Cutaneous candidiasis as a cause of delayed surgical wound healing.
BACKGROUND
Reports in the literature of surgical wounds infected with Candida species are scant.


OBJECTIVE
We describe a subset of patients with cutaneous candidiasis whose only clinical finding was delayed wound healing.


METHODS
Surgical wounds managed with moist occlusive postoperative dressings were observed for delayed healing.


RESULTS
Three patients are described who demonstrated delayed wound healing with failure to epithelialize. Fungal cultures from each patient revealed heavy growth of Candida. The problem resolved quickly with a modified wound care regimen and application of an antiyeast cream.


CONCLUSIONS
Cutaneous candidiasis can be a cause of delayed wound healing, especially in surgical wounds treated with antibacterial ointments and occlusive dressings.
Giandoni
M B
MB
Dermatology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
Grabski
W J
WJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002179:Candidiasis, Cutaneous / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000009:adverse effects; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*