Candidal Infections in Dermatology
The genus Candida includes over 100 species, most of which are not human parasites. Infections with Candida albicans account for 90% of all infections caused by fungi of the genus Candida which are pathogenic for men. Candida albicans is commonly part of the normal flora of the intestinal tract in animals including man. The majority of fungi are dimorphic: they can assume yeast forms, but can also grow pseudohyphae. Candidal infections are usually associated with lowering of local or general host resistance. Candida begins to multiply, and transforms from saprophyte into parasite form. As a result it produces numerous pathologic changes on the skin and mucous membranes, or, in severe forms, affects internal organs. Laboratory identification is made by detection of the causative agent on the obtained specimens, by culture on Sabouraud’s medium, or, less frequently, by serologic tests. Treatment is by eliminating or reducing predisposing factors and applying topical agents, or sometimes, by giving systemic oral antimycotics.