Case Studies

 Case 2.8 Acute vulvo-vaginitis

A 27-year-old woman presented with a 4-week history of severe irritation and soreness of her vulva. For 2 weeks she had experienced burning pain on micturition but no frequency. In addition, she had a thick, creamy-white vaginal discharge. Her menstrual periods were regular and she was taking the oral contraceptive pill. On examination, her general condition was good. She had marked erythema of her vulva and vaginal mucosa, with white plaques. The appearances were those of acute vulvo-vaginitis. A vaginal swab showed masses of pseudohyphae, with a profuse growth of Candida albicans on culture. She was treated with oral miconazole with rapid symptomatic relief.