Monilia

Monilia is a yeast-like fungus (Candida albicans), which by nature is a saprophyte. Only under favorable conditions like moisture, warmth, lowered resistance due to the presence of sugar and lowered immune resistance, does it become pathogenic.

Monilia in adults

In adults, diabetes may be a predisposing cause of cutaneous monilial affection; a good principle is to get the urine examined in such cases. Even if the urine is negative for sugar, efforts must be pursued to unearth pre-diabetes by elaborate blood tests (Bedi, 65).

Moniliasis is also very common in obese individuals who suffer from hyperhidrosis and hence chronic maceration in the folds of the body. Lack of exercise and fresh air and the wearing of tight clothes for long hours also predispose the skin to this infection.

In recent years, increasing incidence of candidiasis has been brought about by increasing use of antibiotics, trichomonicidal drugs, corticosteroids, contraceptives and immuno-suppressants. Morbidity due to candida is definitely on the increase. Besides Candida albicans , other yeast fungi like C. krusei and C. tropicalis may be seen. It is estimated that candida may be present in the mouth and genitalia of 20 to 40 p.c. of individuals.

In adults, the common monilial affections observed are: Paronychia, erosio interdigitalis and a variety of intertrigo affecting flexures and toes; in infants, monilia produces thrush and napkin eruption.