Overview

What Are Mucosal Disorders?

Mucosal disorders are diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals caused by yeast, viruses and bacteria. Mucosal disorders include:

• Candidiasis (yeast infection): Candidiasis is an infection caused by excess yeast on the skin or mucus membranes. Yeast infections can occur in skin folds, genitals, mouth and corners of the mouth and nail beds.
• Canker sores: Canker sores are small sores on the lips, cheeks and tongue. Canker sores usually have a yellow center surrounded by redness that heals in 10 to 14 days.
• Herpes: The herpes simplex virus causes blisters around the mouth (HSV-1) and genitals (HSV-2) that break and form scabs. HSV is spread through skin-to-skin contact such as kissing and sexual intercourse. HSV can also be contagious even when no lesions are present.