Oral Candidiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and HIV Concerns

Q: Oral Candidiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and HIV Concerns

Dear readers： Regarding the question, "Is it necessary for me to get tested for HIV in my situation?" <br>A： 1. <br>According to the CDC website www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV transmissi

Oral candidiasis

Hello, doctor! In the past week or two, I noticed an oval-shaped white membrane on my lips.
After scraping it off, I saw a slightly red sore that didn't hurt.
Later, I wasn't sure if I bit it or if something else happened, but it turned into a regular ulcer that is healing quickly.
However, in the last couple of days, I noticed red sores appearing near this ulcer.
In the morning, when I woke up, there was a slightly translucent and white membrane that appeared, which came off easily without pain, leaving behind a small red sore (similar to a bite mark).
I consulted an ENT specialist and showed him a photo of the white membrane on my lips.
He suggested that it resembled an oral candidiasis infection, likely due to a weakened immune system.
My condition is localized to the lower lip (not the entire lip, just the area with the red sore), and there are no other affected areas.
Occasionally, I have a habit of biting or scraping my lower lip.

After returning home, I researched and found that oral candidiasis is more common in infants or the elderly, and it's rare in adults.
I haven't taken antibiotics or asthma medications recently, and I don't have any other physical discomfort, just occasional mild pain in my right back (I saw an orthopedic doctor and had an X-ray, which he attributed to muscle inflammation from "staying up late," and he prescribed anti-inflammatory pain medication).
My usual lifestyle involves "staying up late," often going to bed after 1 AM and waking up at 7 AM.
Due to work, I rarely take days off, and I often experience significant psychological stress, feeling anxious and sometimes depressed.
In my research, I learned that HIV infection can increase the risk of oral candidiasis, which reminded me of an incident that occurred about six months ago.
Here's the description: I went to a chain hair salon for a haircut, and during the process, I was accidentally cut by the electric clippers used by the stylist (the type used for buzz cuts), which may have caused some bleeding.
I felt a slight pain, and the stylist asked if it hurt a lot, but then continued cutting my hair without doing anything else.
If my previous client was an HIV patient and happened to leave blood on the clippers, and then I was cut by the same clippers just three minutes later, would I be at risk of infection? I have never used drugs, shared needles, or engaged in unsafe sexual practices; I have only had sexual relations with my girlfriend.
The recent oral candidiasis has made me think about that incident from six months ago, and I am quite worried.
I would like to ask the doctor if the oral candidiasis on my lower lip could be related to HIV, or if it is simply due to my late nights and stress leading to a weakened immune system.
Should I consider getting tested for HIV? I apologize for the length of my questions, which may have taken up your time, but I am quite concerned about this issue.
Thank you very much for your help!

Xiao Niu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/09

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers: Regarding the question, "Is it necessary for me to get tested for HIV in my situation?"
A: 1.
According to the CDC website www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV transmission:
A.
Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection.

B.
Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact with HIV-contaminated blood or blood products.
(2) Sharing needles, syringes, or diluents with intravenous drug users who are HIV-positive.
(3) Receiving an organ transplant from an HIV-infected donor.

C.
Vertical transmission from mother to child: An infant can acquire HIV from an infected mother during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding.

2.
It is noted that haircuts are not a transmission route.
If you have further questions, you may consult a nearby medical facility for advice or testing.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2016/11/09

More Info

Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans. It can manifest in various forms, including white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks, redness, and soreness. While it is more prevalent in infants and the elderly, adults can also develop this condition, especially if their immune system is compromised.

In your case, the appearance of a white membrane on your lip that later turned into a red sore could indeed suggest oral candidiasis, particularly if it was accompanied by a white film that could be scraped off. The fact that you have a habit of biting or scraping your lip may contribute to localized trauma, which can create an environment conducive to fungal overgrowth. Stress, lack of sleep, and poor immune function can also predispose individuals to infections like candidiasis.

Regarding your concerns about HIV, it is important to understand that while individuals with HIV are at a higher risk for opportunistic infections, including oral candidiasis, the presence of thrush alone does not confirm an HIV infection. The risk of contracting HIV through a hair salon incident, such as being cut by a potentially contaminated hair clipper, is extremely low. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific routes: unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. The scenario you described does not fit these transmission pathways.

Your lifestyle factors, such as late nights and high stress, could be contributing to a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to infections like oral candidiasis. It is essential to address these lifestyle factors, as improving your sleep hygiene and managing stress can significantly enhance your overall health and immune function.

As for whether you should get tested for HIV, if you have had unprotected sex or are concerned about potential exposure, it is always a good idea to get tested. Testing is the only way to confirm your HIV status, and knowing your status can help you take appropriate steps for your health and the health of your partners. If your test results come back negative, it can provide peace of mind, but if you continue to experience symptoms or have concerns, follow up with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while oral candidiasis can be associated with a weakened immune system, it does not directly indicate an HIV infection. Your symptoms may be more related to lifestyle factors and localized trauma. However, if you have concerns about HIV exposure, testing is advisable. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

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