Diabetic vulvitis is inflammation of the vulva caused most often by overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans in the setting of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes predisposes to vulvitis both through general immune dysfunction and because of elevation of blood glucose, which allows for overgrowth of some commensals, including yeast.

Candida is a part of the normal vulvovaginal flora in approximately one-fourth of all women. C albicans is a budding yeast that is a common inhabitant of the vagina. It does not normally cause disease unless the microenvironment of the vagina is somehow altered, allowing overgrowth of C albicans. Nearly three-fourths of all women experience candidal vulvitis in their lifetime, and approximately one-half of these women have multiple episodes. Diabetic individuals, in particular, are predisposed to recurrent disease.

Diabetic vulvitis is characterized by itching, burning, and odor. Dyspareunia and pain upon urination may be reported as well.

Related topics: Diabetes mellitus type 1, Diabetes mellitus type 2, Vulvovaginal candidiasis