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Lip yeast infection picture: Candida affecting the lips, mouth and face images

by alexxlab

Oral Yeast Infections

An oral yeast infection (aka thrush or candidiasis) most commonly appears as white cottage cheese-like plaques on any surface inside the mouth. Less commonly, it may appear as red irritated areas inside the mouth. This red form is often present on the tissues of the mouth that are covered by a denture or other prosthetic appliance.


An individual with a yeast infection may complain of pain or burning in the mouth or a change in taste sensation. However, many patients have no symptoms at all. 

Patients at an increased risk of developing an oral yeast infection include:

  • newborn babies

  • patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer

  • patients with HIV infection

  • patients receiving tissue or organ transplantation

  • patients with dry mouth secondary to disease, aging, or as a side effect of drug therapy

  • patients wearing upper dentures

  • patients taking steroids and / or antibiotics


Oral yeast infection ‐ Multiple white “cottage cheese‐like” plaques surrounded by areas of redness.

Oral yeast infection ‐ Red irritated areas affecting tissues normally covered by a removable partial denture.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ORAL YEAST INFECTIONS

Q: Is the condition contagious? Did I catch it somehow? Can I give it to anyone else?
A: The truth is that many people have yeast in their mouth, but it seldom overgrows to such an extent that it becomes visually apparent or produces symptoms. Yeast can be passed from one individual to another, but this is not a clinical problem unless there is some other factor at work that allows the yeast to overgrow and cause an infection.

Q: What causes a yeast infection?
A: In most individuals, the yeast organism (Candida albicans) is a normal part of the many microorganisms that harmoniously reside in the oral cavity. Infection typically occurs when the normal oral environment is disturbed or altered in such a way as to promote increased yeast growth (see patients at increased risk above).

Q: How can a yeast infection occur under my denture?
A: The area underneath the denture is a warm, dark, and moist place—a perfect incubator for yeast! Also, if the denture is always covering the roof of the mouth, the tissues are not cleaned of any yeast that may build up during the day. Dentures should always be removed and properly disinfected overnight.

Q: How can my dentist treat a yeast infection?
A: Most importantly, your dentist will evaluate you to determine the underlying cause or causes of the infection. Once this is accomplished, your dentist can tailor a treatment plan to best manage the infection. In some cases, attention to improving denture hygiene is all that is necessary. When necessary, medications (antifungals) are prescribed to stop the yeast from growing. These range from topical rinses and lozenges to pills taken by mouth. Finally, when the underlying cause is beyond the scope of dentistry, a medical consultation may be warranted.

Prepared by S Redding and the AAOM Web Writing Group
Updated 21 October, 2015

Japanese Translation – 日本語訳
Spanish Translation – Traducción Español

The information contained in this monograph is for educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, consult your professional health care provider. Reliance on any information provided in this monograph is solely at your own risk.

 

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Maybe you’ve noticed cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth that won’t go away or white patches inside your mouth. These are signs and symptoms of fungal infection—also known as oral thrush—on your lips or mouth. Fungal infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast—Candida—in the mouth. But it isn’t as scary as it sounds! Sometimes all you need is to identify what is causing it and get a prescription for anti-fungal medication. Learn more about lip fungus, how to recognize it, and how to talk to your primary care physician and dentist.

Symptoms of Lip Fungus

Any part of the mouth can develop an infection. The most common infection spots are the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and the mouth’s roof. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), when you have an overgrowth of Candida on the corners of the mouth, it can lead to infection in several areas. Lip fungus can look like:

  • Itchiness or burning and cracking in the corners of the mouth
  • White patches on the inside of the lips or throughout the mouth

The cracking and redness are medically known as cheilosis or cheilitis. You may feel burning or itching because of the infection or white patches around the insides of your lips.

If the white patches extend to the throat, you may experience difficulty swallowing. If your child has thrush, be aware that your infant may become fussy, irritable, or have trouble feeding.

