Thelansis

  Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) occurs when Candida species superficially penetrate the mucosal lining of the vagina and cause an inflammatory response. The dominant inflammatory cells are typically polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages. Patients may present with discharge, which is usually thick and adherent, excoriations, external dysuria, vaginal itching, vaginal burning, dyspareunia, or swelling. Risk factors for acute candidal vulvovaginitis include estrogen use, elevated endogenous estrogens, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Although candidal vulvovaginitis is more common in sexually active women, there is no evidence that candidal infection is sexually transmitted. Patients with recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis have predisposing genetic factors that cause them to be susceptible to recurrent fungal infections. These factors may also predispose to hypersensitivity to Candida. The most common responsible pathogen is C. albicans (in ...