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Juvenile juxtavermilion candidiasis: yet another form of an old disease?
1Department of Oral Pathology, West Virginia University School of Dentistry, Morgantown 26506.
Abstract:
Five cases of a chronic, self-limiting Candida albicans infection of the lip vermilion and juxtavermilion skin in young persons are presented. These infections typically appeared as erythematous, pruritic, yellow crusting plaques of the juxtavermilion skin, with or without desquamation of vermilion surfaces. Evidence of intraoral candidiasis, especially loss of filiform lingual papillae, was present in several cases. The disorder mimics the early stage of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis but remains within a few millimeters of the mucocutaneous junction and affected individuals appear (with a possible exception) to be immune competent. Mild trauma apparently triggers the infection. The authors emphasize that a scientifically sound cause-and-effect relationship between this new disease and Candida albicans is not herein established and present these cases in the hope that others will thereby be identified and a firmer causal relationship be established.
Insights
A chronic lip infection in young individuals, potentially caused by Candida albicans, presents as crusting plaques near the vermilion border. While mimicking other conditions, it appears localized and affects immune-competent persons, possibly triggered by minor trauma.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic infections of the lip vermilion and adjacent skin are uncommon in young, immunocompetent individuals.
- Distinguishing lip candidiasis from other dermatological conditions is clinically significant.
Observation:
- Five cases of a distinct lip infection characterized by erythematous, pruritic, yellow crusting plaques on juxtavermilion skin.
- Lesions were localized within millimeters of the mucocutaneous junction, with occasional vermilion surface desquamation.
- Intraoral candidiasis, including loss of filiform lingual papillae, was noted in several patients.
Findings:
- The condition presents as a chronic, self-limiting infection, potentially linked to Candida albicans.
- It mimics early chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis but is restricted to the lip border in immunocompetent hosts.
- Mild trauma appears to be a potential trigger for the infection.
Implications:
- This presentation may represent a novel, localized form of candidiasis affecting the lip.
- Further research is needed to establish a definitive causal link between Candida albicans and this disorder.
- Recognition of this condition can aid in accurate diagnosis and management, differentiating it from other lip and facial dermatoses.