What is the recommended treatment for median rhomboid glossitis?

Median rhomboid glossitis is a condition characterized by a smooth, reddish area located on the tongue, typically in a diamond shape, and is often associated with fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species. The recommended treatment for this condition is nystatin, an antifungal medication effective in targeting yeast infections.

Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, leading to increased permeability and ultimately causing cell death. As median rhomboid glossitis is frequently linked to Candida overgrowth, using nystatin helps address the underlying fungal infection, promoting healing and restoration of the normal tongue appearance.

Other treatment options mentioned, such as antibiotics, may not be effective because they primarily target bacterial infections and do not address fungal overgrowth. Palliative care might help relieve symptoms but does not treat the root cause. Corticosteroids could be considered for inflammatory conditions but are not a first-line treatment for fungal infections. Thus, utilizing nystatin is the most appropriate approach for treating median rhomboid glossitis.