Medication Summary

Many good antifungal agents are available and usually are effective; however, upon cessation of therapy, most patients relapse. Specific immunotherapies are under investigation and have been used with some success. This area needs further research.

Class Summary

There are many topical and systemic agents commonly used to treat candidiasis. Patients being treated with systemic antifungal agents should be closely monitored for adverse effects.

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Media Gallery

Thickened, fragmented, hyperkeratotic nails and erythematous periungual skin. Courtesy of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Crusted hyperkeratotic plaques on and around the nose. Courtesy of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Crusted hyperkeratotic plaques on eyebrow, forehead, and scalp. Courtesy of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

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Author

Hassan I Galadari, MD Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates (UAE) University, UAE

Hassan I Galadari, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association/Foundation, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Asian Dermatological Association, Dermatologic and Aesthetic Surgery International League, Emirates Medical Association, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery, International Society of Dermatology, Massachusetts Medical Society, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Sasha Haddad, BS MD Candidate, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, AT Still University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Richard P Vinson, MD Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Texas Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey J Miller, MD Associate Professor of Dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, Pennsylvania State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Jeffrey J Miller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Association of Professors of Dermatology, North American Hair Research Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Carrie L Kovarik, MD Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Dermatopathology, and Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Carrie L Kovarik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Neil Sandhu, MD, FAAD Dermatologist (Medical/Cosmetic) and Mohs Surgeon, Gulf Coast Dermatology

Neil Sandhu, MD, FAAD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Blanca Anais Estupiñan University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Blanca Anais Estupiñan is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Michael G Bryan, MD Staff Dermatologist, Dermatology, Las Vegas Skin and Care Clinics