Vulvovaginal candidiasis usually is caused by Candida albicans but occasionally is caused by other Candida sp. or yeasts. Although it can be common in teenagers, it is rarer before puberty.
Risk factors for developing infections after menarche are similar to adults: antibiotic use, obesity, autoimmune conditions, douching, steroid use, intercourse, and birth control use.
Risk factors for premenarchal yeast infections include diaper use, antibiotic use, and steroid use. Infections will be more common in children with diabetes.
Patients may complain of pruritus, white discharge, dysuria and, in sexually active girls, possibly dyspareunia.
On examination, a typical appearance includes a thick, white vaginal discharge and/or erythema of the vulva and surrounding skin, with or without scale.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis in Child
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
B37.3 – Candidiasis of vulva and vagina
SNOMEDCT:
72934000 – Vaginal candidiasis
B37.3 – Candidiasis of vulva and vagina
SNOMEDCT:
72934000 – Vaginal candidiasis
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Candida infection often complicates all irritated vulvar eruptions (lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex chronicus, etc). Candidiasis can cause cyclic vulvovaginitis, which occurs at the same time each month around the menses with minimal discharge. Pre-menarchal girls are a common group to have lichen sclerosus.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Folliculitis
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Pinworm infection
- Foreign body in vagina
- Sexual abuse
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:12/13/2018
Last Updated:01/08/2019
Last Updated:01/08/2019
Vulvovaginal candidiasis in Child