Vulvovaginal candidiasis: a current update

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common reasons a woman may visit her medical provider. In fact, vaginal complaints account for 10% of all visits each year, with the occurrence of VVC nearly doubling in the past ten years. The diagnosis of VVC is usually straightforward and the majority of patients readily respond to treatment with local antifungal therapy. However, 5% to 25% of these patients relapse, suffering recurrent symptoms within 1 to 3 months of treatment. The chronicity of these candidal infections becomes very frustrating to both patient and provider. The cause may be unclear and the course of treatment unsubstantiated in medical literature. Therefore, to minimize recurrence clinicians must always use a systematic approach to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for acute and chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis.