Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chronic vulvovaginal symptoms are frequently overlooked but significantly impact patients and clinicians.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
• Common causes include recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, and irritant dermatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of diagnosing chronic vulvovaginal symptoms.
• To emphasize the role of fungal cultures in the diagnostic work-up.
• To discuss treatment approaches for common causes, including RVVC.

Main Methods:

• Review of common causes of chronic vulvovaginal symptoms.
• Emphasis on diagnostic work-up including fungal cultures.
• Discussion of therapeutic strategies for RVVC and other yeast infections.

Main Results:

• Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a primary cause of chronic vaginal symptoms.
• Host factors may influence RVVC caused by Candida albicans.
• Long-term oral antifungal therapy is effective for many RVVC cases.
• Infections with non-albicans Candida species may require different treatment.

Conclusions:

• Proper diagnosis is fundamental for managing chronic vulvovaginal symptoms.
• Fungal cultures are essential for identifying causative agents.
• Long-term oral antifungals are a key treatment for RVVC, but resistance in other yeast species necessitates tailored approaches.