Management of Acute Atrophic Erythematous Candidiasis in a Diabetes Mellitus Patient: A Case Report

Authors

  • Irene Anastasia Tampubolon Resident of Oral Medicine Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Nurina Febriyanti Ayuningtyas Lecturer of Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Aulya Setyo Pratiwi Lecturer of Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Gremita Kusuma Dewi Resident of Oral Medicine Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Reiska Kumala Bakti Universitas Airlangga
  • Ardyta Lintang Maheswari Student of Dental Profession Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46862/interdental.v22i1.13091

Keywords:

Acute Atrophic Erythematous Candidiasis, diabetes mellitus, non-albicans Candida, nystatin

Abstract

Introduction: Acute atrophic erythematous candidiasis is an oral mucosal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida spp., commonly associated with immunocompromised conditions such as diabetes mellitus. It presents as painful, erythematous lesions that may impair quality of life if untreated.

Case: A 47-year-old male presented with tongue pain. Intraoral examination showed a well-demarcated, elongated erythematous lesion on the anterior one-third of the left dorsal tongue, measuring 2.5 × 1 cm, with a smooth surface and tenderness on palpation. The patient had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c 10.6%) and was on metformin, glimepiride, and amlodipine.

Case Management: Fungal culture confirmed Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis. The patient received topical nystatin oral suspension four times daily for two weeks. After 22 days, complete healing was observed. Poor glycemic control likely increased susceptibility through impaired immunity and changes in the oral environment. The presence of non-albicans Candida species reflects infection patterns in immunocompromised patients.

Conclusion: Oral candidiasis is closely associated with diabetes mellitus. Effective management requires antifungal therapy combined with glycemic control and improved oral hygiene.

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Published

2026-04-30

How to Cite

1.
Tampubolon IA, Ayuningtyas NF, Pratiwi AS, Dewi GK, Bakti RK, Maheswari AL. Management of Acute Atrophic Erythematous Candidiasis in a Diabetes Mellitus Patient: A Case Report. interdental [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 30 [cited 2026 May 1];22(1):173-80. Available from: https://e-journal.unmas.ac.id/index.php/interdental/article/view/13091

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Interdental Jurnal Kedokteran Gigi (IJKG)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Irene Anastasia Tampubolon, Nurina Febriyanti Ayuningtyas, Aulya Setyo Pratiwi, Gremita Kusuma Dewi, Reiska Kumala Bakti, Ardyta Lintang Maheswari

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