Which condition is a type of infection-related peristomal skin damage?

• A. Peristomal candidiasis
• B. Folliculitis
• C. Peristomal irritant dermatitis
• D. Allergic contact dermatitis

Answer: (A)

Peristomal candidiasis is an infection-related skin complication around a stoma caused by Candida species. The warm, moist environment under the appliance promotes fungal overgrowth, so the surrounding skin becomes bright red and may show satellite lesions, with itching or burning. This distinguishes it from irritant dermatitis, which results from direct chemical irritation from effluent or care products and lacks fungal involvement; and from allergic contact dermatitis, which is an immune reaction to adhesives or materials and tends to present differently, not with the characteristic fungal pattern. Folliculitis around the stoma can occur as a bacterial infection of hair follicles, but it isn’t the classic infection-specific peristomal skin damage caused by Candida. Management emphasizes antifungal therapy (topical agents first, like miconazole or nystatin; systemic therapy if needed) and addressing contributing factors such as reducing moisture, ensuring a good barrier, and preventing leakage to protect the skin.