What lifestyle and preventive measures can I advise patients to reduce the risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis?

Lifestyle and preventive measures to reduce the risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis include:

• Use simple emollients as a soap substitute to wash and/or moisturize the vulval area to avoid irritation from soaps and other cleansing products.
• Avoid contact with potentially irritating substances such as soap, shampoo, bubble bath, shower gels, wipes, and daily or intermenstrual feminine hygiene products.
• Avoid vaginal douching as it can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and increase infection risk.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting and/or non-absorbent clothing that may cause irritation and create a moist environment conducive to fungal growth.
• Avoid use of complementary therapies such as topical or oral probiotics, yoghurt application, and essential oils like tea tree oil, as there is insufficient evidence for their effectiveness and they may cause hypersensitivity reactions.
• Optimize management of underlying conditions that cause immunocompromise, such as ensuring good blood sugar control in women with diabetes, to reduce susceptibility to infection.

These measures help maintain the natural balance of the vaginal environment and reduce factors that predispose to candidiasis ¹.