Recurrent and persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis: treatment with ketoconazole.

Forty-two women were administered ketoconazole, an orally absorbed antifungal agent. The symptoms of vulvar pruritus, burning, pain, and dysuria and the signs of vulvar erythema and fissures and vaginal erythema were associated with Candida albicans. Although ketoconazole relieved symptoms and signs seven days after therapy, a high recurrence rate occurred by 28 days after therapy.