Candida albicans infections in leg ulcers and surrounding skin after the use of ointment impregnated stockings

Abstract

Six elderly women treated with double elastic bandages for chronic venous leg ulcers presented a clinical picture beneath these bandages as seen in intertriginous candidiasis. Painful, bright red, glistening skin lesions with pustules, denuded skin and scales were seen. Cultures on Sabouraud's agar from skin erosions and toe webs confirmed the suspicion of Candida albicans infection. Treatment with topically applied clotrimazole cream resulted in relief of pain and healing of skin lesions. There is a possibility of the Candida albicans having been transmitted from the toe webs by the bandages, and that the bandages creates a microenvironment suitable for growth of the yeast.