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Obstetrics93 papers

Perineal candidiasis

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Perineal candidiasis refers to fungal infections affecting the perineal area, commonly seen postpartum due to factors like antibiotic use and disrupted vaginal flora. 49

Diagnosis

  • Clinical symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and possible discharge.
  • Microbiological confirmation via vaginal swab cultures for Candida species.
  • Grading of severity based on extent of involvement and symptoms' intensity. 9
  • Management

  • First-line treatments: Antifungal agents such as topical nystatin or clotrimazole.
  • Oral therapy: Fluconazole for more severe or recurrent cases.
  • Maintenance of hygiene: Keeping the perineal area clean and dry.
  • Avoidance of irritants: Minimizing use of scented products and tight clothing. 9
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Focus on preventive measures and early detection due to increased susceptibility. 4
  • Comorbidities: Patients with diabetes or immunosuppression may require longer treatment durations and closer monitoring. 9
  • Key Recommendations

  • Use topical antifungals as initial therapy for perineal candidiasis due to efficacy and lower systemic side effects. (Evidence: Moderate 9)
  • Consider oral fluconazole for recurrent or severe infections to ensure adequate systemic treatment. (Evidence: Moderate 9)
  • Enhance education and training for healthcare providers on perineal care and repair techniques to prevent complications that may predispose to infections like candidiasis. (Evidence: Expert opinion 13)
  • References

    1 Alaya F, Worrall AP, Farah N, Eogan M, Monteith C, Salameh F. Optimizing and enhancing perineal repair knowledge and teaching among obstetricians and midwives: A prospective three-site study. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 2025. link 2 Milka W, Paradowska W, Kołomańska-Bogucka D, Mazur-Bialy AI. Antenatal perineal massage - risk of perineal injuries, pain, urinary incontinence and dyspereunia - a systematic review. Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction 2023. link 3 Sanson C, Papin S, Pierre F, Gachon B. Perineal suture practices. Are they up to date with the evidence based medicine data: A local experience into a university maternity?. Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction 2020. link 4 Diaz MP, Steen M. PERINEAL WOUND CARE: EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA. Australian nursing & midwifery journal 2017. link 5 Dahlen HG, Homer CS, Leap N, Tracy SK. From social to surgical: historical perspectives on perineal care during labour and birth. Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives 2011. link 6 Bick DE, Kettle C, Macdonald S, Thomas PW, Hills RK, Ismail KM. PErineal Assessment and Repair Longitudinal Study (PEARLS): protocol for a matched pair cluster trial. BMC pregnancy and childbirth 2010. link 7 Grigoriadis T, Athanasiou S, Zisou A, Antsaklis A. Episiotomy and perineal repair practices among obstetricians in Greece. International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 2009. link 8 Agarwal-Kozlowski K, Lorke DE, Habermann CR, Am Esch JS, Beck H. CT-guided blocks and neuroablation of the ganglion impar (Walther) in perineal pain: anatomy, technique, safety, and efficacy. The Clinical journal of pain 2009. link 9 Gould D. Perineal tears and episiotomy. Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987) 2007. link 10 Stepp KJ, Siddiqui NY, Emery SP, Barber MD. Textbook recommendations for preventing and treating perineal injury at vaginal delivery. Obstetrics and gynecology 2006. link 11 Evans TI. Regional blocks and their difficulties. Spinal. Australian family physician 1977. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Optimizing and enhancing perineal repair knowledge and teaching among obstetricians and midwives: A prospective three-site study.Alaya F, Worrall AP, Farah N, Eogan M, Monteith C, Salameh F International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (2025)
    2. [2]
      Antenatal perineal massage - risk of perineal injuries, pain, urinary incontinence and dyspereunia - a systematic review.Milka W, Paradowska W, Kołomańska-Bogucka D, Mazur-Bialy AI Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction (2023)
    3. [3]
      Perineal suture practices. Are they up to date with the evidence based medicine data: A local experience into a university maternity?Sanson C, Papin S, Pierre F, Gachon B Journal of gynecology obstetrics and human reproduction (2020)
    4. [4]
      PERINEAL WOUND CARE: EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA.Diaz MP, Steen M Australian nursing & midwifery journal (2017)
    5. [5]
      From social to surgical: historical perspectives on perineal care during labour and birth.Dahlen HG, Homer CS, Leap N, Tracy SK Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives (2011)
    6. [6]
      PErineal Assessment and Repair Longitudinal Study (PEARLS): protocol for a matched pair cluster trial.Bick DE, Kettle C, Macdonald S, Thomas PW, Hills RK, Ismail KM BMC pregnancy and childbirth (2010)
    7. [7]
      Episiotomy and perineal repair practices among obstetricians in Greece.Grigoriadis T, Athanasiou S, Zisou A, Antsaklis A International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (2009)
    8. [8]
      CT-guided blocks and neuroablation of the ganglion impar (Walther) in perineal pain: anatomy, technique, safety, and efficacy.Agarwal-Kozlowski K, Lorke DE, Habermann CR, Am Esch JS, Beck H The Clinical journal of pain (2009)
    9. [9]
      Perineal tears and episiotomy.Gould D Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987) (2007)
    10. [10]
      Textbook recommendations for preventing and treating perineal injury at vaginal delivery.Stepp KJ, Siddiqui NY, Emery SP, Barber MD Obstetrics and gynecology (2006)
    11. [11]
      Regional blocks and their difficulties. Spinal.Evans TI Australian family physician (1977)

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