Candida and Yeast infections

Question 1

What are symptoms of vulvovaginal candiasis?

Answer 1

Vulval pruritis, non-offensive vaginal discharge, external dysuria, superficial dyspareunia, erythematous rash over the vulva

Question 2

What are signs of vulvovaginal candiasis?

Answer 2

Erythema, fissuring, excoriation, swelling, oedema of vulva, non-offensive/curdy white vaginal discharge, satellite lesions, excoriation marks, vulvitis/vaginitis

Question 3

What are predisposing factors to candiasis?

Answer 3

Sexual intercourse, antibiotics, contraception, tight clothing, HIV and immunosuppression, iron deficiency anaemia, stress

Question 4

What are complications of candiasis?

Answer 4

Sore vagina/vulva and superficial dyspareunia, psychosexual problems

Question 5

How is candiasis diagnosed?

Answer 5

High vaginal swab of discharge - direct microscopy of gram-stained slide

Question 6

What is treatment of candiasis?

Answer 6

• fluclonazole, 150mg capsule PO
• clotrimazole pessary 500mg single dose
• nystatin pessaries if azole resistant

*avoid azoles in pregnancy

Question 7

How can candiasis be managed?

Answer 7

avoid perfumed soaps/wipes, use emollient cream, avoid tight fitting clothing