During the summer, there is often a convergence of risk factors that significantly raises the chances of developing Candida albicans vulvovaginitis and other vaginal infections. Not surprisingly, for many women the first episode of candidiasis of life manifests itself right after a beach holiday; to make matters worse, it has been calculated that about half of the gynecological examinations in the seaside resorts are due to vulvovaginitis from Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis .
Knowing the risk factors that summer often brings with it has enormous importance in terms of prevention. Among the typical situations that predispose to vaginal candidiasis are:
- hot-humid (sultry) climate: promotes the stagnation of vaginal secretions, creating an ideal micro-environment for the proliferation of candida and other pathogens â † 'if possible prefer dry and ventilated environments and avoid the use of panty liners or internal absorbents for too long times (we should change them every 2-3 hours);
- clothing that is too tight and / or made of non-breathable synthetic fabric (such as a costume or shorts worn in the gym, during riding or cycling) â € ¢ it is better to prefer natural fibers, such as cotton, that are not colored; if the situation allows it, avoid wearing panties during the night; if possible iron the underwear with a steam iron; avoid wearing the same costume for a long time and wear it again before it is completely dry;
- swimming in the sea or in the swimming pool and exposure to other contaminating environments, which can be sources of contagion â † 'it is good to avoid walking barefoot in community environments, including the testing rooms of the shops; do not sit directly on the beach: if you do not have a cot available, it is best to sit on a dry and clean towel; avoid overcrowded pools;
- a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates: in the summer light and sugar-rich foods are preferred, such as fruit, ice cream, ice lollies and granita; a diet rich in simple and complex carbohydrates is a potential risk factor for candida vulvovaginitis â € follow a correct diet that favors a regular intestinal function; this also implies adequate integration of the fluids lost through sweating, in order to prevent dehydration and constipation which is often associated with;
- sharing of costumes or underwear: they can cause the transfer of infections from one woman to another;
- reduction of hygienic standards: in summer it is easier to be in crowded places, where the toilets are poor, or in situations that imply postponing the correct practices of intimate hygiene; However, it is good to remember that even a too stubborn intimate hygiene or the use of aggressive detergents represents a potential risk factor â † 'it is recommended to carefully dry the washed parts with water and suitable detergents, to avoid leaving wet areas especially at the level of skin folds;
- intensification of sexual activity: summer is also called "the mating season", being on average characterized by an increase in sexual relations, occasional and not; frequent sexual intercourse can generate biochemical changes in the vaginal habitat (increase in pH), lead to local mechanical stress and favor the supply of contaminating microbial flora or sexually transmitted pathogenic microorganisms â † 'the use of condoms is essential for prevent not only unwanted pregnancies, but also various infectious diseases.
