From the Research
Maintenance therapy for desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) typically involves long-term use of clindamycin 2% vaginal cream or hydrocortisone vaginal suppositories, with a maintenance regimen of clindamycin cream 2-3 times weekly or hydrocortisone suppositories 1-2 times weekly for several months, as supported by the most recent study 1. The goal of maintenance therapy is to prevent recurrence and control symptoms, as DIV is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by epithelial cell exfoliation, neutrophilic infiltration, and vaginal discharge. Some key points to consider in maintenance therapy for DIV include:
- Initial treatment with daily applications of clindamycin or hydrocortisone for 2-3 weeks, followed by a maintenance regimen 2
- Regular follow-up examinations to assess response and adjust treatment as needed 3
- Alternating between clindamycin and hydrocortisone for patients who experience frequent relapses 2
- Patient education on the importance of maintaining therapy to prevent relapse and the need to report worsening symptoms promptly 1 The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for the management of DIV, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making. Overall, the management of DIV requires a long-term approach, with a focus on controlling symptoms and preventing recurrence, and the use of clindamycin and hydrocortisone as maintenance therapy is supported by the available evidence 2, 1, 3.