Final answer:
The treatment for vaginal candidiasis involves antifungal medications such as topical butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, nystatin, or oral fluconazole. During pregnancy, careful selection of treatment is important, with clotrimazole being safe in the later trimesters. For chronic or recurrent cases, systemic antifungal treatment and good hygiene practices may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis
The treatment for vaginal candidiasis typically involves antifungal medications, which can be either topical or oral. Topical antifungal medications, such as butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, and nystatin, are commonly used. In some cases, an oral treatment like fluconazole may be prescribed. It is crucial to select an appropriate treatment if the patient is pregnant, for instance, clotrimazole is an FDA category B drug and deemed safe for use in the second or third trimesters. High success rates approaching 80-90% have been documented with these treatments for clearing infections, although recurrent or persistent infections may require longer or intermittent treatment strategies. Prescription of these antifungal agents should be based on a confirmed clinical diagnosis, often involving a direct vaginal smear to detect yeast presence.
For more severe or chronic infections, especially in patients with compromised immune systems, systemic azole antifungal medications may be recommended. Good hygiene and appropriate clothing can help reduce the risk of recurrent infections.