Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review of the literature

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2015;24(1):5-7. doi: 10.15570/actaapa.2015.2.

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects around three-quarters of all women during their reproductive age, although the exact incidence of VVC is difficult to determine because many patients are self-treated. The infections are divided into complicated and uncomplicated. Uncomplicated VVC is most effectively treated with local azoles. Oral treatment with a single dose of fluconazole is also effective for treating uncomplicated VVC. Treatment of complicated VVC is prolonged and most commonly consists of multiple doses of oral fluconazole or at least 1 week of local azoles. The role of probiotics in treating VVC is still disputed. This article presents a review of the literature on the various treatment options for VVC. Treatment for the most common pathogens that cause complicated VVC is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / diagnosis*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / drug therapy*
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / etiology
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole