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Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Oral Health and HIV

 

identifying oral candidiasis
May 18, 2000

Hi Dr Reznik,

In a case of candidiasis on the soft and/or hard palate where it is hard to get a good view, would it be easy to FEEL the lesions/patches with a finger?

Also, wouldn't erythematous candidiasis be painful when a finger is rubbed against it?

Response from Dr. Reznik

You should be able to feel the presence of pseudomembranous candidiasis (thrush) on the hard or soft palates (roof of the mouth) with your tongue and possibly your finger. There are very mild cases which one may not be able to "feel" with either method, which is another reason it is important to have your dental and medical providers exam your mouth at every visit.

In regards to your question as to whether or not it would be painful to touch erythematous candidiasis: it is true that the erythematous or red form of candidiasis (thrush) would be sensitive to salty or spicy foods and beverages, again there may be mild cases where this particular manifestation is asymptomatic and therefore painless to the touch.

Bottom line: if you feel you may have candidiasis, please have a medical/dental professional who is experienced in diagnosing this condition examine your mouth.

Take care,

DR



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