Fortnightly Review: Management of genital candidiasis

Summary points Vaginal candidiasis affects about 75% of women, 40-50% having recurrent episodes Pruritus vulvae and vaginal discharge are the cardinal symptoms Candida albicans accounts for about 90% of infections and C glabrata for 5% C glabrata infections are often resistant to azoles Recurrent episodes require clinical examination, culture of swabs, and consideration of underlying disease Male partners who do not have symptoms need not be examined, have swabs taken for culture, or be treated Reduction of intestinal colonisation is of no value in preventing recurrence