Table 1.

What is known about recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).

RVVC is an extremely common condition affecting between 5–10% of women of reproductive age Diagnosing RVVC is challenging as a high proportion of women are colonised with Candida, the symptoms are not pathognomonic and there is significant overlap with other vulval pathologies such as vulval dermatitis and vulvodynia Practices which dry or irritate the delicate vulval skin, including over-washing, use of feminine and other hygiene products, wearing sanitary pads or panty liners, predispose women to RVVC. Instead, women should be advised to use an emollient as a moisturiser, barrier cream and soap substitute daily