Vaginitis refers to any type of infection or inflammation of the vagina, including a Candida infection, as indicated by the University of Virginia Health System. All women will experience vaginitis at least once in her lifetime. A Candida infection, or yeast infection, is one of the most common types of vaginitis. Yeast is found naturally in the vagina. When something occurs to disrupt the normal balance of the fungus the yeast can grow too rapidly, leading to an infection. Yeast overgrowth can occur due to antibiotic use, pregnancy and diabetes.
Discharge
Not every woman will experience the same symptoms with Candida vaginitis. Some form of abnormal discharge is quite common. Typically, the discharge experienced from a yeast infection is thick and white, and can be described as resembling cottage cheese. It can also be watery and significantly greater in volume than a woman's natural vaginal secretions.
Discomfort
A woman with Candida vaginitis may experience itching of the vulva and vagina. The increase in discharge can make it more difficult to keep the vagina dry and comfortable. Wearing cotton panties and keeping the area dry can improve this discomfort. Merck Manuals suggests that the vulvar and surrounding area may burn from the infection.
Redness
Candida vaginitis can cause the affected area to become red and inflamed. Itching can increase this redness.
