[Congenital cutaneous candidiasis: report of two cases]

Congenital cutaneous candidiasis is a very rare disease. We reported two newborn infants in whom generalized skin eruption was noted at birth, characteristics of erythematous papules and pustules. The eruption involved head, face, neck, trunk and extremities. Candida albicans was demonstrated on direct KOH smear, by surface fungal cultures and skin biopsy. The disease implies a congenital intrauterine infection and is different from neonatal candidiasis which manifests as thrush, diaper dermatitis. The route of infection is ascending in congenital cutaneous candidiasis. The skin eruption is usually noted at birth or within 12 hours after delivery as a diffuse erythematous maculopapula, with pustules or vesicles distributed over head, face, neck, trunk and extremities. There is no fever; other constitutional signs are lacking. No evidence of impaired immunological responsiveness has been noted in previous study. Clinical features, direct smear examination of specimen and appropriate cultures are useful in differentiating the lesions from other more common dermatoses of the neonatal period. Topical antifungal therapy is sufficient unless systemic candidiasis is present. Prognosis for congenital cutaneous candidiasis is good.