases are accompanied by small white lumps that look like bean curd dregs.

Vulvar involvement may cause erythema, erosion, ulceration and fissures, which may extend to the perianal area and even the entire perineum. Redness, swelling, burning sensation and severe itching of the vulva are the prominent symptoms of this disease, which may lead to eczema-like changes due to scratching and irritation over time. Vaginal candidiasis is more common in pregnant women and diabetic patients. It can also be seen due to wearing tight, non-breathable pants and using broad-spectrum antibiotics. It can be transmitted to men through sexual intercourse, causing candidal balanitis or balanitis. People with long foreskin are more susceptible to infection.

2. Skin candidiasis

(1) Candida intertrigo

It often affects areas where smooth skin rubs directly against each other. Such as armpits, under breasts, groin, perianal area, gluteal groove, perineum, etc. There is often excessive sweating, local moisture and poor ventilation. It is more common in obese middle-aged women and children. It initially presents as intertriginous erythema, papules or small blisters, which then expand and merge into clearer erythema. After the blisters burst, they will desquamate or form erosive surfaces with a small amount of exudate, occasional cracks and pain. They are distributed in satellite shapes and often cause pruritus.

It often affects areas where smooth skin rubs directly against each other. Such as armpits, under breasts, groin

(2) Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis

Relatively rare. It is mainly seen in patients with congenital T lymphocyte dysfunction. The disease usually occurs within 3 years of age, with oral candidiasis, especially Candida albicans stomatitis, and then involving the skin of the whole body, manifested by erythematous scaly rash, sparse and falling hair, premature aging appearance, warty proliferative skin lesions, sometimes oyster shell or cortical.