Atypical presentations of congenital cutaneous candidiasis- presenting a cohort of 8 cases

Abstract

Congenital cutaneous candidiasis is an extremely rare disorder that usually presents within the first 6 days of life. We report 8 neonates who presented with generalized skin eruptions within first 6 days of life, characterized by erythematous macules, papules, vesicles, bullae and pustules. Candida albicans was demonstrated on direct KOH smear, fungal culture and skin biopsy. The disease implies a congenital intrauterine infection and is different from neonatal candidiasis, which manifests as thrush or diaper dermatitis.Although congenital cutaneous candidiasis is a rare diagnosis and the predisposing factors like prematurity,candidial infection in the mother are not obvious, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose the neonates with this condition and it is very evident that congenital cutaneous candidiasis has got a good prognosis. This article apart from revealing the atypical presentations of cutaneous congenital candidiasis, also emphasizes the need to screen all pregnant women for vaginal candidiasis.