Causes of Lip Fungus Infections

Yeast is not a bad thing. Candida can be found on the skin or in the digestive system in about 45 percent of healthy people. It doesn’t typically cause any problems. This normally harmless fungus likes to grow in moist, wet areas, including the mouth. Some people may be more susceptible to developing a fungal infection in the mouth. Common risks for developing an oral fungal infection include:

  • Poorly fitting or unclean dentures
  • Excessive licking or rubbing the corners of the mouth
  • Smoking
  • Using a corticosteroid inhaler to treat asthma
  • A high-sugar diet
  • Chronic dry mouth
  • Other health conditions impacting the immune system such as diabetes

Fungal infections most often appear in individuals with weakened immune systems. Such as:

  • Infants
  • People who are currently using or who have recently taken antibiotics
  • People with poor nutrition
  • People with compromised immune systems such as leukemia, diabetes, or HIV

Treatment for Lip Fungus

Lip fungal infections are highly treatable. Your primary care physician or dentist can tell you more about the specific treatment you need. Medicated ointments can help clear up the redness. The cracking on the lips, mouthwashes, or lozenges can clear up any fungus inside the mouth. For people with severe lip infections, physicians or dentists may also prescribe oral anti-yeast medications.

Lip fungus treatment typically lasts one to two weeks for mild to moderate cases and twice as long for severe infections.

For people who have weakened immune systems due to other conditions, physicians can prescribe anti-fungal medications to prevent the fungus from overgrowing in the first place.

When you have lip fungus, still maintain your daily brushing and flossing routine. Replace your toothbrush immediately before and after treatment for your fungal infection.

Preventing Lip Fungus and Infection

Even if you don’t have a current infection, there are a few ways you can avoid the lip fungus from multiplying and causing an infection:

  • Ensuring dentures and other mouth appliances are clean and fit well
  • Breaking the habit of licking or rubbing the corners of your mouth
  • Maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing
  • Quitting smoking

If you’re worried about lip fungus in the corners of your mouth or on your lips, see your dentist. Early treatment can prevent severe infection.

  1. If a medicine is causing fungal growth, your doctor may work with you to change your prescription.
  2. If dry mouth is contributing, your dentist may recommend sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free lozenges, or a moisturizing rinse to keep the mouth hydrated.

Now that you know the common symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent lip fungus, you don’t have to be worried. Speak with your dentist at your next scheduled visit to learn more.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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White dots on the lips: what are they, reasons, how to get rid of

. Is it a cosmetic defect or a serious problem

Updated February 21, 2023 12:21 PM

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White dots or patches on the lips are common and can vary in size and shape. Some of them go away on their own, others can cause discomfort and require treatment.

We understand together with experts the causes of this defect and how to eliminate it.

Contents

  1. Why appear
  2. How to remove
  3. Expert comment

Where do the white dots on the lips come from

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In most cases, whiteheads are natural and harmless, but some of them may be permanent, painful and irritated. One way or another, it is important to determine the cause in order to know if treatment is necessary and if there is a health risk. There are six variants of white dots and spots on the lips.

1. Milia

Milia or milia are small white bumps under the skin [1]. In medical terminology, this is a retention miliary cyst filled with a protein – keratin. The tubercles are usually very small, less than 3 mm wide, domed and smooth. Milia often go away on their own and do not require additional treatment. But if there are too many of them and it bothers you, seek help from a beautician.

2. Fordyce spots

Fordyce spots are slightly enlarged sebaceous glands on the lips [2]. They are small, slightly raised, 1 to 3 mm in size and often appear in groups. The color can vary from white to yellowish, and the contents are easier to see if the skin is slightly stretched.

Fordyce spots are usually harmless and asymptomatic. They do not require treatment unless it is a cosmetic problem.

3. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

HSV provokes the appearance of white dots on the lips, which eventually turn into herpes [3]. These ulcers appear in three stages:

  • initial discomfort, burning and tingling;
  • one or more dots and white spots develop along the edges of the lips;
  • soon they swell, blisters and crusts form.

After the first outbreak of herpes, HSV often recurs in the same place. Be especially careful if you’ve been exposed to triggers: stress, viral infections, hormonal changes.

