Management of Acute Pseudomembranous Candidiasis in a Hairy Tongue Patient

A Case Report of a Dysphagia Patient Post Stroke in Nala Husada Dental Hospital

  • Kurnia Hayati Rahman Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Aisyah Nurul Izzatil Muslimah Graduate Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Nur Tsurayya Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Meircurius Dwi Condro Surboyo Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Cane Lukisari Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Dwi Setianingtyas Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • Nafiah Nafi'ah Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Background. Hairy tongue is a benign condition characterized by the elongation of the filiform papillae. This elongation creates an environment conducive to debris retention and changes in the oral microflora, subsequently increasing the risk of developing candidiasis. In patients with dysphagia, the decrease in mastication and swallowing movements further creates an opportunity for candidiasis to develop. Case report. The present case reports a 67-year-old man with dysphagia following a stroke incident. A thick white pseudomembrane was observed on the dorsum of the tongue and the edentulous ridge, which had otherwise appeared normal to surround the mucosa. Treatment. Treatment consisted of prescribing an oral antiseptic three times daily and regularly using a tongue scraper after brushing. After seven days of treatment, the pseudomembrane disappeared except in the central posterior part of the tongue. This remaining pseudomembrane could not be scraped off and was defined as a hairy tongue. Conclusion. Proper management of acute pseudomembranous candidiasis on the hairy tongue lesions can prevent further disease development.

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Published
2025-07-24
How to Cite
RAHMAN, Kurnia Hayati et al. Management of Acute Pseudomembranous Candidiasis in a Hairy Tongue Patient. Journal of Indonesian Oral Medicine Society, [S.l.], v. 2, n. 3, p. 8-12, july 2025. ISSN 3026-6688. Available at: <http://jurnal.pdgi.or.id/index.php/jioms/article/view/1371>. Date accessed: 01 aug. 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.32793/jioms.v2i3.1371.
Section
Case Reports

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