White, slightly elevated lesions on the tongue and lips are typical of oral candidiasis. Oral candidiasis (thrush). The white, slightly elevated lesions appear to be "sitting" on the tongue surface. Oral candidiasis (thrush) frequently has a white patch at the middle of the tongue, as displayed in this image. This image displays oral candidiasis (yeast infection) at the corners of the mouth. This image displays severe oral candidiasis (thrush) with thick, white lesions covering the tongue. Candida (yeast) infection of the mouth, also known as thrush, can cause a smooth patch at the middle of the tongue, as displayed in this image.
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)  Information for adults

Picture of Thrush (Oral Candidiasis): White, slightly elevated lesions on the tongue and lips are typical of oral candidiasis. Divider line
White, slightly elevated lesions on the tongue and lips are typical of oral candidiasis.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
Although meticulous oral hygiene practices must be followed, treatments center on killing the overgrown yeast with anti-fungal medications.
  • Nystatin – This medicine must come into contact with the yeast in order to kill it. Nystatin comes in a suspension, or liquid, and in a lozenge, also called a troche. The suspension is swished around the mouth and then swallowed. The lozenge dissolves in the mouth. Both the suspension and the lozenges are used several times a day until the lesions are completely gone.
  • Amphotericin B suspension – The suspension is swished and swallowed several times a day until complete resolution of the lesions.
  • Clotrimazole lozenge – The lozenge is dissolved in the mouth several times a day until the lesions have disappeared entirely.
  • Fluconazole pill – This medication is swallowed once daily for 5–10 days.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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