Thrush

Cutaneous CandidiasisOral CandidiasisPerlche Erosio Interdigitalis BlastomyceticaOnychomycosisTinea PedisTinea CorporisTinea ManuumFungal Folliculitis

Figure –

The white plaque on this patient's tongue can be easily removed to reveal underlying erythema. This finding is characteristic of thrush.

Oral Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis, or thrush, is not uncommon in elderly persons. It can be related to poor dentition or immunosuppression, particularly as a result of oral corticosteroid use. Thrush appears as white plaques that overlie areas of erythema on the buccal, palatal, or oropharyngeal mucosa (Figure). In most patients, the white film can be easily removed, which may reveal small ulcerations.

References:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Brodell RT, Elewski B. Superficial fungal infections. Errors to avoid in diagnosis and treatment. Postgrad Med. 1997;101(4):279-287.
• Loo DS. Onychomycosis in the elderly: drug treatment options. Drugs Aging. 2007;24:293-302.
• Tan JS, Joseph WS. Common fungal infections of the feet in patients with diabetes mellitus. Drugs Aging. 2004;21;101-112.
• Weinberg JM, Scheinfeld NS. Cutaneous infections in the elderly: diagnosis and management. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16:195-205.
• Weinberg JM, Vafaie J, Scheinfeld NS. Skin infections in the elderly. Dermatol Clin. 2004;22:51-61.