The most common vaginal mycosis is certainly that caused by yeast Candida albicans. This mycosis is called vaginal candidiasis.
vaginal.This loss of replication control of some mild fungi types (such as Candida albicans) can be caused and favored by several factors, such as:
- Lowering of the body's immune defenses;
- Antibiotic therapies that can weaken the vaginal bacterial flora favoring the onset of opportunistic fungal infections;
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with partners who may be infected;
- Mixed use of underwear and towels.
Furthermore, remember that even poor intimate hygiene can contribute to the development of these infections.
foul-smelling;
The doctor will decide, case by case, the type of drug to be used and the route of administration through which to take it. If deemed necessary, the doctor may also decide to prescribe a "combination of vaginal and oral antifungal drugs."
It should also be remembered that in the case of vaginal mycosis, antifungal therapy is not only prescribed to the patient who presents the infection, but also to her partner, in order to avoid the so-called "ping-pong effect".
However, as often happens, the best treatment is always prevention. In this regard, it is recommended to:
- Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with partners who may be affected by mycosis (in fact, very often in men mycoses are asymptomatic, but this does not mean that they cannot infect their partner);
- Avoid mixed use of underwear and towels;
- Assume lactic ferments by vaginal and / or oral route in case of antibiotic therapies, in order to restore the normal vaginal and / or oral bacterial flora;
- Make sure you have thorough intimate hygiene.
Below are some of the antifungal active ingredients most used in the therapy against vaginal mycosis and some examples of medicinal specialties; however, we remind you once again that it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his or her response to treatment.
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole (Gynocanesten®, Meclon®) is an azole antifungal drug, successfully used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses and, in particular, those caused by Candida. For the treatment of vaginal mycoses, clotrimazole is available in the form of vaginal tablets and creams.
The vaginal cream based on clotrimazole (usually available in concentrations of 2%), must be applied once a day, at bedtime, for three consecutive days. However, if the doctor deems it necessary, he may decide to extend the duration. of the treatment.
In the event that clotrimazole-based vaginal tablets (containing 100 mg of active ingredient) are used, the usual recommended dose is one tablet a day to be introduced into the vagina in the evening before bedtime, for at least six consecutive days.
Alternatively, two vaginal tablets can be used, always in the evening before bedtime, for three consecutive days.
Econazole
Econazole (Ecorex®, Ecodergin®, Ecorex®, Ecosteril®, Pevaryl®) is also an azole antifungal that is widely used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses. It is a drug available in the form of ova, cream (in concentrations of 1 %) and douching (0.1% concentration).
Also in this case, it is recommended to apply the cream containing econazole once a day, in the evening at bedtime. Usually, the treatment lasts for two weeks, but if deemed necessary, the doctor may decide to extend the treatment. duration.
When using eggs (usually containing 150 mg of econazole), it is recommended to use one a day, in the evening before bed, for a period of three days.
Vaginal douches based on econazole, on the other hand, are not used for the treatment of vaginal mycosis in monotherapy, but it is preferred to use them as a support therapy for oral antifungal treatments.
Miconazole
Miconazole (Miconal®, Daktarin®) is another azole antifungal drug that can be used for the treatment of vaginal mycoses. In particular, this active ingredient is particularly useful in fighting fungal infections caused by Candida, not only at the vaginal level, but also at the cutaneous, oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal level.
However, when it is used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses, it is generally preferred to use pharmaceutical formulations suitable for vaginal administration, such as ovules, soft capsules, creams and solutions.
The posology may vary depending on the medicine considered and the concentration of miconazole present in it. It is recommended to read the package leaflet of the drug to be taken and to follow the doctor's instructions. It will be this health figure, in fact, to decide which pharmaceutical formulation to use and for how long to continue the treatment.
Itraconazole
Itraconazole (Sporanox®, Trazer®, Triasporin®) is also an azole antifungal drug that can be used for the treatment of vaginal mycoses. Unlike the aforementioned azole antifungals, itraconazole is only available in pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral and intravenous administration.
The exact dosage of the medicinal product will have to be determined by the physician on an individual basis for each patient.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B (Abelcet®, Ambisome®) is an antifungal drug of natural origin which, as a rule, is not used for the treatment of vaginal mycoses, except in very serious situations. More precisely, this active ingredient is used in the treatment systemic mycoses which can constitute a complication of vaginal mycoses in immunosuppressed patients or patients suffering from other pathologies.
Amphotericin B is a drug whose use requires great caution; for this reason, it can only be administered by specialized hospital personnel.
