Oral candidiasis in Child
See also in: Oral Mucosal LesionAlerts and Notices
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Synopsis

Oral candidiasis, also called oropharyngeal candidiasis and commonly known as oral thrush, is an infection of the oral mucous membranes by Candida species, especially Candida albicans.
Although not common in children over the age of 12 months, it may occur in children who are on antibiotics, who have an underlying endocrine disorder (eg, type 1 diabetes mellitus), or who are immunosuppressed due to primary immunodeficiency disorders or secondary to malignancy, immunosuppressive medication, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The child may be symptom free or may complain of a burning tongue and soreness or pain in the mouth or pain on swallowing.
Oral candidiasis occurs in children in three main clinical forms. The most common form in children is the pseudomembranous variety: white plaque formation typically appears on the tongue, lips, inner surface of the cheeks, and palate and can leave behind punctate bleeding and patches of reddened mucosa when scraped.
In children with HIV infection, oral thrush is the most common candidal infection. The presentation, however, differs, and these children may show signs of all of the types of mucous membrane infections.
Candida at the corners of the mouth is known as angular cheilitis or perlèche. Crusting, small ulcers, or fissures can be present at the angles of the mouth.
In median rhomboid glossitis, a smooth, red, diamond-shaped area is present on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
Related topic: Angular cheilitis
Although not common in children over the age of 12 months, it may occur in children who are on antibiotics, who have an underlying endocrine disorder (eg, type 1 diabetes mellitus), or who are immunosuppressed due to primary immunodeficiency disorders or secondary to malignancy, immunosuppressive medication, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
The child may be symptom free or may complain of a burning tongue and soreness or pain in the mouth or pain on swallowing.
Oral candidiasis occurs in children in three main clinical forms. The most common form in children is the pseudomembranous variety: white plaque formation typically appears on the tongue, lips, inner surface of the cheeks, and palate and can leave behind punctate bleeding and patches of reddened mucosa when scraped.
In children with HIV infection, oral thrush is the most common candidal infection. The presentation, however, differs, and these children may show signs of all of the types of mucous membrane infections.
Candida at the corners of the mouth is known as angular cheilitis or perlèche. Crusting, small ulcers, or fissures can be present at the angles of the mouth.
In median rhomboid glossitis, a smooth, red, diamond-shaped area is present on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
Related topic: Angular cheilitis
Codes
ICD10CM:
B37.0 – Candidal stomatitis
SNOMEDCT:
79740000 – Oral candidiasis
B37.0 – Candidal stomatitis
SNOMEDCT:
79740000 – Oral candidiasis
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Aphthous ulcer
- Lichen planus – Usually reticulated and erythematous rather than plaque-like.
- Geographic tongue
- Diphtheria – The membrane in diphtheria can be mistaken for candidiasis, although in diphtheria there may be hemorrhagic crusts around the mouth and nares.
- White sponge nevus – There may be a family history of this very uncommon genodermatosis.
- Chronic cheek chewing
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:09/04/2017
Last Updated:02/10/2023
Last Updated:02/10/2023

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Oral candidiasis in Child
See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion