Erythematous candidiasis is a type of oral candidiasis, a.k.a. oral thrush -- a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates in your mouth. Symptoms of erythematous candidiasis include red, flat, painful sores on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth. Certain foods and home remedies may help control overgrowth of the candida fungus in the mouth; however, if you have symptoms of erythematous candidiasis you should see a doctor, as oral thrush may indicate a serious underlying health condition.
Nutrition for Candidiasis
According to MayoClinic.com, eating unsweetened yogurt or taking liquid or capsules containing acidophilus may help treat oral candidiasis. Yogurt and acidophilus don't kill the fungus directly, but they help to restore the normal bacterial flora in your mouth. It is also be a good idea to avoid sugary foods and drinks if you have erythematous candidiasis, because extra sugar in the saliva acts as a food for candida. People with high blood sugar levels are at a higher risk for candidiasis. Additionally, according to NaturalNews.com, taking 1 to 2 Tbsp. of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar daily may help minimize overgrowth of candida in the body. Salty or spicy foods and hot or acidic beverages can intensify the burning pain associated with erythematous candidiasis and should thus be avoided.
Home Remedies
Besides giving your body the nutritional support it needs to fight the candida fungus, certain home treatments might also help control erythematous candidiasis and other forms of oral thrush. It is important for people with oral thrush to practice good hygiene, brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and flossing at least once daily. Nonprescription mouthwashes and sprays should be avoided, as these may upset your mouth's bacterial flora, according to MayoClinic.com. However, rinsing with a diluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution several times a day might be beneficial, according to MedlinePlus. A homemade rinse containing 1/2 tsp. of salt dissolved in warm water may also help control oral thrush.
Prescription Treatments
Your doctor can prescribe medications to treat your erythematous candidiasis. Different types of antifungal medications, including mouth rinses containing a suspension of the antifungal drug nystatin, and lozenges containing another antifungal medicine, clotrimazole, are often prescribed for thrush. In moderate to severe cases of oral candidiasis, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal drug called fluconazole or, if your candidiasis is resistant to other medications, you may be prescribed a medication called amphotericin B. Typically, you will have to take these medications for five to 14 days, depending on your doctor's instructions. If you have an immuno-suppressive disease or recurring thrush, you will likely have to continue taking a reduced dose of antifungal medication as "maintenance therapy" following initial treatment.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you have white or red lesions in the mouth consistant with thrush. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medications to control your symptoms and to determine the underlying cause of your candidiasis. The underlying cause of your candidiasis may not be serious -- for example, taking antibiotics can cause you to develop thrush. However, thrush in adults is also a common symptom of the HIV virus, so it's critical that you get it checked out by a professional. Diabetes is another possible underlying cause. You should also see a doctor if you develop signs of candidiasis and have already been diagnosed as HIV-positive, are receiving chemotherapy, or are taking drugs to suppress the immune system, as candida infections can spread to other parts of the body in people with suppressed immune systems.