4. Oral thrush (candidiasis)

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that develops due to overgrowth of yeast [4]. This condition most commonly results in white bumps and patches in the mouth or tongue, but it can sometimes appear on the lips as well.

With thrush, symptoms such as:

  • redness and sensation in the mouth;
  • pain on swallowing;
  • decreased sensitivity of taste buds.

For treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will select the appropriate drugs.

5. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in the loss of pigment in the skin, leaving smooth white patches or dots [5]. The disease can begin at any age, but most often it manifests itself between the ages of 10 and 30 years.

Pimples and blemishes occur when the immune system attacks and destroys melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. While it can occur anywhere on the body, vitiligo most commonly occurs on the face, including the lips. There is no cure for this condition, but you can try treatments to restore pigment.

Zareta Marshaniv Dermatovenereologist, trichologist, dermato-oncologist, cosmetologist at Maria Shirshakova Clinic

“There are several hypothesized causes of the disease, but autoimmune mechanisms play the main role. It should be understood that vitiligo is not just an aesthetic problem; This is a skin disease, the treatment of which should be regulated by clinical guidelines that use evidence-based medicine methods.

A number of dermatological institutions are currently using various methods of applying ultraviolet light to combat the white patches of vitiligo. When used, there are nuances with regard to further results (patient expectations from treatment), and regarding the risk of side effects. Therefore, in any case, it is better to leave such a problem as vitiligo to a dermatologist, who personally at the appointment with the patient will decide on the appropriateness of treatment, since it is still impossible to completely get rid of the disease. ”

Anton Polyakov Physician of functional medicine, endocrinologist, creator of the Fantel

platform

“In order to cure vitiligo, it is important to include an autoimmune protocol, which involves a long-term exclusion from the diet of foods rich in gluten, dairy products, lectins, omega-6 foods and others. It is also important to work with chronic infections (Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes type 6, Sars-Cov-19, and so on). Of great importance is the psychological state of a person, since very often autoimmune diseases develop against the background of severe stress.

6. Oncology

Permanent white or red scaly patches that do not disappear on the lips may be a sign of early skin cancer. But they have pronounced unpleasant symptoms: they hurt, bleed and gradually increase in size. To exclude a serious disease, you need to see a doctor and, if necessary, take a biopsy of the affected skin area. In severe cases, removal, chemical, radiation and immunotherapy will be required.

How to remove white spots on lips

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How to deal with white bumps, dots and spots depends on the cause of their appearance. Modern cosmetology offers the following treatment options.

Laser procedures

Fordyce granules are benign formations of the sebaceous glands. They are present in the norm, so removal for medical reasons is not required. Laser treatment can be used during removal, but then, the cosmetologist emphasizes, the risk of scarring increases: there are not the best aesthetic results, which are even more difficult to deal with. In addition, laser removal will not solve the problem of the appearance of new points on the lips.

Zareta Marshani:

“There are no 100% effective methods of dealing with white spots on the lips, however, such formations on the skin (miliums, epidermal cysts and others) can be effectively eliminated using hardware methods of destruction: electrocoagulation or laser. ”

Cryotherapy

Some skin problems are treated with cold spot treatment. Zareta Marshani believes that cryotherapy is an excellent method for the destruction of skin neoplasms, which is the most organ-preserving, less painless, and does not require divisive rehabilitation: “However, this method rarely helps to get rid of points the first time and is not suitable for every problem. So, when removing formations of the sebaceous glands, cryotherapy is not effective enough, especially when it comes to large elements.

Mechanical methods

Many squeeze white dots at home in front of a mirror. In no case should you do this, since there is a high risk of infection and inflammation, and the wound will heal even longer.

Zareta Marshani:

“Usually, after the hardware removal of large elements, a special dermatological spoon is used, which helps to completely remove the remaining sebaceous contents. In some cases, when removing small milia, a specialist can use a mechanical method – a puncture with a needle. But the doctor should choose the treatment, and I do not advise doing it at home. ”

Expert commentary

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Anton Polyakov:

“White dots themselves are harmless, but they can present a certain cosmetic problem, especially for women. The main reason for their appearance is a hormonal imbalance, especially characteristic of puberty. Most often, this is a relative excess of testosterone, which leads to increased production of sebum.

