Thrush?

[gary carter]

Hi, I have a question about possible thrush infection.

I have heard this is one of the symptoms of HIV, although my sexual history is by far not one I would heartily be worried about that, although I do realize it only takes once.

Anyway about a week now I have been peeling what seems like skin but may be thrush from the inner cheek of my mouth.  From the pictures I have seen Thrush seems more clumpy and more whitish but I am still worried.  It seems like it could be skin, sometimes its clearish.

I am wondering since I do smoke Marijuana excessively, if this could be a side effect from the toxins of smoking either causing Thrush or causing peeling in the mouth.  I understand I should probably get an HIV test ASAP, I just do not have Health Insurance and would like to know if there could be other causes for this besides the most obvious.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thrush (yeast infection) also occurs in people without HIV, so don't worry about that possibility if you're not at risk.  In any case, this doesn't sound like thrush, which usually causes white spots or patches that are easily wiped off; "peeling" sounds like something else and I really can't say more.  But not like anything that makes me worry about HIV.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[gary carter]

In any case, I was wondering, how early after infection would something like thrush come about?  I've read in the elderly it can be early, but in most people 5-10 years?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Regardless of age, thrush can come on early or late in HIV infection.  It depends on how badly the virus has damaged the immune system, which rarely is fast (a few weeks) but normally takes several years to get bad enough for thrush to show up.

HHH, MD

[amberdoll]

A related discussion, thrush and chewing tobacco was started.