The most prominent symptom of vaginitis due to Candida infection is severe itching. The infection is most often associated with pregnancy, glycosuria, diabetes mellitus, and antibiotic use. Sexual transmission is unlikely. Miconazole or clotrimazole intravaginal cream each night for one week usually clears up the infection. Difficulty or pain with swallowing, or retrosternal pain, may indicate candidiasis of the esophagus.
Topical therapy is the usual treatment, such as with clotrimazole or nystatin.
Systemic antifungal therapy is indicated for severe disease and includes ketoconazole and fluconazole. Chronic suppressive therapy is sometimes required for severely immunocompromised patients. All rights reserved.