CANDIDIASIS IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF BEST PRACTICES

Candidiasis is a common infection in humans and one of the more common oral alterations in the pediatric population. The incidence of candidiasis in this population is highest in neonates, with 8.7% experiencing the infection. Children up to 12 months of age experience candidiasis at a frequency of 2-5%, while the pediatric population in general has an incidence of 0.8-3.7%. The most easily recognizable form is pseudomembranous candidiasis, which presents as non-adherent, white, plaque-like lesions. Erythematous candidiasis has a variety of presentations; lesions are typically asymptomatic and chronic. Treatment options vary based on the child's preference of medication type (oral suspension, lozenges, or tablet). We present a case of cheilocandidiasis in a 20 month old patient and review the best practices for treatment and follow-up when candidiasis is encountered in a pediatric patient.