The treatment of Candida vaginitis and vulvitis

Abstract

Vulvovaginitis may have an infectious cause, a non-infectious cause or a combination of both. A vaginal swab is usually needed to establish the diagnosis even though Candida albicans is the commonest infectious cause. Treatment of vulvovaginitis may require modification of the vaginal environment. Specific treatment for C. albicans involves inserting an antifungal drug into the vagina when the patient is symptomatic. Patients with recurring infections may need long-term prophylaxis with an oral antifungal drug. The diagnosis must be reviewed if patients do not respond to treatment.