Also, this defect can occur due to a violation of carbohydrate metabolism (insulin resistance), polycystic ovary syndrome, a violation of the synthesis of aromatase (an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol), genetic mutations, and even due to the use of hormonal drugs. The ducts that are responsible for removing the secret are clogged. As a result, a sebaceous cyst forms inside, which looks like a white dot. When it appears, it is recommended to restore the balance of sex hormones.

If self-medicated, it can lead to injury to the skin, as well as contribute to infection, which leads to a more pronounced cosmetic defect. There is a conservative method of treatment with jojoba oil, as well as a retinoid. Correction schemes are prescribed by specialists, as there are contraindications. Surgical treatment works with the help of laser technologies, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation. They also have a number of contraindications, you need to consult a doctor. In any case, it is important to work with the cause, that is, the hormonal imbalance, and not try to eliminate the effect.

Removal of any skin changes alone entails health risks. Treatment should take place in conjunction with a specialist, after determining the problem and assessing the condition of the body.

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Irina Rudevich

ilosis, tropicalis), typing. PCR – Protos Medical Center

Mucosal candidiasis is an infectious and inflammatory process caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida on mucous membranes. Oral candidiasis and genital candidiasis are of the greatest clinical importance.

Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (Candida spp.) are considered to be representatives of the normal mucosal microbiota of the human body. Indeed, they can be detected in about 60% of healthy adults in the oral cavity and in 12% of women in the vagina. Normally, yeast fungi are in equilibrium with the bacterial commensals of the mucous membranes and do not cause any inflammatory changes (“healthy carriage”). In some situations, however, the growth of yeast fungi increases, which is accompanied by a local infectious and inflammatory process – candidiasis, which is also known as “thrush”.

There are more than 150 species of candida, some of which are pathogenic to humans: C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. krusei, C. parakrusei, C. parapsilosis, C. guillermondi. Candida albicans is the most common causative agent of the disease.

Mucosal candidiasis is very common. Risk factors for oral candidiasis are infancy and old age, the presence of severe diseases with immunodeficiency (especially leukemia, lymphoma, carcinomatosis and HIV), poor oral hygiene, Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes mellitus and other endocrinological diseases, wearing dentures, the use of inhaled and systemic glucocorticoids. Risk factors for genital candidiasis (vulvovaginitis) are less clear, but estrogen imbalance and antibiotic use have been suggested.

The clinical picture of mucosal candidiasis is quite characteristic (presence of crumbly white deposits against the background of hyperemia in pseudomembranous form of candidiasis), but it may resemble other diseases, primarily leukoplakia and lichen planus. For the differential diagnosis of these diseases, laboratory tests are carried out.

Given the high prevalence of “healthy carriers” of Candida, many people can be detected with a slight overgrowth of yeast-like fungi. In the absence of any clinical signs of candidiasis, such growth has no clinical significance. On the other hand, the abundance of yeast colonies (more than 104 CFU / ml) in a patient with minimal signs of candidiasis or without them at all, but with risk factors for this disease, should alert the doctor and may require the appointment of antimycotic drugs.

PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction) is a modern diagnostic method based on the detection of unique DNA sequences characteristic only for a certain pathogen in the biological material under study. In the test material, specific DNA of the causative agent of thrush is found – varieties of the Candida fungus – C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis / C. tropicalis. Candida detection by PCR is the most objective and accurate among other research methods. High accuracy will necessarily show the presence of a fungus in the body, but this does not mean that it was he who caused the patient’s illness.

Given that candidiasis of the mucosa (primarily the oral cavity) is sometimes a symptom of a more serious disease, additional laboratory tests may be recommended in some cases, including blood glucose, thyroid, parathyroid, genital glands and adrenal glands, HIV analysis and immunological studies.