Cutaneous Candida albicans Infection Associated with Possible Household and Textile Contamination: A Case Report

Abstract

Cutaneous candidiasis is a common superficial fungal infection; however, its potential for intra-household transmission via contaminated fomites remains underexplored. In April 2026, a 54-year-old woman presented to a dermatology clinic in Tripoli City, Libya, with erythematous, pruritic lesions involving the neck, arms, and abdomen, without systemic symptoms. Candida albicans was recovered from the lesions. Household screening yielded positive cultures in three of four contacts, and the organism was also recovered from a used towel and a bed sheet. The patient received topical clotrimazole cream twice daily for four weeks. Marked improvement was observed within two weeks, followed by complete clinical resolution by week four. Avoidance of shared personal textiles and appropriate laundering were advised. No recurrence was documented during the four-week follow-up. This case demonstrates a temporal and microbiological association between cutaneous Candida albicans infection and contamination of shared household textiles. Because molecular typing was not performed, the findings do not establish genetic relatedness or the direction of transmission. Antifungal treatment combined with hygiene measures was associated with clinical resolution.