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Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis

Description

Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis refers to a fungal infection involving the vulva and vagina. Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is caused by yeast, a fungus that causes white curd like discharge from vagina, burning and irritation in the vagina and vulva (tissues at the opening of vagina), and an itchy rash (change in color and texture of skin) on the vulva and surrounding skin. Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is a common condition affecting almost ¾ women.

Causes

Some prominent causes of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis are:

  • Infection caused by candida albicans,
  • Trichomoniasis (a parasitic infection),
  • Bacterial vaginosis (disturbance in the normal fauna of vagina),
  • Injury,
  • Sexually transmitted infections,
  • Inflammatory vaginitis (inflammation of vagina).
Risk factors

Risk factors of vaginal candidiasis include:

  • Pregnant women,
  • Diabetes (raised blood sugar level),
  • Those who use hormonal contraceptives like birth control pill,
  • Immunosuppression,
  • Those who are on treatment with steroids,
  • Undergoing chemotherapy,
  • Who have recently taken antibiotics,
  • Iron deficiency anemia,
  • An underlying skin condition involving the vulva such as psoriasis, lichen planus, or lichen sclerosis.
Symptoms

Some common symptoms of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis are:

  • Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva,
  • Burning sensation that aggravates on intercourse and urination,
  • Redness and swelling of vulva,
  • Vaginal pain and soreness,
  • Vaginal rash,
  • Thick, white, and odor free vaginal discharge that has curd like appearance,
  • Watery vaginal discharge,
  • Vulval edema and excoriations (conscious repetitive picking of skin).
Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will take your detailed medical history, will ask questions regarding your sexual activity, examine the affected area, will recommend you get a few laboratory tests done, and ask about duration, severity, associated symptoms, aggravating ad relieving factors of your condition.

Management

Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is managed by the use of topical (applied on the skin) antifungal ointments, vaginal tablets, and administration of oral antifungal medicines.

When to consult a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if this is the first time that you have a yeast infection, your symptoms are not relieved on taking antifungal medicines and ointments, you start experiencing new symptoms, your infection starts spreading, and if there is a general feeling of uneasiness and discomfort.

Available Medicine for Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis

Butacon

Rs.222

Valor

Femstat 20gm

Rs.261.14

Dawaai